Aokigahara Forest hiking tour near Mt Fuji with guide

Moss-covered lava and a cave deep in the forest where the outside world fades away

This hiking tour takes you through Aokigahara Forest, a calm woodland shaped by ancient lava flows at the base of Mount Fuji, with a live English-speaking guide. The walk lasts about three and a half hours, starting at NaturaBase and moving through quiet trails into the forest interior, where you visit Dragon Cave—a natural lava cavern formed by past eruptions—before returning to the meeting point. The guide shares commentary on geology, history and forest ecology during the first half; the second half is quieter, letting you walk at an easy pace with your own thoughts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Aokigahara Forest and Dragon Cave

• Meet at NaturaBase
• Arrive at forest entrance
• Walk along quiet trail into forest
• Visit hidden Dragon Cave
• Explore lava landscape
• Return to NaturaBase

The Experience

The tour starts at NaturaBase and reaches the forest entrance within twenty minutes. From there you walk along shaded trails into Aokigahara, where thick moss covers the ground and trees twist over volcanic rock. The forest is known as the Sea of Trees for its density and calm—the outside world does genuinely seem to recede once you are inside. Your guide walks with you during the first stretch, explaining how the landscape formed from old lava flows, what lives in the forest, and the history layered into the place. This is the part where you learn; the guide's commentary brings the geology and natural world into focus.

Around the midpoint, you reach Dragon Cave (Ryūgū Cave), a lava cavern with cool air and textured rock walls formed by past volcanic eruptions. It sits deep enough in the forest that reaching it feels like a small adventure. The cave also carries ties to local legends, adding another layer to why people have walked this forest for centuries. After you explore the cave, the second half of the walk becomes quieter—no more running commentary, just the forest and your own pace. You walk at an easy rhythm through the lava landscape, with time to be alone with your thoughts.

The return takes you back through the forest to NaturaBase, where the tour ends. Bottled water is included. The walk is steady but not strenuous; it suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Children from age three are welcome.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide who explains the geology and history during the first half of the walk.
• bottled water.
• entry to Dragon Cave and access to the lava terrain throughout Aokigahara Forest.
• return transport to NaturaBase.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by NaturaBase

Is this one for you?The walk is steady and takes three and a half hours with no scrambling or water entry—it suits anyone who can walk at an easy pace on uneven ground for that length of time and wants a guide to explain the forest during the first half, then quiet time alone in it during the second.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What is Dragon Cave and why is it part of this hike?

Dragon Cave (Ryūgū Cave) is a natural lava cavern formed by past volcanic eruptions, located deep in the forest. It has cool air, textured rock walls, and local legend attached to it, adding both geological and cultural interest to the walk through Aokigahara.

How much of the hike involves the guide talking, and when do I walk on my own?

During the first half of the walk, your guide shares commentary on the geology, history and natural world of the forest. The second half becomes quieter, giving you time to walk at an easy pace and be with your own thoughts.

What makes Aokigahara Forest different from other forests near Mount Fuji?

Aokigahara Forest, also called the Sea of Trees, is shaped by ancient lava flows and has thick mossy ground covering volcanic rock. The terrain is unique because of this lava landscape, and the forest is dense and quiet in a way that makes the outside world feel far away.

Is this hike suitable for children, and how old do they need to be?

Children are welcome from age three. The walk is at an easy pace during the second half and suits all fitness levels, making it accessible for families with young hikers.

What is included in the tour, and what should I bring?

Bottled water is included. The tour does not include meals, so you may want to eat before or after. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers, as the forest is shaded and can be cool even on warm days.