Taishō-ike

What it is

• A pond formed in 1915 after mudflows from Mount Yakedake dammed the Azusa River.
• A Special National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument located at 1,500 meters elevation.
• A reservoir currently used by Tokyo Electric Power for hydroelectric power generation.
• A habitat for brook trout and brown trout in the Kamikochi area.

What to see

• Dead trees standing within the pond waters create a distinct landscape.
• Views of the surrounding mountains and the dammed Azusa River.
• Sediment dredging operations that take place during the winter months.

Getting there

• Take a 60-minute bus ride from Shin-shimashima Station to reach the area.
• The pond is located immediately near the Taisho-ike bus stop.
• A walking trail leads from the pond to Kappa Bridge in approximately one hour.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.