TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Monet's Pond (often referred to officially as "Nameless Pond") is a small spring-fed pond in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. The combination of the crystal clear spring water, the Nishikigoi carp swimming in it, and the colorful aquatic plants creates a landscape reminiscent of the water lilies of French painter Claude Monet, which has garnered attention both domestically and internationally on social media. Historically, it is a small local pond rather than an old garden or a major tourist destination, but its natural beauty and photogenic scenery make it a fascinating place.
Highlights
- Clear spring water: The water surface is crystal clear, and on many days you can clearly see the stones and aquatic plants at the bottom. The way the color changes depending on the light is beautiful.
- Nishikigoi: Colorful carp swim gracefully, adding an accent to the pond landscape. The carp, aquatic plants, and reflections on the water surface create a "picturesque" composition.
- Early morning calm: The most popular time to photograph is early morning. With fewer people and clearer reflections on the water, you can get a more "Monet-esque" shot.
- Seasonal appearance: The atmosphere changes with the fresh greenery of spring and early summer, and the autumn leaves. In summer, aquatic plants and algae can become more noticeable, but you can enjoy the changing colors.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Public transportation: It is difficult to walk to the nearest public transportation, and bus services are limited, so if you are only going by public transportation, be sure to check timetables and arrange taxis in advance. Due to the nature of the tourist destination, it is more practical to take a taxi or rent a bicycle from the station.
- By car: The most convenient way to get there is by car. The site is located in a rural area, so you can find it by searching "Monet's Pond" or "Nameless Pond" on your car navigation system or map app. There may be paid or free parking spaces available in the area, but as the number of spaces is limited, we recommend arriving early on busy days.
- Reference (travel guide): It's about an hour's drive from Gifu City or Nagoya City, making it an easy place to incorporate into your sightseeing route. However, travel time may vary depending on road conditions and your starting point, so please check in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Photography and viewing only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- If you take your time taking photos and walking around the area: 1-2 hours
- If you plan to visit the area along with other tourist attractions, you'll have plenty of time to plan for half a day to a full day.
Nearby spots
- Seki City's cutlery-related facilities (Seki Blacksmiths, Cutlery Museum, etc.) - Seki City is famous as a town of cutlery, and is dotted with related facilities and shops.
- Mino City's "Udatsu-nobori Townscape" - a cultural spot with traditional townscapes and washi paper-related attractions.
- Gujo Hachiman - If you go a little further, you can enjoy the Gujo Dance and the atmosphere of a castle town.
- Local hot springs and roadside stations—convenient places to take a break from your drive and buy local products.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: As this is a popular spot on social media, it gets very crowded on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourist seasons. We recommend visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
- Privacy & Private Property: Please be aware of private property and residential areas nearby. Please be aware of areas you may and may not enter and follow all signs and directions.
- No feeding: Feeding carp can lead to deterioration of water quality and have an impact on the ecosystem. Please do not feed carp under any circumstances.
- Photography etiquette: Using tripods or lights, occupying the space for long periods of time, and talking loudly may be a nuisance to those around you. Please be considerate and do not disturb other visitors.
- Take your trash home: Please be sure to take your trash home with you and keep the site clean.
- Seasonal notes: In summer, the appearance may change due to the growth of algae and other plants. In winter, take precautions against the cold. In rainy weather, the road surface can become slippery, so watch your step.
- Drones: In most cases, drone use is prohibited or requires permission from local residents or administrators. Please check in advance.
We recommend checking official information and local tourist guides for the latest information (such as parking availability, traffic restrictions, and crowding levels) before visiting. Please remember to be considerate of your surroundings so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
