Aokigahara Forest (青木ヶ原), also known as the “Sea of Trees,” is a forest on the northwestern side of Mount Fuji.

At its western edge, you’ll find ice caves in winter, and the area is generally popular with tourists and school groups from across Japan. The forest is filled with volcanic rock formed from hardened lava, and because basalt absorbs sound, the area can feel unusually quiet, sometimes described as eerie.

So how did such a beautiful place gain a darker reputation? In Japanese folklore, the forest has long been associated with spirits. Since the 1960s, it has also been linked to a number of suicide cases, which led to its well-known nickname. As a result, signs at many trailheads encourage visitors to seek help and think about their loved ones, including information for suicide prevention support.

Despite its reputation, Aokigahara remains a unique and striking natural area, known for its dense vegetation, unusual geology, and quiet atmosphere.