This wooden suspension bridge (see picture below) on Azusa-gawa River, Kappa-bashi Bridge, 36.6 meters long and 3.1 meter wide, is the symbol of Kamikochi. With Hodaka Mountains rising in front and Mt. Yake-dake in the south billowing white smoke, Kappa-bashi is known as one of the most scenic spots in Kamikochi.

Kamikochi is a highland basin surrounded by high and steep mountains called the Japan Alps. The basin spreads out along Azusa River that flows down from one of those mountains, Mt. Yarigatake. One of the most scenic mountain spots in the country, Kamikochi attracts a great number of visitors: the mountain views are magnificent and the scattered lakes and clear waters of Azusa River create the beautiful scenery. Kamikochi is also the gateway to the surrounding peaks and charms many mountain climbers. The area belongs to Chubu Sangaku National Park and is designated as a Special Natural Monument.

 It was Walter Weston, a British missionary and mountain climber who introduced this place to the world in the 19th century and since then many climbers have come to know about this place. Kamikochi is one of the most scenic spots in Japan and belongs to Chubu-sangaku National Park.

The whole area is covered with virgin forests of birches, Japanese larch trees and Japanese hemlocks. Taisho-ike Pond, Tashiro-ike Pond and Myojin-ike Pond are scattered in the forest and produce a beautiful landscape by reflecting the high-rising mountain peaks. Taisho-ike Pond presents a very special scene. In the early 20th century, Mt. Yake-dake erupted and dammed Azusa-gawa River to form Taisho-ike Pond, where trees stand decayed in the blue water. The young leaves of birch trees are so beautiful in June that they are called "light green mist", and attract many tourists. The foliage is at its peak in October and many visitors come to admire their beauty.