Monet's Pond from Nagoya: Bus, Car or Tour, Best Time and What to Expect
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-29
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Monet's Pond is a small spring-fed pond in the mountains of Itadori, in Seki City, Gifu. Its clear water, carp and water lilies look like Monet's paintings, which is how it got its nickname; officially it is the "nameless pond" (Namonaki Ike). This guide uses Seki City's tourism site and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Monet's Pond at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Where | Itadori Shirodani, Seki City, Gifu |
| Entry | Free; open every day |
| Best season | Water lilies mid-June to early August; red leaves in November |
| Best light | Mornings, about 9:00–11:00 |
| By public transport | JR Gifu Station → Gifu Bus (about 70 min) → Itadori Fureai Bus (about 15 min) → 150 m walk |
| By car | About 35 min from Mino IC; parking for 200 cars |
| From Nagoya | Train to JR Gifu Station, about 20 min |
Sources: Seki City tourism (Japanese); JNTO; GLTJP (JTB); Visit Gifu, as of October 2026.
How do you get to Monet's Pond from Nagoya by bus?
- Nagoya → Gifu: JR train to JR Gifu Station, about 20 minutes (Visit Gifu).
- Gifu Station → Horado Kiwi Plaza: Gifu Bus Gifu–Itadori line. JNTO says to board at stand 2 (route N83), with about 10 buses a day; the ride is about 70 minutes (JNTO; GLTJP).
- Horado Kiwi Plaza → Monet's Pond: change to the Itadori Fureai Bus, which JNTO describes as free, and get off at "Monet-no-Ike-mae" after about 15 minutes. The pond is about 150 m from the stop (JNTO; Seki City tourism).
JNTO puts the trip from Gifu Station at about 90 minutes. The official pages don't list the Gifu Bus fare or the Fureai Bus timetable, so check both connections before you set off, especially the last bus back; with only about 10 buses a day, missing a connection can cost a lot of time.
By car, or on a tour?
| Option | Time from Gifu area | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (two buses) | About 90 min from JR Gifu Station | Gifu Bus fare (check); Fureai Bus free | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Rental car | About 35 min from Mino IC | Car hire and tolls; parking for 200 cars | Combining with Mino or Gujo |
| Private tour from Nagoya | 10-hour day with hotel pick-up | From about US$538 per vehicle on Klook | Groups up to 9, families |
Sources: JNTO; GLTJP; Seki City tourism; Klook, as of October 2026.
Driving: JNTO says the pond is easiest to reach by car. Seki City notes that car navigation may not find "Monet's Pond" (モネの池), and suggests setting Flower Park Itadori (フラワーパーク板取) as the destination (Seki City tourism).
Private tour: Klook lists a private tour from Nagoya that picks you up at your Nagoya hotel and stops at Monet's Pond (about 30 minutes), Mino Old Town, Tagata Shrine and a Kannon temple. Its listing gives a 10-hour day, transport, tolls and admissions included, a driver but no tour guide, and a price per vehicle (US$538.39 when we checked in October 2026). Split between 4–6 people, it can be simpler than two buses.
When is the best time to visit Monet's Pond?
- Mid-June to early August: water lilies in full bloom; the exact timing varies by year (GLTJP). JNTO calls early summer the best time to visit (JNTO).
- Late June to early July: hydrangeas along the Itadori area's Hydrangea Road (same GLTJP source).
- November: the trees around the pond turn red (same source).
- Time of day: Seki City says the light is best in the morning, from about 9:00 to 11:00 (Seki City tourism).
JNTO notes that the pond is popular with photographers and painters, so you may need patience to get a spot on the small bridge and viewing platform (JNTO).
What should you know before you go?
- It is not a tourist facility. Seki City says it was originally an agricultural irrigation pond (Seki City tourism). Treat it with care and stay on the paths.
- Cash. GLTJP lists credit cards as not accepted (source above), so carry cash for buses and the area.
- Base yourself in Gifu City if you want the morning light without an early start from Nagoya: the bus leaves from JR Gifu Station. See where to stay in Gifu City and Gifu City in one day.
Stay near JR Gifu StationThe Itadori bus leaves from Gifu Station. Compare hotels in Gifu City on Klook.See stays For other easy trips, see Nagoya day trips and Mino washi day trip.
Before you go: you'll rely on your phone for bus connections and maps in the mountains. Our Japan eSIM guide explains how much data to get; Yesim's Japan plans start at $4.44 for 1 GB, valid 30 days from first connection (as of October 2026).
FAQ
How do I get to Monet's Pond from Nagoya without a car?
Take the train to JR Gifu Station (about 20 minutes), the Gifu Bus Itadori line to Horado Kiwi Plaza (about 70 minutes), then the Itadori Fureai Bus to "Monet-no-Ike-mae" (about 15 minutes) (Visit Gifu; GLTJP).
Is Monet's Pond free?
Yes. Entry is free and it is open every day (Seki City tourism; GLTJP, as of October 2026).
When do the water lilies bloom at Monet's Pond?
Mostly from mid-June to early August, with exact timing varying each year (GLTJP).
Is there parking at Monet's Pond?
Yes, Seki City lists parking for 200 cars and for large buses (Seki City tourism).
Bus times and conditions change. Check Seki City and Gifu Bus before you go. Facts last checked: 2026-10-29.
Ready to book?
Skip the two buses: private tour from NagoyaHotel pick-up in Nagoya, Monet's Pond, Mino Old Town and Tagata Shrine by private van. Check dates and price on Klook.See tour →We may earn a commission if you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure