In short
- Fugaku Wind Cave is 201 meters long and mostly horizontal.
- Narusawa Ice Cave descends 21 meters and has very low ceilings.
- Both caves maintain temperatures around 3 degrees Celsius year-round.
In this article
Mount Fuji's 864 CE eruption created a network of lava tubes beneath the forest. The Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave are the two most popular options for visitors. They offer very different physical experiences.
How do the Wind Cave and Ice Cave compare?
The Wind Cave is longer and flat, while the Ice Cave is shorter and steep.
Review the main differences below to decide which cave fits your mobility level and interests.
What is the Fugaku Wind Cave?
This horizontal lava tube historically served as a natural refrigerator.
It extends for 201 meters with a maximum height of 8.7 meters. The layout is mostly flat. You can see glowing moss colonies near the entrance.
Historically, locals used the consistent 3 degrees Celsius temperature to store items. You will see displays of silkworm cocoons and seeds inside.
What is the Narusawa Ice Cave?
This is a 153-meter circular cave famous for year-round ice pillars.
The path descends 21 meters below ground. The ceiling is very low in certain sections. You will need to crouch or bend double to pass through.
Because it acts like a natural freezer, ice pillars remain frozen even in the middle of summer.
Which cave is easier to walk through?
The Fugaku Wind Cave is much easier to navigate.
Its horizontal layout gives you plenty of space to walk upright. The Narusawa Ice Cave requires you to walk down steep stairs on wet rock. The low ceilings in the Ice Cave make it difficult for taller visitors.
How much do the caves cost?
Entrance fees are approximately 350 yen for each cave.
The forest trails above ground are free to walk. Facilities like restrooms and shops are only located at the cave entrances.
Can you visit both in one day?
Yes, you can easily visit both caves in a single trip.
Each cave only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to explore. The Omni Bus Green Line stops directly at both the Saiko Bat Cave and the Narusawa Ice Cave. You can walk between them via the Tokai Nature Trail if you stay strictly on the marked path.
Questions travellers ask
What should I wear inside the caves?
Bring a warm jacket or sweater. Both caves maintain an average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, which feels near freezing even in summer. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles to handle the jagged, wet lava rock safely.
Are there guided tours for the caves?
Yes. You can book guided nature tours starting from Tokyo or Kawaguchiko. These range from a 3.5-hour half-day trip to a full-day excursion. Guides provide safety equipment and explain the unique geological formations.
Are the caves open in winter?
Yes, both the Fugaku Wind Cave and the Narusawa Ice Cave are open year-round. Winter is an excellent time to visit if you want to see the ice formations at their largest.
