A clear river winds through a rocky bed surrounded by autumn trees with orange and yellow leaves, set against tall, rugged mountains with patches of snow under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A wooden bridge crosses a clear river with people walking on it; behind them are green trees and tall snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi)

4.7 (5049)BridgeTourist AttractionTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Welcome to Kamikochi, a breathtaking mountain valley in the Northern Japanese Alps. At its heart lies the iconic Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi), a charming wooden suspension bridge spanning the crystal-clear waters of the Azusa River.

This picturesque landmark offers stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Hotaka Mountain Range and the smoking crater of Mount Yakedake. The bridge is named after the mythical kappa, a mischievous water spirits from Japanese folklore, adding an element of mystique to its allure.

Kappa Bridge is not just a crossing but a central hub of activity. Surrounded by souvenir shops, cozy restaurants, and comfortable hotels, it's a perfect spot to pause and soak in Kamikochi's natural beauty.

Whether you're capturing the vibrant autumn foliage or the lush greenery of summer, the views here are spectacular. To truly experience the magic of Kamikochi, plan your visit now.

Stroll along the scenic trails, savor the crisp mountain air, and bask in the tranquility that makes Kappa Bridge an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to explore Kamikochi's enchanting landscapes?

Start planning your adventure today!

Hours

5:00 AM - 7:00 PM

5:00 AM - 8:00 PM (from July to August)

Closed

Late November to early April

*There are no closures while the road is open

Available

All year (except Late November to early April)

Minimum Age

All ages are welcome.

Admission Fee

No specific fee

What other travelers are saying about Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi)

Kappabashi Bridge – Must-Visit Landmark in Kamikochi A classic check-in spot that you can’t miss in Kamikochi! We arrived early in the morning when it was still quiet, making it easy to enjoy the views and take photos without the crowds. We were lucky with sunny weather, so the scenery was beautiful with clear skies — perfect for photos. You can shoot from different angles: beside the bridge, on the bridge itself, or down by the rocky riverbank — each gives a unique and stunning perspective of Kamikochi.

Cao Cao Akatsuki

Oct 24, 2025

I visited in late May—the weather was great, around 9°C. The surrounding scenery was absolutely stunning. I could sit and enjoy the view for hours. The air was incredibly fresh, though a bit chilly. This area gets busy, but there are plenty of seating spots. There are also restaurants, souvenir shops, and even bear bells. I tried the ice cream and curry-filled bread—both were delicious. The bridge is just a few hundred meters from the bus terminal. If you’re short on time, you can get off at the bus stop and walk to Kappa Bridge—it only takes a few minutes.

I took the Highland Express bus to this area, and the scenery was beautiful, featuring fog, mountains, blue sky, and clear water. There might be crowds on the weekend, but you can finally relax and find calm in nature.

A simple suspension bridge made of wood, famous for its rugged terrain scenic mountain views. It offers a picturesque view & the bridge itself is magnificent. It’s chock-full all the time, for the most part, people fail to remember that KAMIKOCHI has other spots to relish too.

Really stunning! Definitely became my top most beautiful places I’ve seen. It is crowded during weekends, but not so much on weekdays early morning.

Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi)

Hours

Closed

Available

Minimum Age

Admission Fee

The area

Top ways to experience Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi)

What other travelers are saying about Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi)

Nearby attractions to see

Azusa River

Konashidaira Camp Site

Dakesawa Marshland

Myojin Pond (Myojin Ike)

Nearby attractions to see

Azusa River

Konashidaira Camp Site

Dakesawa Marshland

Myojin Pond (Myojin Ike)

More about Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi) from our blog

Exploring Japan's Best Sports and Recreation Destinations

Beautiful Nature Spots in Japan: A Guide to Must-See Destinations

Affordable Japan Trip: Essential Guide for Budget Travelers