Aokigahara Forest

The basics

The Aokigahara Forest is made up of including hemlock, fir, Japanese cypress, and other evergreen needle-leaf trees. It's easy to get lost in the dense forest, and it has been a popular place for the desperate to go to end their lives for centuries. The forest is full of suicide prevention signs and notices warning people about the danger of getting lost. Many believe that the forest is haunted, and it's a popular setting for horror films and literature, ranging from Seicho Matsumoto's book Tower of Wave to Gus Vant Sant's film The Sea of Trees.

Keen hikers can go to Aokigahara independently and explore at their own pace. Alternatively, some guided excursions around Fuji and the Fujigoko region include Aokigahara Forest tours. Joining a tour will also allow you to visit the Narusawa Ice Cave, lava caves that you can only visit with a guide.

Things to know before you go

• If you come across the remains of victims, notify local authorities.

• Stick to the marked trails throughout the forest for your safety.

• A popular walking route follows a marked track from the Fugaku Wind Cave to the Ice Cave.

How to get there

The most convenient way of reaching Aokigahara from Tokyo is by bus. Take the JR Bus Kanto from Tokyo Station, or the Basuta Shinjuku from Shinjuku Station, and get off at Kawaguchiko Station. Each trip takes about two hours. From Kawaguchiko, take a local bus to Aokigahara, or hike there.

When to get there

While it's possible to visit at any time, Japan's winters are cold and it's common to find snow at ground level around Mount Fuji in the winter. Mid-summer can be very hot and humid. For the most comfortable hiking conditions, visit in spring or autumn.

Hike up Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a hotspot for climbers, particularly in the summer. Most people start their ascent from the fifth station part-way up the mountain. However, adventure lovers can begin from the pilgrim’s route that monks traditionally followed, starting at the mountain's base. This adds a full day of walking to the normal two-day climb, but the more gentle rise in altitude can be a good option for fit hikers.

What do you see on a tour of Aokigahara Forest?

Tours of the Aokigahara Forest typically follow walking trails through the dense Sea of Trees forest. Some tours visit the ice caves, natural lava caves containing ice formations, or bat caves. Many tours combine a visit to Aokigahara Forest with other Mt. Fuji area sights, including the mountain itself.

When is the best month to visit Aokigahara Forest?

The months of spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are the best months to visit Aokigahara Forest. Like in much of Japan, this is when the weather is mild-to-warm but not hot or wet. However, you can visit the forest at any time of year if you’re prepared for the conditions.

How long is a tour of Aokigahara Forest?

Tours of Aokigahara Forest typically last between a half day and a full day. Tours of specific forest attractions, such as the ice caves, may be as short as three hours. Tours that include the forest and other sights in the Fuji area often last a full day.

Should you book Aokigahara Forest tours in advance?

Yes, if you want to take a guided tour in Aokigahara Forest, book in advance. You can visit the forest independently at any time without booking, but there are no facilities at the forest—such as an entrance desk—to book a tour after you’ve arrived, as this is a natural area.

When is the best time of day to visit Aokigahara Forest?

The best time of day to visit Aokigahara Forest is in the day, especially in the morning. Guided tours only operate in the daytime. Because this is a very dense forest, and there’s a real risk of getting lost, it’s not advisable to visit overnight. Camping isn’t allowed.

How big is Aokigahara Forest?

Aokigahara Forest, also known as the Sea of Trees, covers approximately 14 square miles (35 square kilometers) at the northwest base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Its dense vegetation and unique terrain have made it a famous and somewhat mysterious natural attraction.