Recently, while in Japan I decided to take a trip to the infamous AokiGahara Forest, a beautiful and mysterious forest located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. This forest has a reputation for being haunted and eerie, but I found it to be an incredibly peaceful and serene place to explore.
The first thing that struck me about Aoki Gahara was the beauty of the trees. The forest is filled with towering cedars and beautiful maple trees that provide a canopy of shade and shelter from the sun. The trees are so dense that very little light filters through, giving the forest an otherworldly feel.
As I wandered deeper into the forest, I was struck by the quietness. There was no sound of cars or people, just the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. It was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
HOW TO VISIT THE SUICIDE FOREST?
To get to Aokigahara from Tokyo, there are a few different transportation options available depending on your preferences and budget.
- By Train: The closest train station to Aokigahara is Kawaguchiko Station, which can be accessed from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station by taking the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, and then transferring to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a local bus to Aokigahara.
- By Bus: There are direct bus services from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station operated by Fujikyu Bus, which take approximately 2 hours. From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a local bus to Aokigahara.
- By Car: If you have access to a car, you can drive from Tokyo to Aokigahara in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. There are several rental car companies in Tokyo that you can use to rent a car for your trip.
ICE CAVES IN AOKIGAHRA
The ice caves in Aoki Gahara are truly a unique and fascinating feature of the forest. These caves are formed by volcanic activity, where magma from Mount Fuji’s eruptions flowed into the forest and then solidified. As the lava cooled, it formed a thick crust, which insulated the molten lava underneath, allowing it to continue flowing. When the lava eventually drained away, it left behind a system of tunnels and caves that can now be explored by visitors.
What makes the Aoki Gahara ice caves even more interesting is the presence of icicles that remain frozen throughout the year, even during the hot and humid summer months. The icicles are formed by the moisture in the air that seeps into the caves and freezes on contact with the cold surfaces. Over time, these icicles grow and take on unique and intricate shapes, forming beautiful and delicate structures.
Exploring the ice caves in Aoki Gahara is a truly unforgettable experience. The caves are dimly lit, and the icicles create an ethereal and almost mystical atmosphere. It’s important to note that visitors are required to wear helmets to protect themselves from falling ice, and to be mindful of their footing, as the caves can be slippery.
Overall, the ice caves in Aoki Gahara are just one of many unique and fascinating features that make this forest a must-visit destination in Japan. They provide a glimpse into the geological history of the area and offer a sense of wonder and awe that is hard to find anywhere else.
CONCLUSION
Despite its reputation for being haunted, I found Aoki Gahara to be a very peaceful and calming place. The forest has a way of putting you at ease and allowing you to connect with nature in a way that is hard to find in our busy modern world.
If you ever have the chance to visit Japan, I highly recommend taking a trip to Aoki Gahara. It is a truly unique and beautiful place that will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a quiet place to reflect, Aoki Gahara has something for everyone.
Also whilst in Japan I had the opportunity to shoot a video about AokiGahara Forest that I posted on my recent Youtube Channel. The link To the video can be found below.