Aokigahara Jukai (Suicide Forest)

For such a beautiful, peaceful place, it has a macabre reputation. That's because every year about a hundred bodies are found in the forest. It's a popular location for committing suicide, so much so that signs warn potential victims to think about their families; and cameras keep track of those who enter the forest in case they don't make it out. Some hang themselves or take poison and others just kind of wander around until they starve. The hunt for bodies is an annual event.

Particularly in fall, Aokigahara makes for a nice walk. Visitors are warned not to stray off the path though because it's easy to get lost. The best way to get here is by car, that way you can take in the foliage of the Fuji Five Lakes area, and its spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. There are also a couple of ice caves in the area to explore. It is also possible to go by bus from Fujinomiya Station with the Kawaguchiko Station bound bus. In the peak season, you can stop for a delicious organic lunch at nearby Solar Cafe.

Rafting on the Fujikawa

The Fujikawa (Fuji River) is one of the three most rapid rivers in Japan. The other two are the Magami River in Yamagata and the Kuma River in Kumamoto. This makes it ideal for white water rafting. There are a number of companies in Shizuoka that offer guided rafting and canyoning in the area. At Natural Action Outdoor Tours, we were able to get an English speaking guide who made the whole thing easy for those of us who had never been rafting before. You can call them at 0544-65-1123.


It's a fantastic thing that must be done if you're going to be living or visiting anywhere close to the Fuji River. The rafting is punctuated by little side trips to explore waterfalls and dive off cliffs. And the scenery is stunning as you go down the river looking up at Mt. Fuji, the Japanese Alps, forests, riverbank flowers and giant arches. Early fall is the perfect time to be out there as the sun isn't scorching and the water isn't too cold.






Here's a video of what it's like: