Aokigahara Forest is said to be a famous suicide spot. The reason is that it is said that once you get lost in the sea of trees, you will never be able to come out again. If this were true, it would be a place that normal people would never want to go near. However, the actual Aokigahara Jukai is said to be quite a tourist destination, contrary to the general image. Is it true? This time, we will introduce in detail the truth and lies of Aokigahara Jukai, and whether once you get lost in it, you will never be able to come out again.
①What kind of place is the famous Aokigahara Sea of Trees?
Aokigahara is an area located in the northwest of Mt. Fuji. Specifically, it is an area that spans from Fujikawaguchiko Town to Narusawa Village in Yamanashi Prefecture. Aokigahara is commonly called ″Aokigahara Sea of Trees” or ″Fuji Sea of Trees.” The reason why it is called Sea of Trees is because when you look down from a hill and the wind blows, the trees undulate like ocean waves.
❶Why is it called a “famous suicide spot”?
Aokigahara Forest is often referred to as a ″famous suicide spot.” The reason is said to be because there was a scene in the TV drama where he committed suicide inside Aokigahara. It all started in 1973 when a drama aired in which there was a scene where a person commits suicide inside Aokigahara, which gave rise to the image of Aokigahara as a famous suicide spot among Japanese people. However, the real reason is that after this, it was broadcast many times on TV that ″Aokigahara is a famous place for suicide”, and the image of Aokigahara as a famous place for suicide has been engraved and continues to this day.
❷How many suicides occur in Aokigahara?
Aokigahara is said to be a famous suicide spot, but how many people die there every year? There are many suicides in Aokigahara, about a few dozen people a year. However, it is said that the number of new cases has decreased considerably compared to before, to less than 30 per year.
❸What is the actual Aokigahara?
In reality, Aokigahara is not a dangerous place reminiscent of a suicide spot. It is becoming a tourist destination with campsites, observation decks, wind caves, ice caves, promenades, etc. Guided tours are also commonly available. Also, although the Sea of Trees looks vast at first glance, it is actually only about 4km square. Even if you get lost, if you just walk in one direction, you can theoretically get out.
The best part is that you can use your cell phone in the forest, so if you get lost, help will come right away. You can also use a compass normally. However, the ground of Jukai is made of lumpy lava, so footing is difficult. Never leave the promenade and take a walk wearing regular mountain climbing equipment.
➁【Ryugu Cave】 A mysterious and super scenic spot‼︎
Ryugu Cave is a cave located in the Aokigahara Jukai. The exact location is about a 5-minute walk from the general road southeast of Lake Saiko in Fujikawaguchiko Town, entering the Jukai Walking Path. It is a very mysterious spot with a sacred atmosphere. The cave itself is about 60m long. Currently, entry is prohibited due to severe collapse.
➂【Mt. Omuro beech forest】 Unspoiled forest with a mountain guide!!
Mt. Omuro beech forest is a beech forest located at the foot of Mt. Omuro in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture. The beech forest on Mt. Omuro is commonly called “Beech Square.” The beech forest of Mt. Omuro is also part of the Aokigahara Jukai.
By the way, there are no mountain trails on Mt. Omuro, so there are no signs. Therefore, climbers need knowledge of map reading and compasses. For beginners, we recommend climbing with a mountain guide or someone with experience.
④What is Fuji Wind Cave?
Fuji Wind Cave is a cave at the foot of Mt. Omuro. Fujifu-ketsu is pronounced as “Fujifu-ketsu”. The size of the hole is over 230 m long, 5-10 m wide, and the ceiling is on average 5 m. It is currently not open to the public and you cannot go inside the hole. You will also need a mountain guide to visit this place.
⑤【Lake Saiko】 A lake where you can enjoy the reflection of Mt. Fuji‼︎
Saiko is a lake among the Fuji Five Lakes located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture. Saiko is pronounced as “Saiko”. It is the fourth largest lake among the Fuji Five Lakes. Lake Saiko is surrounded by the Aokigahara Sea of Trees on the southeast, giving it a mysterious charm.
⑥What is the Narusawa lava tree mold?
Narusawa lava tree mold is a lava tree mold found in Aokigahara Jukai in Narusawa Village. Lava tree molds are standing or fallen trees that were taken in when lava solidified and have burned down, leaving the insides hollow and forming a pit or side hole. About 12 lava tree molds are densely packed in Aokigahara Jukai in Narusawa Village. You can clearly see the traces of trees left after the lava, and it has a very atmospheric atmosphere.
⑦Access information to Aokigahara
Here you will find detailed information about access to Aokigahara. The address of Aokigahara is ″Narusawa, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture.”
❶Route from Kawaguchiko IC to Aokigahara by car
Kawaguchiko IC outbound exit (Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture) ⇒ General road ⇒ Aokigahara
The total distance is approximately 12.6km, and the journey time is approximately 18 minutes.
Summary of Aokigahara Forest.
This time, we introduced the truth and lies of Aokigahara Jukai, and whether once you get lost in it, you’ll never be able to come out again. Even today, Aokigahara Jukai has the image of being a ″suicide spot”. However, the reality is completely different. The truth is that there is actually a village within the Aokigahara Sea of Forests, with over 70 private houses, of which about 10 are operating guest houses for sightseeing in the Aokigahara Sea of Forests. In other words, Aokigahara Jukai is a relatively safe tourist destination, unlike its image. When you visit Yamanashi Prefecture, why not stop by Aokigahara Jukai.
▲Official site
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