Most people start their walk in Kamikochi from Taisho Pond, then pass by Tashiro Pond and head to Kappa Bridge. If you have enough energy, you can keep going all the way to Myojin Bridge. It's a great route for exploring the area.
Houkokuji Temple is famous for its bamboo grove, which really sets it apart. The whole area made me think of scenes from the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.