Exploring Aokigahara Forest & Ryugu Cave

【Fuji’s Hidden Gems Option 02 🌧️】

Can’t see Mt. Fuji today due to clouds or light rain? No problem! This area offers many other great experiences. Today, we’re taking you into the unique Aokigahara Forest and exploring Ryugu Cave.

This is one of the courses I guide. Aokigahara Forest has many other routes, and I’ll share those another time.

First, let’s understand how Aokigahara Forest was formed. You can find more details on our homepage. Click here

Starting Your Walk: From Nemba Beach

Today’s walk starts from Nemba beach, following the lake’s edge before entering the forest.

To Get To Nemba Beach

From Nemba Beach to the Forest Entrance

Nemba beach offers great views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. From here, you’ll see Aokigahara Forest across the lake. Notice that the trees are roughly the same height, which is due to the forest growing on a lava plateau.

After enjoying the views at the beach, head back to the parking lot, cross the bridge, and then walk along the western side of the lake. After the lakeside path, you’ll reach a road. Turn left and walk for about 50 meters. You’ll see the forest entrance on your right. Inside, observe the ground – mostly lava with only a little soil – and see how tree roots spread to survive. See how plants grow in a forest with so little soil and water.

Into the forest

After about 10 minutes, you’ll reach the first fork in the path. Turn left here. You can refer to the map sign at this location to confirm your route towards Saiko Bat Cave (西湖コウモリ穴).

Saiko Bat Cave and Saiko Nature Centre

In about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Saiko Bat Cave. There are many interesting sights along the way. The Saiko Bat Cave is connected to the Saiko Nature Center, which also has an exhibition for “Kunimasu,” a fish found only in Lake Saiko. Restrooms are available here.

Onwards to Ryugu Cave

From Saiko Bat Cave, go back into the forest the way you came. This time, turn left immediately after re-entering. Near the forest entrance on the right, there’s a spot where you can see hollow areas under the ground caused by past lava activity.

After about 20 minutes, you’ll see stairs. Climb these, and you’ll come out onto a road. Look for uniquely shaped trees along this section.

Cross the road and walk a short distance. On your right, you’ll see a torii gate. This is the entrance to Ryugu Cave and Senoumi Shrine. Go through the torii and walk into the forest.

Approach to Ryugu Cave & Senoumi Shrine

In about 15 minutes, you’ll reach a crossroads. Go a little further, and you’ll see Ryugu Cave, a large cave opening. To your right, stairs lead down to a small shrine. Do not go past this shrine deeper into the cave.

This cave was formed by air pockets that were trapped under the surface as the molten lava continued to flow. The surface collapsed exposing the mouth of the cave. Numerous other caves and tunnels exist in the forest.

Local people enshrined the dragon god here. They used to come here to pray for rain.

If it’s warm outside, you’ll notice how cold the cave air is. My glasses always fog up when I leave the cave.

Returning to Nemba Beach

Go back to the crossroads and turn left. Cross another road and re-enter the forest. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll be back at the first fork in the path. From there, follow the same route back to Nemba beach.

Why a Guide is Recommended for Aokigahara

You can walk these paths safely without a guide, but I recommend having one. This is not because you might get lost, but because you could easily miss interesting sights or unique features. A guide can help you understand the forest’s formation, why plants survive as they do, what makes this forest unique, and its connection to Mt. Fuji. It will make your experience much more interesting.

Important Notes for Your Aokigahara & Ryugu Cave Walk

To ensure the preservation of this unique natural environment and for your own safety, please keep the following in mind:

Enjoy your fascinating journey through Aokigahara Forest and Ryugu Cave!

Timeline Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the estimated walking times for the Aokigahara Forest circuit course.