Monet’s Pond is a small, unnamed pond near Nemichi Shrine in Itadori, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. Its crystal-clear blue water, floating water lilies, and colorful koi create a scene reminiscent of Water Lilies, the famous series of paintings by French Impressionist artist Claude Monet.
After photographs of the pond attracted widespread attention on social media, it became known as “Monet’s Pond” and developed into a popular sightseeing destination visited by people from all over Japan.
The exceptionally clear spring water changes in appearance depending on the light, shifting between deep blue and transparent hues. Colorful koi glide gracefully through the water, creating a mysterious and enchanting scene that seems almost like a living painting.
The best time to visit is from late May through July, when the water lilies are in bloom. The flowers and colorful koi combine to create particularly picturesque views during this period.
Autumn is another wonderful season to visit, as the trees surrounding the pond turn brilliant shades of red and gold. The pond can also be enjoyed throughout the year, including in November, when autumn foliage reaches its peak, and in winter, when the surrounding landscape may be covered in snow.
Monet’s Pond is located within the grounds of Nemichi Shrine. Originally, it was a reservoir used for agricultural irrigation. Its clear spring water, beautiful water lilies, and elegantly swimming koi eventually attracted attention on social media, making it famous nationwide.
One distinctive plant found in the pond is kohone, a type of aquatic plant in the water-lily family. It is relatively resilient during winter, and its flowers can change color from yellow to orange and then red, adding further interest to the pond’s seasonal scenery.
The scenery at Monet’s Pond is so picturesque that it often appears almost more like a painting than a real landscape when viewed through a camera lens. The pond has become a popular subject on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Although the water lilies generally bloom from late May through October, the pond offers different charms throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the flowers in summer, the vivid autumn leaves in November, and the tranquil beauty of the pond against a snowy winter landscape.
Monet’s Pond is an artificial pond originally created around 1980 for irrigation. Around 1999, the owner of the nearby Flower Park Itadori planted water lilies in the pond, and local residents introduced koi.
Over time, the combination of clear water, aquatic plants, and colorful fish created its distinctive appearance. Around 2015, photographs of the pond began attracting widespread attention on social media, bringing increasing numbers of visitors to the area.
Monet’s Pond is continuously supplied with natural spring water, and its water temperature remains relatively stable at approximately 14°C throughout the year. These conditions help aquatic plants survive the winter.
The kohone plants are particularly notable for their seasonal color changes, with flowers shifting from yellow to orange and red.
The water’s exceptional clarity is attributed to spring water originating from the rhyolitic rock formations of Mount Koga. Because the water contains very few nutrients, microorganisms that might otherwise cloud the water have difficulty growing, helping preserve its transparency.
Fish: Koi carp, which swim gracefully through the clear water.
Plants: Kohone, water lilies, and pondweed.
With its transparent spring water, floating flowers, and brightly colored koi, Monet’s Pond offers a peaceful natural setting that changes with the seasons. Whether you visit to photograph the water lilies in summer, admire the autumn foliage, or enjoy the quiet atmosphere of winter, this small pond provides a memorable opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Gifu Prefecture.
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Free of charge
Car】Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, Mino IC→Route 156→Prefectural Road 81→Route 256→Itadori Shiratani, Seki-shi
Public Transportation】Take the Gifu Itadori Line bus from JR Gifu Station, and get off at “Horado Kiwi Plaza” (about 1 hour and 15 minutes). Take the Itadori Fureai Bus for about 15 minutes and get off at the Ajisaien-mae stop. 2-minute walk from the bus stop.