Aokigahara: Japan's Haunted Suicide Forest
Aokigahara
In the shadw of Mt. Fuji, roughly two hours west of Tokyo, sits Aokigahara Forest. Stretching out over 12 square miles, it grew upon the hardened lava from the dormant volcano’s last major eruption in 864 C.E.
The name Aokigahara means 'Blue Tree Meadow,” but it has come to be known by the more ominous ‘Suicide Forest,’ due to the number of people who choose it as their final destination. Though Aokigahara has always been a place associated with death, its current popularity is thought to stem from Seichō Matsumoto’s 1960 novel Kuroi Jukai (‘Black Sea of Trees’). In the book, two lovers ultimately commit suicide in the forest. ‘Sea of Trees’ is also another nickname for Aokigahara, because of its particularly dense foliage. Another book, Wataru Tsurumi’s Complete Manual of Suicide (1993), describes Aokighara as the ‘perfect place to die.’
Wildlife is scarce in many areas and the lava rock that composes the forest’s floor is mostly sound-absorbing, keeping it eerily still and quiet. The canopy blocks out much of the sun and visitors spend a fair amount of time in semi-darkness.
Aerial view of Aokigahara, with Mt. Fuji rising in the distance
Inside Aokigahara
According to local legend, the forest is inhabited by yurei, restless or vengeful spirits who feel they have unfinished business on the mortal plane. They often died traumatic or violent deaths and seek retribution. In addition to those who died by their own hand, many of the yurei are said to be spirits of the elderly who were left in the forest to die. This was allegedly done during past famine times to lessen the burden on families. However, the actual existence of the practice, known as ubasute, is mostly unsubstantiated. Some believe that these spirits of the departed call to the living, driving them to either get lost in the forest or take their own lives.
A yurei, as portrayed by the character of Sadako in the Ring series
In number of suicides, Aokigahara comes second only to the Golden Gate Bridge. Roughly 30 occur annually, usually by hanging. It’s been said the that trees of Aokigahara have “more nooses than leaves.”
Since the 1970s, officials and volunteers have conducted annual searches in the forest to recover and identify bodies, locating a record 105 in 2003. This was the last year official statistics were released, in hopes to discourage people seeking to end their lives there. Signs at many of the trail heads ask visitors to “please reconsider” and “think before abandoning your family.” The most popular month for suicides is March, possibly because that marks the end of the Japanese fiscal year.
Even if one doesn’t stumble upon one of Aokigahara’s permanent residents, there are plenty of reminders that death is always near. Abandoned campsites, shoes, clothing, and other personal effects litter the forest floor in many places. In others, ribbons, strings, and other markers can be found tied to trees. Those who enter the forest to die sometimes do this so they can find their way back out if they decide not to follow through, or so that their bodies can be found and their families notified.
This sign at Aokigahara’s entrance provides the number to a suicide prevention hotline.
An abandoned coat hangs in the forest like a specter
Despite all this, Aokigahara’s ominous reputation is a very small part of what the forest is actually known for. It is full of unique natural beauty and is a popular destination for tourists and school trips. Aokigahara also contains three famous lava caves: Fugaku Wind Cave, Lake Sai Bat Cave, and Nurasawa Ice Cave. Either way, it’s probably best to stick to the main trails.
And whatever you do: don’t follow the ribbons.
