Kappa Bridge

This wooden suspension bridge spans the Azusa River in Kamikochi.
It is a symbol of Kamikochi with a spectacular view of the Azusa River and mountains such as Mt.

The bridge, 37 meters long, 3.1 meters wide, and 36.6 meters long, is made of larch and was first built in 1891.
It is located at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters in the Central Mountain National Park.

Kappa Bridge was mentioned in the novel “Kappa” by the novelist Ryunosuke Akutagawa, published in 1927, and is known as a place associated with the literary masterpiece.

Located within easy sightseeing distance, a 5-minute walk from Kamikochi Bus Terminal, it has become a famous sightseeing spot, attracting a constant stream of visitors.

Giant kesho willow trees grow in clusters along the surrounding riverbanks.

There are various theories as to the origin of the name “Kappa Bridge,” such as the fact that there used to be a deep pool where kappa (water imps) might have lived.

There are hotels and other lodging facilities, stores, campgrounds, and a visitor center in the vicinity.

Shimizu River
The Shimizu River, one of the tributaries of the Azusa River, runs along the left bank of the river after passing the Kappa Bridge.

It is a short stream, about 300 meters long, and its clear water can be drunk as drinking water.

The water is used as drinking water in facilities in Kamikochi, and the water fountain on the south side of the Kamikochi Information Center also uses water from the Shimizu River.

The snow and rain that falls on Mt. 600 becomes underground water, and the water gushes out at the foot of the mountain and flows as a river. The water temperature is around 6 degrees Celsius throughout the year.