Aokigahara

The Aokigahara Forest lies to the east of Lake Saiko at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Its area is approximately 30 million square meters. It is believed that the forest was formed after the volcanic eruption of Mt. Fuji about 1,200 years ago when the new trees sprouted out of cooled lava. The dense forest is part of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park and registered as a National Natural Treasure. Although the thickness of the soil is only 10 centimeters or so, the forest is a sea of trees with evergreen conifers, such as Japanese cypress, as well as broadleaf trees, such as Mongolian oak, Fuji cherry, and maple trees. It is also a habitat for small animals, birds, and insects, as well as bats that live in the lava caves. You can enjoy trekking at ease by joining a guided tour led by registered Fuji-Kawaguchiko guides who have a wide knowledge of the nature of the forest. It is a 40-minute bus ride on a Saiko shuyu circular bus from the Kawaguchiko Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line. Get off at the Saiko-komoriana bus stop.