Ichinoike Pond

Behind Keishinin Temple on Mt. Shichimen lies Ichinoike, or first pond, one of seven ponds said to surround the mountain according to local tradition. The pond's water carries a light emerald tone, though monks say it was once clear, with warming temperatures gradually altering the ecosystem. The symbol of Keishinin depicts six circles around a central one, possibly representing the seven ponds. Ichinoike and the neighboring Ninoike are reachable on foot. In Nichiren Buddhist tradition, this site is connected to Shichimen Daimyojin, the Dragon Goddess said to have lived here, and on still days the water's surface reflects the surrounding trees like a mirror.