The Aokigahara Forest (also known as Jukai or the “Sea of Trees”) lies at the base of Mount Fuji, less than 70 miles from Tokyo, Japan. Renowned as one of Japan’s most iconic destinations, it also carries a notorious reputation.
In the following passage, we’ll delve into the allure, the dark history, and the haunting mysteries of this captivating locale.
Aokigahara Forest: The Basics
This dense expanse of approximately 12 square miles on Honshu Island, Japan, is known as the Aokigahara Forest. The forest’s unique geology, shaped by lava flows from Mount Fuji thousands of years ago, contributes to its eerie quiet. The porous bedrock and dense foliage work together to absorb sound, fostering a sense of isolation and mystery.
Attractions
The Aokigahara Forest is renowned for its lush vegetation, offering yet another facet to its allure: a series of fascinating caves.
Among the most famous are the year-round Narusawa Ice Cave, Fugaku Wind Cave, and Lake Saiko Bat Cave.
Strange Forest Phenomena
The Aokigahara Forest, renowned for its eerily quiet ambiance due to its lava rock floor, also showcases some strange phenomena.
Its rocky ground possesses a natural magnetism, causing compasses to occasionally malfunction, particularly when held close to the ground, adding to the forest’s unsettling mystique.
The Dark Side of the Forest
While the Aokigahara Forest offers natural beauty and unique geological features, it also carries a heavy burden. It is known by another name: the tragic Aokigahara Suicide Forest. This designation stems from its unfortunate status as the leading location for suicides in Japan.
The latest confirmed data shows 105 deaths, but the lack of recent data from the Japanese government makes it difficult to determine if this number has increased or decreased.
Due to the lack of updated data, it’s difficult to create a specific profile of those who have died by suicide in the forest. However, the forest’s official website suggests that individuals who died by suicide were typically aged between 40 and 50 years old.
The website also states that the month with the highest number of suicides is March, which coincides with the end of the Japanese fiscal year, potentially leading to increased stress and financial anxieties for some.
Additionally, a Japanese psychiatrist who interviewed survivors hypothesized that a critical reason for the forest’s high suicide rate was that “they believed that they would be able to die successfully without being noticed.”
Making the Forest a Safer Place
The Aokigahara Forest has long been a destination for people to take their own lives. However, significant efforts have been made to combat this issue. For example, the forest features signs in both Japanese and English that warn against suicide. One sign reads, “Your life is something precious that was given to you by your parents,” while another encourages those who may be contemplating suicide to “Meditate on your parents, siblings, and your children once more. Do not be troubled alone.”
Local authorities and the government have implemented additional measures. Security cameras have been installed at the forest’s entrances to monitor those who enter. Additionally, bridge rails have been raised, and volunteers have received training to effectively communicate with individuals experiencing suicidal ideation.
Aokigahara Forest in the Media
Aokigahara’s association with suicide is not deeply rooted in history. Its notoriety began to rise in the 1960s following the publication of the novel “Tower of Waves” by Seichō Matsumoto, which depicted a couple who die by suicide in the forest. Another book, titled “The Complete Manual of Suicide,” published in 1993 by Wataru Tsurumi, further solidified this connection by describing the forest as a location associated with suicide and including details of its less frequented areas.
While the Japanese government discourages media portrayals of the forest due to potential negative consequences, references still emerge occasionally. For example, the 2016 American horror film “The Forest” tells the story of a woman searching for her twin sister who disappeared there.
Visit the Forest
Aokigahara Forest offers a unique natural experience despite its complex history. It’s important to be aware of this history and approach the forest with respect and sensitivity.
The forest is accessible by train, but the easiest way to get there is by car. The drive from Tokyo takes about two hours, traveling west. You’ll pass through several cities, including Hijo, Uneohara, and Fujiyoshida.
Exploring the forest can be done independently or with a guided tour. Remember to stay on marked trails and be mindful of the environment during your visit. Allow ample time, as the forest is vast and can take a while to navigate.