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When you step deep into the Aokigahara Forest on the northwestern foothills of Mount Fuji, a silence spreads that feels as if time itself has stopped. This forest, where new life sprouted atop lava that flowed and solidified during the great Jogan eruption of 864, has fostered a unique ecosystem over approximately 1,200 years.
At your feet, moss-covered lava stretches out, and evergreen conifers such as hemlock and cypress soar skyward. Threading between them, broadleaf trees like Japanese holly, Japanese andromeda, mizunara oak, Fuji cherry, and maple add vibrant color. The soil is only about ten centimeters thick, but the plants anchor their roots in the crevices of the lava and live with great vitality.
As you walk through the forest, the songs of birds echo all around. A diverse array of wild birds, including great spotted woodpeckers, Japanese bush warblers, and Japanese white-eyes, make this forest their home. In addition, bats inhabit the lava caves, and small animals such as mice and moles live quietly here as well.
Aokigahara Forest is dotted with lava caves such as the Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave. These caves were once used as ice storage facilities and as places to store silkworm cocoons for sericulture. The temperature inside the caves remains low throughout the year, and even in summer, a cool air lingers.
There is a legend that compasses go awry in this forest, but in reality, it is only in certain places that the needle wavers slightly due to the magnetic minerals contained in the lava. However, because the scenery in the forest is so similar everywhere, it is easy to lose your sense of direction if you stray from the walking paths. For this reason, it is important to stay on the trails and walk with respect for nature.
Aokigahara Forest, with its mysterious atmosphere, has been the setting for many legends and stories. However, when you actually visit, you find a place overflowing with the power of life and the beauty of nature. As you walk through the forest, listening to the rustling of the trees and the chirping of birds, and touching the moss-covered rocks, you can forget the bustle of daily life and experience a sense of your heart being cleansed.
This forest is a place that allows you to feel the regenerative power of nature and the workings of life. For those who visit, Aokigahara Forest may not be just a forest, but a special place that gives something that resonates deep within the heart.