Plan Your Visit to Aokigahara Forest: Route & Itineraries

Plan your visit

Prepare for uneven terrain and cold caves. Review transport options from Tokyo and Kawaguchiko before you go.

Aokigahara Forest

Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi

GPS 35.47, 138.61972

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the trails

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Train: Fuji Excursion limited express train from Shinjuku Station direct to Kawaguchiko Station, followed by a local bus.	1 hour 53 minutes to Kawaguchiko, plus a 20-30 minute bus ride.		The fastest public transport route from Tokyo, though local buses from Kawaguchiko have fixed timetables.
Bus: Highway coach from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station, then transfer to the Omni Bus Green Line to reach the forest.	Approx 2 hours to Kawaguchiko, plus 30 minutes to the trailheads.	Approx 1,000 yen for the local bus pass.	The Omni Bus Green Line stops directly at the Saiko Bat Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave.
Car: Drive from Kawaguchiko Station or via the Chuo Expressway (Lake Kawaguchi Exit).	30 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station.		Provides the most flexibility for moving between the widespread caves and trailheads without relying on the bus schedule.
Tour: Book a guided nature tour starting from Tokyo or Kawaguchiko.	Ranges from a 3.5-hour half-day to a full-day trip.		Highly recommended for safety, interpretation of the unique geology, and exploring the forest without navigational stress.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Autumn provides bright foliage, while spring offers mild hiking weather.

What to bring

Sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles for walking on jagged lava rock.
Warm jacket or sweater for the caves, which are near freezing even in summer.
Physical map of the trails in case cell service or GPS signal drops.
Magnetic compass to help orient yourself on the trails.
Water bottle and snacks, as facilities are only located at the cave entrances.
Rain jacket or poncho for sudden weather changes near Mount Fuji.
Power bank to keep your phone charged.
Small first-aid kit for minor scrapes on the volcanic rock.

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The Fugaku Wind Cave stays at 3 degrees Celsius year-round.

Pack warm layers.

How the day runs

Suggested itineraries

A 3-hour route covering the main sights.

9:00
Bus from Kawaguchiko
Take the Omni Bus Green Line.
9:30
Fugaku Wind Cave
Explore the 201-meter lava tube.
10:15
Tokai Nature Trail
Walk the marked path toward the next cave.
11:30
Narusawa Ice Cave
Descend 21 meters to see the ice pillars.

Safety and Packing

Always stay on the marked trails. The forest floor is jagged volcanic rock filled with hidden holes. Wandering off the path is highly dangerous.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles. Bring a warm jacket, as the caves are nearly freezing. Carry a physical map and water, since facilities are limited.

Easiest way to do it

Smiling couple posing near a dark cave entrance in a forest.

Mt Fuji Aokigahara Forest Adventure Hiking Tour

3 h 30 min 5.0 (7)

Bottled water

From$78per person

Viator$78 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How do I get there from Tokyo?

Take the Fuji Excursion limited express train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station. The trip takes roughly 2 hours. From there, use the Omni Bus Green Line.

What should I pack?

Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a warm jacket, a physical map, and a power bank. Read our Packing & Clothing guide for a full list.

Is there cell service?

Cell service and GPS signals can drop in the deep forest. Carry a physical map and a magnetic compass.