Taisho Pond | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

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Taisho Pond

This pond’s clear blue-green water beautifully reflects the mountain range of Kamikochi.

2 Sep 2026 See More

Kamikochi, said to be a place every Japanese person should visit once in their lifetime, can be explored starting with a hike from Taisho Pond.

Taisho Pond was formed when an eruption of Mount Yake caused sediment to build up in the Azusa River. Dead trees stand in the mirror-like water, creating an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere.

I recommend visiting early in the morning, when there are fewer tourists and the air is especially crisp. If you visit when the area opens in late April, the distant mountaintops are still covered with lingering snow. As you stroll along the riverside trail, you can see snow-covered Mount Yake perfectly reflected in the shimmering waters of Taisho Pond—an unforgettable, pristine sight.

On the way to Kappa Bridge, consider taking a short detour onto the less crowded boardwalk at Tashiro Pond. The shallow water is crystal clear, and the wetlands are rich in wildlife. It's a peaceful escape from the crowds, with a tranquil atmosphere distinct from Taisho Pond.

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Kamikochi

Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.
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Only when I personally stepped into the embrace of Japan's Northern Alps did I understand what paradise on earth means. This is truly a pristine journey everyone should experience once in a lifetime.

In the early morning, Taisho Pond is ethereal and mirror-like, reflecting the majesty of Mount Yake and the lingering snow. As the morning mist clears, it feels like stepping into a painting. Strolling to the iconic Kappa Bridge, you see the emerald waters of the Azusa River rushing by, clear as a mirror, with the magnificent Hotaka mountain range rising behind you. Enjoying desserts and dairy products in nature's embrace is the ultimate pleasure.

Venturing deeper into the forest to reach Myojin Pond, I felt the serene, solemn, and sacred atmosphere in front of the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, washing away all the noise of everyday life. If your schedule allows, you can also take the Shinhotaka Ropeway's double-decker cable car up into the clouds for a 360-degree view of the sea of clouds and endless snowcapped peaks. The view is absolutely breathtaking.

This hike through Kamikochi, whether for enjoying the outdoors or finding inner peace, left me with a pure and deeply moving experience that I'll never forget.
Myojin Pond

Nestled quietly among coniferous forests in Kamikochi, Myojin Pond consists of "First Pond" and "Second Pond." There are two routes to the ponds, one on the left bank and the other on the right bank of the Azusa River, both of which are moderate walking courses from Kappa Bridge, taking about an hour.
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The walk from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond is fairly long. The forest is dense along the way, and bears are occasionally spotted, so be sure to carry a bear bell or bear spray before setting out. Myojin Pond lies deep within Kamikochi. Its tranquil, mirror-like waters, deadwood, massive rocks, and the reflection of Mount Myojin come together to create a sacred, otherworldly beauty.

Once you arrive, find a quiet corner and take your time soaking in the pure atmosphere of this natural energy spot. Hotaka Shrine Okumiya by the pond is the guardian shrine of Japan's Northern Alps, and even members of the Imperial Family have visited. After praying for blessings, you can get a small, elegantly designed chimaki-shaped amulet to take home and pray for your family's safety and physical and mental well-being.
Kappa Bridge

The Kappa Bridge used to be a wooden drawbridge overhanging both banks of the river. In 1910, it became a suspension bridge. The current bridge is the fifth generation of the suspension type, which was renovated in 1997. This beautiful larch tree bridge, 3.1m wide and 36.6m long, has long been a symbol of Kamikochi.
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Located midway along the hiking trail, Kappa Bridge is the spiritual landmark of Kamikochi. This all-wood suspension bridge spans the crystal-clear Azusa River, with the magnificent Hotaka mountain range rising behind it. The clear turquoise water, mountain scenery, and reflections create a fairy-tale view.

Before reaching Kappa Bridge, find a bench beside the trail and sit down to enjoy some rich local yogurt and Shinshu cheese while gazing at the snowy mountains and stream. If you're lucky, you may even see wild Japanese macaques playing and wading along the riverbank. After a long walk, don't miss the popular Trois Cinq by the bridge on the opposite bank. Order its signature Shinshu apple pie, baked golden and crisp, with rich ice cream. The large pieces of Shinshu apple are sweet, tart, and juicy—the most relaxing treat after a hike.