The Nameless Pond (Monet’s Pond) The pond had me watching instead of taking photos

I reached the pond and stopped on the gravel path. I rolled up the sleeves of my white jacket and clasped my hands in front of me. The water was so clear I could see right to the bottom, so my eyes kept drifting from the carp to the slender stems and the pond bottom. When I first heard it called Monet’s Pond, I pictured something much bigger. I like seeing it from this close, with trees all around.

A carp slowly swam toward one of the round lily pads. It slipped into the shadow and disappeared, then reappeared a little farther away. I was comparing its markings, wondering if it was the same one, when another carp glided right past. I had no idea simply following them with my eyes would keep me there so long.

I was about to pull out my phone, but stopped to look at the pond again first. Every time a carp swam by, I wanted to watch the little ripples it left behind, too. I’d come to see the view I’d seen in photos, but now I wanted to watch everything moving right in front of me. Maybe I’ll keep my hands clasped a little longer.

It started out as an irrigation reservoir; water lilies and carp were added later, giving it the look it has today. It came to be called “Monet’s Pond” because it resembles a famous painting. Once I knew that, the carp weaving between the lily pads and the trees on the far side felt much more familiar. I think I’ll remember the time I spent watching it more than the pond’s size.

After a stroll, I’d like to try a Sasabune-maki from Mochimatsuya, too. It’s a mochi rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a bamboo leaf like a little boat. Imagining myself unfolding the leaf after looking at the water gave me something else to look forward to. Instead of simply visiting the pond and leaving right away, I want to make time for a snack in Itadori, too.

I took one last photo, then put my phone away. The picture shows the carp and lily pads, but the time I spent waiting for one to slip out from behind a leaf is a memory just for me. As I was about to leave, I glanced back and saw another carp swimming toward the near side. I couldn’t help stopping for just a little longer.