Crystal-clear spring water, legend feed cobalt-blue shrine pond in Japan's Yamaguchi Pref.

MINE, Yamaguchi Prefecture -- Visitors to the Itsukushima Shrine in Mine encounter a stunning blue pond that evokes the famous French painting Water Lilies by Claude Monet. Known as Beppu Benten Pond, this sacred site within the shrine's grounds is renowned for its crystal-clear, cobalt-blue waters fed by a natural spring. Measuring roughly 20 meters in diameter and 4 meters deep, the pond maintains a steady temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with a gentle flow of 186 liters of water per second.

In 1985, the Environment Agency recognized the pond as one of Japan's 100 outstanding natural water sources. According to local legend, the shrine was established due to a miraculous event involving a white-bearded old man who appeared in a dream and planted a bamboo staff, causing clear water to spring forth from the earth. The shrine, dedicated to the guardian deity of water, has been revered for over a thousand years.

The freshwater not only sustains the shrine but also supports local agriculture and trout farming. The pond's blue color changes with the season and time of day, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors. Beyond its natural beauty, the surrounding area features a trout farm, recreational fishing pond, and the Akiyoshidai limestone cave, which was recently designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

With its pristine waters and rich cultural heritage, the crystal-clear spring of Beppu Benten Pond promises a memorable experience for all who visit.