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 guide. The walk moves along quiet trails into the forest interior, where you visit Dragon Cave: a natural lava cavern formed by past eruptions. 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 first takes you to the forest entrance. 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 the walk. 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.

At the end, you make your way back out of the forest. Bottled water is included. The walk is steady but not strenuous and suits all fitness levels, though it isn't advised if you have a spinal injury or heart and circulation problems, or are pregnant.

What’s included

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by NaturaBase

Is this one for you?The walk is steady and suits anyone who can keep an easy pace through the forest and wants a guide to explain it during the first half, then quiet time in it during the second.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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?

In the first part of the hike, your guide talks you through the forest's geology, history and natural life. The second half is calmer, leaving room to stroll at an easy rhythm and settle into 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.

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

Bottled water is included. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers, as the forest is shaded and can be cool even on warm days.