Quietly stroll through the sacred pond at the foot of Hotakajinja Shrine's inner sanctuary
About this spot
After about an hour's walk along the Azusa River promenade from Kappa Bridge, you'll find a quiet pond in the sacred grounds of Hotakajinja Shrine's inner sanctuary at the foot of Mount Myōjin. First and Second Ponds connect in sequence, and the water surface holds spring water of surprising clarity, creating a mystical scene with rocky peaks and coniferous trees reflected in it. There's a special feeling of having reached a place only dedicated hikers find, making it a fitting finale to the hike. A nearby mountain lodge offers grilled char fish (iwana shioyaki) as a local specialty.
Tips
The pond requires an admission fee for Hotakajinja Shrine's inner sanctuary (approximately 500 yen for adults). From Kappa Bridge, the right bank route offers scenic views and is recommended, but depart with enough time calculated backward from your bus departure. An additional 2-hour round-trip walk is involved, so if you're tired, you can also enjoy the area around Kappa Bridge at a leisurely pace.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. The afternoon light emphasizes the clarity of the water surface.
Access & map
〒390-1520 長野県松本市安曇
Model course featuring this spot
Kamikōchi: Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge Hiking Course
Nagano
Explore features & model courses
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