Photo By: SeanPavonePhoto
Region
Chubu
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Kofu
Population
888,170

Ice, Wind and Bat Caves of Mount Fuji

Explore the subterranean lava caves of the 'Fuji Five Lakes' area.

The iconic shape of Mount Fuji dominates the scenery from miles around, but the mountain’s influence also extends deep beneath the surface of the ground. Its past volcanic eruptions have formed a number of lava caves around the Fuji Five Lakes area in Yamanashi Prefecture. Three of them are open to the public to explore: the Bat Cave, Ice Cave and Wind Cave.

What is the truth behind the Suicide Forest?

All three caves are located in Aokigahara, a forest growing on top of a layer of lava that was the result of a major eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 – the same eruption that formed the caves.

Aokigahara is also known as Jukai – the “Sea of Trees” – because of its thick foliage and surreal, undulating forest floor. The forest also has the more sinister nickname of “suicide forest” because of a history of people who have chosen to end their lives there. Still, it’s a very somber and beautiful area. A short hiking trail runs through Aokigahara and connects the caves with one another.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides The thick forest area outside the caves.

Saiko Bat Cave

Saiko Bat Cave takes its name from the nearby Lake Saiko and the cave’s winged inhabitants. At over 350 meters long, it’s the largest cave of the three.

The walking route inside Lake Saiko Bat Cave.

Inside, the bat colony lives in a protected area at the back of the cave which visitors can’t access, so you’re unlikely to see any as you make your way around. However, it’s still fun to explore the many different chambers and pathways of the cave, several of which are so low that you’ll have to bend over double to reach the other side!

Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave

Photo by: SeanPavonePhoto Japanese ice cave in Nico

As the name implies, the Ice Cave was originally used as a location to store ice during the early 1900s, before the invention of refrigerators. Today the paths are still lined with huge blocks of ice, even in the summer. The 150-meter circular route descends 21 meters beneath low ceilings and down slippery steps. Mind your head as you squeeze through the lava tunnels and keep hold of the handrails when climbing the stairs!

Photo by: Ashley Owen Covered in ice!

Fugaku Wind Cave

In the past, this cave was used as a natural storage area for seeds and cocoons thanks to its year-round temperature of about 3 degrees. Visitors can see these storage facilities, as well as a lava shelf and pillars of ice during the easy 15-minute walk. The 201-meter length is easy to navigate, as it’s not very steep and the cave roof is not as low as the other two.

Photo by: sillapee Entrance into the Wind Cave.

All three caves can be explored without the need for a guide or special equipment. Helmets are provided at the entrances, and wearing these is strongly advised, particularly if you’re tall. Appropriate shoes are also a necessity, as many of the passageways are steep and slippery.

Trivia

Beyond Death and Pain: The Truth About Japan's 'Suicide Forest'

The forest itself is lost in a global media loop de-emphasizing its natural beauty in favor of tragedy. The first step to save the forest is reclaiming its name: It's called the "Sea of Trees" not the "suicide forest."

More

Things To Know

Bat Cave Hours & Fees

The Bat Cave is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, but closes from December 1 to March 19. Entry is ¥300 (¥150 for children).

Ice & Wind Cave Hours and Fees

The Ice and Wind Caves open from 9 a.m. Closing time is between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. depending on the season. Admission to each cave is ¥350 (¥200 for children), or you can buy a combined ticket for both at a discounted rate. Last entry is half an hour before closing time. (Parking is available at all three cave sites.)

How To Get There

Address

8533 (Sonota), Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken 401-0320, Japan

By bus

The caves can be accessed by bus from Kawaguchiko station. The Omni Bus Green line calls at the Bat and Wind Caves, whilst the Omni Bus Blue Line stops at the Ice and Wind Caves. All three caves are within walking distance of each other.

Map locations


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