Aokigahara Forest (Sea of Trees)
A vast ancient forest growing on a 1,200-year-old lava field at the base of Mt Fuji — the lava formed in the 864 CE Jogan eruption and the forest has grown over it ever since. Ice caves and wind caves within the forest maintain sub-zero temperatures year-round, perfectly preserving ice stalactites in summer. The forest is also famous for its eerie magnetic compass anomalies.
2–3 hours
Ice Cave ¥350
Ice Cave & Wind Cave: 9:00–17:00 (Mar–Nov); 9:00–16:00 (Dec–Feb)
Year-round (Ice Cave is coolest escape in summer)
Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Fuketsu or Hyoketsu stop (approx. 30 min). Fujikyū Bus; check timetable.
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Ice Cave (Narusawa Hyoketsu): ice stalactites preserved year-round at -3°C inside lava tubes
- 2
Magnetic compass anomalies from iron-rich lava — compasses spin unreliably inside the forest
- 3
The forest grows on 1200-year-old lava flow — roots twist over black basalt rocks with no soil
Local Tips
The forest is a beautiful lava-field hike — stay on the marked trails. The Ice Cave maintains sub-zero temperatures year-round and is genuinely spectacular in summer. Combine with Mt Fuji views from nearby Saiko Lake for a full Fuji Five Lakes day.
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