Azusa River

The Azusa River originates on the slopes of Mt. Yari and flows through the Kamikochi valley, passing beneath Kappa Bridge before forming the scenic Taisho Pond. The river basin historically supported timber floating, mulberry farming for silk production, and downstream silk-reeling workshops. Mountaineer Walter Weston wrote of the river's crystal-clear waters and white-pebbled banks when he visited in the late 19th century. The bridge takes its name from Akutagawa Ryunosuke's satirical novella Kappa, set in Kamikochi. Today it remains the central gathering point for hikers entering the valley.