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Aokigahara Forest

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Forest
—°8
Aokigahara Forest (Japan)

Weather…

Aokigahara Forest, often called the 'Sea of Trees' or Jukai, covers roughly 30 square kilometers at the northwestern base of Mount Fuji. The forest grew upon a hardened lava plain created by the massive Jogan eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 AD. The porous volcanic soil absorbs sound, lending the forest an eerie, profound silence that distinguishes it from other woodlands. The trees, primarily hemlock and cypress, have roots that spread across the surface of the lava rocks due to the shallow soil depth. Aokigahara is also known for its magnetic iron deposits in the soil, which can interfere with traditional compasses, a natural phenomenon that has sparked many local myths. Despite its complex reputation in popular culture, it is a site of significant ecological value and natural beauty, hosting a variety of wildlife including Japanese squirrels and foxes. Visitors can explore a network of designated trails leading to remarkable geological features like the Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave, where ice remains frozen year-round. The forest represents a unique stage of primary succession, showing how an animated ecosystem can emerge from barren volcanic rock over twelve centuries.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-114915192323201482
Rain mm61711151271401742091592011938564

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The forest is easily reached via buses or cars from nearby towns in the Fuji Five Lakes region, with well-marked trailheads starting near local caves.
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Best season
Spring and autumn offer beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures, though the forest maintains a quiet, atmospheric stillness throughout the entire year.
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Terrain & paths
The ground is famously uneven, composed of hardened, porous volcanic rock covered by thick moss and dense tree roots that can easily twist ankles.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the uneven volcanic floor. A physical map and compass are crucial, as the dense canopy can disorient visitors.
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Parking
Official, paved parking lots are available at major tourist spots like the Narusawa Ice Cave or Fugaku Wind Cave, providing safe bases for exploration.
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Safety
It is absolutely imperative to stay strictly on the designated paths; the landscape is notoriously easy to get lost in, and off-trail areas are extremely dangerous.
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Time needed
Most visitors spend about one to three hours walking the official nature trails and exploring the edges of the forest near the ice and wind caves.

Geography

Coordinates
35.47000, 138.65000

Facts

  • The forest sits on a lava bed from Mount Fuji’s eruption in 864 AD.
  • It is located at an altitude of approximately 900 to 1,300 meters.
  • The porous lava creates a natural soundproofing effect throughout the forest.
  • Lava tubes like the Ice Cave were formed by flowing gas and molten rock.
  • The forest is home to several species of bats found only in this region.
  • Walking off the designated trails is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake KawaguchiLake Kawaguchi12 km · NExplore →
Mount FujiMount Fuji13 km · NEExplore →
Fuji-Q HighlandFuji-Q Highland15 km · NExplore →
NumazuNumazu39 km · NEExplore →
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National ParkFuji-Hakone-Izu National Park42 km · NExplore →
Hakone RopewayHakone Ropeway46 km · NEExplore →
Lake AshinokoLake Ashinoko47 km · NEExplore →
Hakone Open-Air MuseumHakone Open-Air Museum48 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aokigahara Forest (8)

Four Mountains🌿 nature

An observation point offering a broad view over the dense canopy of the Aokigahara forest.

KAGIKAKE pass🌿 nature

A scenic mountain pass known for its sweeping perspectives of the Fuji Five Lakes region.

Kunimasu Museum🏛 museum

The museum tells the story of the rare Kunimasu trout, whose rediscovery was considered a sensation.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:00💶

Fugaku Wind Cave🌿 nature

This natural lava cave maintains a temperature of about 3 degrees year-round and formerly served as a refrigerator.

Fujiten Snow Resort📍 landmark

A family-friendly ski resort located on the northern foothills of Mount Fuji.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:30-17:00

Omuro Cave📍 landmark

A hidden lava cave located at the base of the forested Mount Omuro in the Aokigahara area.

Aokigahara📍 landmark

A dense forest grown on hardened lava, known for its rugged volcanic terrain.

Fuji Chobo no Yu - Yurari🎡 recreation

A public bathhouse featuring various thermal pools that offer a direct view of Mount Fuji.

🕒 10:00-22:00💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Aokigahara?
A dense forest at the base of Mt. Fuji, formed on a lava field from the eruption in 864.
Do compasses work there?
The magnetic lava rock can interfere with traditional compasses, but modern GPS devices work fine.
Are there caves in the forest?
Yes, the Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave are popular, accessible lava caves.
Is hiking there safe?
Yes, as long as you stay on marked trails; it is very easy to get lost off-trail.
Why is it called the 'Sea of Trees'?
The name 'Jukai' comes from the overhead view, as the treetops look like ocean waves.
Aokigahara Forest: where is it located?
Aokigahara Forest is located in Japan.
Aokigahara Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Four Mountains, KAGIKAKE pass, Kunimasu Museum.
Aokigahara Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Aokigahara Forest: why is it worth visiting?
Aokigahara Forest, often called the 'Sea of Trees' or Jukai, covers roughly 30 square kilometers at the northwestern base of Mount Fuji.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Lake Kawaguchi — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Lake Kawaguchi
The most famous of the Fuji Five Lakes, offering iconic views of Mount Fuji and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Numazu — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Numazu
A port city in Shizuoka Prefecture, famous for its fresh seafood and views of Mount Fuji.
Izunokuni — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Izunokuni
A historic onsen city on the Izu Peninsula, famous for UNESCO sites and views of Mount Fuji.
Shizuoka — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Shizuoka
The heart of Japanese tea production with breathtaking views of Mt.
Izu — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Izu
A famous city on the Izu Peninsula known for its hot springs, wasabi fields, and beautiful coastal stretches.
Hakone — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Hakone
A mountainous town famous for its hot springs, Lake Ashi, and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Atami — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Atami
A classic seaside resort town famous for its hot springs, frequent fireworks displays, and views of Sagami Bay.
Odawara — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Odawara
A historic gateway to the Hakone region, known for its impressive castle and views over Sagami Bay.
Nishiizu — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Nishiizu
A scenic town on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula, famous for its spectacular sunsets and views of Mount Fuji across the bay.
Matsuzaki — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Matsuzaki
Matsuzaki is an idyllic village on the Izu Peninsula, known for its Namako-wall architecture and hot springs.
Yaizu — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Yaizu
A major port city in Shizuoka, famous for its tuna fishing, hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji.
Chichibu — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Chichibu
A charming city in Saitama, famous for its magnificent night festival and stunning mountain scenery.
Ito — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Ito
A charming coastal city on the Izu Peninsula known for its rugged Pacific coastline, hot springs, and the volcanic Mount Omuro.
Ninomiya — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Ninomiya
A charming small town nestled between mountains and the sea, known for its stunning views and tranquil beaches.
Minamiizu — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Minamiizu
The southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula, a paradise of untouched beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs.

History & landmarks

Lake Ashinoko — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Lake Ashinoko
A scenic crater lake in Hakone that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

More places

Fuji-Q Highland — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Fuji-Q Highland
An amusement park at the base of Mount Fuji, known for its record-breaking roller coasters and breathtaking views.
Mount Kita — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Mount Kita
The second highest mountain in Japan after Mount Fuji, located in the Akaishi Mountains.
Yatsugatake Mountains — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Yatsugatake Mountains
A volcanic mountain range straddling Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures.
Mount Fuji — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and an active volcano.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
A national park that includes Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands.
Hakone Ropeway — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Hakone Ropeway
A ropeway that offers scenic views of the Ōwakudani volcanic valley and Lake Ashi.
Hakone Open-Air Museum — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Japan's first open-air museum, creating a harmonic balance between nature and art, with sculptures displayed in a picturesque setting ove…
Shizuoka Tea Plantations — Aokigahara Forest (Japan)
Shizuoka Tea Plantations
Shizuoka Prefecture is the largest producer of tea in Japan.