Kappa Bridge, Suspension bridge in Kamikochi, Japan.
Kappa Bridge is a wooden footbridge and cycling path spanning 37 meters across the Azusa River, connecting the eastern and western banks of the valley. The structure sits within Chubu Sangaku National Park and serves both hikers and cyclists passing through the mountain landscape.
The original bridge was built in 1891 from local larch wood to help travelers cross the river safely. The current version is the fifth reconstruction, completed in 1997, reflecting centuries of maintenance and replacement needs.
The bridge takes its name from the Kappa, a mythological water creature in Japanese folklore said to inhabit rivers and streams. This naming reflects the deep connection between the structure and the natural water spirits of the location.
The bridge is open from April through November and is best reached on foot or by bicycle. Visitors can reach the area by public bus from Matsumoto or Shinshimashima Station, though the final approach usually requires walking.
From the bridge, visitors gain direct views of the Northern Japan Alps, with Mount Hotaka and Mount Yakedake rising dramatically above the landscape. The sight becomes especially moving during autumn when the mountainsides turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
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