Aokigahara forest on Fuji's lava

Aokigahara grows on a lava plateau formed by Mount Fuji’s 864 CE eruption. The cooled lava created uneven terrain and caves, and a dense forest with moss and interwoven roots developed over it. Despite somber legends and its modern reputation, it is a valuable natural area with marked routes; visitors should stay on them to protect the forest and navigate safely.