Untouched nature remains in this primeval forest
Aokigahara Jukai Forest, which is also known as Fuji’s Jukai, was created more than 1100 years ago. Trees grew in abundance on top of lava which had flowed down due to an eruption of Mt. Fuji, and over the centuries, a great forest covering about 3000ha was created. It has been designated as a National Natural Monument as a part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. On entering deep into the precious and unspoiled primeval forest, it still stays fairly dark even in broad daylight, and with the mossy rocks and networks of tree roots which wind around like snakes, you can sense a mysterious and powerful force of life.
A guided tour through this sea of trees
Since there are a number of walking trails through the forest, you can freely enjoy a stroll. However even now, there is still plenty of unexplored land in the area so you will want to keep to the designated trails. To further enjoy your walk, you should make use of the guides. These people who have a wide and accurate knowledge regarding Aokigahara Jukai Forest are nature guides who have been certified by the town of Fujikawaguchiko. You will be able to get a deep insight into the area from talking with the guides on topics such as the flora & fauna, the eruptions of Mt. Fuji and the local caves.
The system of lava caves at the foot of Mt. Fuji
The Saiko Lake Batcave which is also the entrance to one of the walking trails extends for 350m and is the largest lava cave at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Since the cave is warm even during winter, a large number of bats reside there. The Narusawa Ice Cave and the Fugaku Wind Cave are also popular with tourists. Both of them have an average temperature of just 3 degrees Centigrade so that they are very cool even in summer. Plenty of other caves with their own distinct features also exist such as the power spot of Ryugu Cave and the Funatsu Lava Tree Molds which are a part of the World Heritage site of Mt. Fuji.