Experience the most breathtaking scenery in the Japanese Alps with a journey along the walking trails from Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge. This gentle, 3.5-kilometer path is the quintessential Kamikōchi hiking experience, offering a perfectly flat and accessible route that showcases the best of Chūbu-Sangaku National Park. Starting at the mirror-like waters of Taishō-ike, you will wander through the golden wetlands of Tashiro Marsh and follow the crystal-clear Azusa River as it winds toward the iconic peaks of the Hotaka Mountain Range. Whether you choose the panoramic Riverside Course or the tranquil Forest Course, our guide to the Taishō Pond walking trail provides everything you need to know about trekking times, photography spots, and how to navigate this must-see route to the historic Kappabashi.
What to See Along the Scenic Trail Between Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge
Taishō Pond ⇒ Tashiro Marsh & Tashiro Pond ⇒ Tashiro Bridge ⇒ Kappa Bridge
- Taishō Pond (大正池)
- Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池)
- Which Course Will You Choose to Get to Tashiro Bridge from Tashiro Marsh?
- Tashiro Bridge (田代橋)
- The Right Bank Course
- Kappa Bridge (河童橋), Kamikōchi Bus Terminal (上高地バスターミナル), and the Nearby Facilities
Tip: While the walk takes about 60–90 minutes, photographers should budget at least 2 hours to account for the frequent stops for stunning photos.
The walking track between Taishō Pond (大正池) and Kappa Bridge (河童橋) is the easiest in Kamikochi. With the track almost flat, even for those who don’t normally enjoy trekking, the one-hour course should still be a great experience, offering beautiful natural scenery.
When we walked back to Taishō Pond from Kappa Bridge in the late afternoon, we even ran into a flock of wild monkeys! There were even little ones, and one was on the mother’s back!
Taishō Pond (大正池)
If you take a bus to Kamikochi, the Taishō Pond would be the first stop after the bus enters what the Japanese call the ground that God descends upon. Especially if you take the nighttime express bus from Tokyo, we highly recommend getting off the bus here instead of staying on until you reach the Kamikōchi Bus Terminal. Why? The pond is best known for its stunning sunrise scenery.
For more information about the stunning pond, refer to our Taishō Pond article!
The Stunning Spot Between Taishō Pond and Tashiro Marsh
Not far from Taisho Pond, a wide area covered by white sand and pebbles is at the end of the wooden promenade above a small stream. Head left, and you will get to the Azusa River. This is another spot where you can take picturesque photos of Mt. Yakedake and the surrounding mountains.
Compared to the Taishō Pond, you will be closer to the vegetation across the water.
Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池)
While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taisho Pond, Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond, located between the two scenic spots, are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because a thin layer of frost covers the plants!
Refer to our article on Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond for more information!
Which Course Will You Choose to Get to Tashiro Bridge from Tashiro Marsh?
Not far from Tashiro Pond is an intersection. You have 2 courses to choose from, the Azusa Riverside Course (梓川コース) or the Forest Course (林間コース).
The Azusa Riverside Course (梓川コース): This path hugs the bank of the Azusa River. It offers constant, wide-open views of the Hotaka Mountain Range and the turquoise glacial water. You can also see the fish swimming in the river because the water is so clean and clear!
The Forest Course (林間コース): This trail stays inland, winding through a quiet, larch and birch forest. Iti s a prime spot for birdwatching and spotting the occasional Japanese macaque.
| Feature | Riverside Course | Forest Course |
| Best For | Mountain Views & Photos | Shade, Quiet, & Wildlife |
| Terrain | Gravel & Open Riverside | Wooden Boardwalks & Shaded Path |
| Difficulty | Very Easy / Flat | Very Easy / Flat |
Tashiro Bridge (田代橋)
Soon after the two divided tracks merge, there is another intersection just in front of Tashiro Bridge. Here, you need to make a decision again, whether to go with the Left Bank Course (左岸コース) and the Right Bank Course (右岸コース).
If you choose not to cross the Tashiro Bridge, take the Left Bank Course. This course features a smooth road, and the first half offers a nice view of the Hotaka Mountain Range.
The Right Bank Course
If you cross the Tashiro Bridge, you are on the Right Bank Course. This course is for those who want a great view of the Roppyakusan mountain (六百山) and enjoy detouring to different attraction spots. You can also utilise the free foot spa located in front of Kamikochi Onsen Hotel (pictured in the 2nd and 3rd photos on Instagram).
Tip: If you often take toilet breaks, we recommend choosing the Right Bank Course because the only public toilet available from here to Kappa Bridge is located on the other side of the Tashiro Bridge. Alternatively, you can use the toilet located not too far away from Tashiro Bridge if you prefer the Left Bank Course.
Lastly, you may find many cute monkeys lingering around Tashiro Bridge. They are accustomed to humans, so taking a selfie with them shouldn’t be a difficult task (keep your distance, of course). However, please refrain from feeding them,
Kamikōchi Onsen Hotel (上高地温泉ホテル)
If you choose the Right Bank Course, Kamikochi Onsen Hotel is not far away from Tashiro Bridge. As you have been walking for a while, how about resting at the free foot spa (足湯) outside of the Kamikochi Onsen Hotel?
Note that the temperature is a bit high, so don’t put both feet into the onsen water at once. If it is around lunchtime, you should be able to buy some lunch from the hotel’s restaurant as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Moreover, the hotel allows day visitors to use its hot spring facility. So, if that is what you are after, purchase a ticket from the vending machine next to the onsen entrance (the 3rd photo in the IG post). Towels can also be rented.
Kamikōchi Lemeiesta Hotel (上高地ルミエスタホテル)
Around Kamikochi Onsen Hotel and Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel, there are several benches and tables, perfect for a picnic. Of course, carrying a picnic box with you to trek in Kamikochi is quite cumbersome, which is why lunch boxes are sold at the Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel.
The lunch boxes look mouth-watering, but there are probably no vegetarian options. So, if you like to picnic in Kamikōchi’s nature, it is probably a good idea to get some onigiri (rice ball) and snacks from the convenience stores in Nagano (or wherever you board the bus bound for Kamikochi)!
Or, you can always utilize our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to check with the staff (^_-)-☆.
Weston Relief (ウエストン碑)
Passing the Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel, you will see this relief of Walter Weston. He was a British missionary and mountaineer. Without him, we probably would have only known about the charm of Kamikochi after the internet boom.
The park nearby is also named after him.
From Weston Park, the view is also stunning. It is the spot that many photographers come to Kamikochi for. The view of Mt. Kasumizawa (霞沢岳) and Roppyakusan mountain (六百山) is just splendid!
Additionally, the Weston Festival is held here on the first Sunday in June each year. If you are interested, plan your trip ahead!
The most important to us, however, is the public toilet in the park (´▽｀*). Without knowing there is a toilet there, we probably wouldn’t dare to drink much water or tea…
You might also spot a couple of wild monkeys in this area (refer to the 3rd and the 4th photo in the IG post).
How to Get to the Weston Monument
The Weston Relief is located around a 20-minute walk from Kappa Bridge!
Kappa Bridge (河童橋), Kamikōchi Bus Terminal (上高地バスターミナル), and the Nearby Facilities
If you take the Left Bank Course, you will walk past the Kamikochi Bus Terminal before reaching the Kappa Bridge. On the other hand, the Right Bank Course will get you to this landmark in Kamikochi first. Regardless of the angle and part of the bridge, your photo is guaranteed to be stunning.
The area’s important facilities, including the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, are conveniently located near the bridge. This part of Kamikōchi serves as a transport hub, providing tourists with the necessary information to explore the area and rejuvenate.
For more information about what you can do around Kappa Bridge, including restaurants, refer to our article on The Guide to Kappa Bridge and the Nearby Facilities. You can even send a postcard to your family and friends from the post office here!
Discover Other Stunning Spots in Kamikōchi
Surrounded by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikōchi is the ultimate tourist destination for all nature lovers. There is not a single day when Kamikōchi looks the same, as the seasons change. There are rivers, ponds, forests, and wetlands along the tracks in the area. All of these have disappeared due to the growing human population.
If you want to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, refer to our article on Kamikōchi to plan your visit!
