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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
