Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

Today, Hiromi and I set out with some friends on an adventure into the natural wonders of Seki, Gifu Prefecture. Our plan was simple and perfect: visit Kaore Valley, explore the 21st Century Cedar Forest, admire Monet’s Pond, and round off the day with a relaxed BBQ by the beautiful Itadori River. The sun was shining, and the forecast promised a comfortable 18 degrees Celsius — the ideal spring day, or so we thought.

Our first stop was Kaore Valley (Kaore Keikoku), a breathtaking seven-kilometer gorge famous for its emerald-green river and dramatic cliffs rising up to 50 meters high. Surrounded by majestic mountains like Mt. Samondake and Mt. Hinagadake, the valley offered us a spectacular palette of nature’s colors and shapes. Standing on the viewing bridge, we marveled at the sheer beauty carved by time and water. Though access to the river itself is restricted for safety reasons, the view alone made it a place worth soaking in.

Next, we visited the 21st Century Cedar Forest, a hidden gem nearby. This forest, planted with hopes for the future, is filled with towering cedar trees that stand as silent guardians of the landscape. Walking among these young giants gave us a sense of stepping into a living, breathing vision of what future generations will one day inherit.

From there, we made our way to Monet’s Pond, a small, crystal-clear pond whose colorful koi swimming beneath aquatic plants look just like a scene straight out of Claude Monet’s paintings. The light breeze created gentle ripples, adding a touch of impressionistic magic to the water’s surface. It’s a serene, almost surreal place — tiny, but full of dreamlike charm.

Our plan was to end this perfect day with a BBQ at one of the scenic riverbanks of the Itadori River. Unfortunately, despite the sunshine, strong winds and sudden gusts made setting up our BBQ impossible. Reluctantly, we changed course and headed back to Gifu City, where we ended the day with a cozy dinner at a restaurant. While the sudden change in plans left the day feeling a little incomplete, it didn’t overshadow the joy of spending time outdoors, discovering some of Seki’s most beautiful natural spots.

Today was a reminder that nature has its own moods, and while we can’t always control the experience, we can still embrace it. Kaore Valley, the 21st Century Cedar Forest, and Monet’s Pond are all places I would love to revisit — preferably on a day when the wind is a little kinder. For anyone seeking a scenic escape into nature, Seki offers treasures well worth exploring.