Where to walk
The trail between Saiko Bat Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave is signed, well used and easy. Allow 90 minutes one way. The Lake Saiko Iyashi no Sato thatched village pairs well as an end point.
At the base of Fuji
Aokigahara, the sea of trees.
Aokigahara is a 30 square kilometre forest grown on the lava field from Fuji's year 864 eruption. Stick to the marked trails and it is one of the quietest, most distinctive walks in Japan.
Lava caves
Narusawa Ice Cave keeps ice year round and is the most accessible. Fugaku Wind Cave sits across the road. Both charge a small fee and rent helmets.
Safety
Compasses behave oddly because of magnetic basalt under the soil. Phone signal is patchy. Stay on the marked trails, do not enter roped off areas, and turn back before sunset.
Respect
Aokigahara has a sensitive history. Do not film or post content treating the forest as a curiosity. Travel quietly and treat it as you would any sacred Japanese natural site.
Plan