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Aokigahara ForestNaturePhoto Wikimedia Commons

Aokigahara Forest

Yamanashi Prefecture · Japan

8 story sections18 min 04 s in all

The famous sea of forest, possible to hike. (30mn)

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation2:41

    Welcome to Aokigahara, the 'Sea of Trees' (Jukai), a vast and mysterious forest stretching over 30 square kilometers at the northern base of Mount Fuji. From above, the dense canopy of coniferous and broadleaf trees undulates…

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  2. 2The Roots of Resilience: Volcanic Origins2:28

    The story of Aokigahara begins over 1,100 years ago with a river of fire. During the Jogan eruption, molten lava poured down the slopes of Mount Fuji, filling valleys and damming rivers. …

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  3. 3The Sound of Silence: Acoustic Absorption2:12

    As you move deeper into Aokigahara, you will notice a strange and immediate change in the auditory environment. The forest is famous for its 'unnerving silence.' This is not a lack of sound, but rather a unique acoustic…

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  4. 4Subterranean Wonders: Fugaku Wind Cave2:07

    Embedded within the volcanic landscape are some of Japan's most remarkable natural wonders: the lava caves. The Fugaku Wind Cave is one of the most accessible and impressive. …

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  5. 5The Magnetic Mystery: Iron and Navigation2:06

    One of the most persistent legends about Aokigahara is that compasses 'go crazy' inside the forest. While often exaggerated in movies, this myth is rooted in a fascinating scientific reality. …

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  6. 6Folklore and the 'Yurei' Spirits2:14

    Aokigahara has long been a place of spiritual significance in Japan, woven into folklore and literature as a dwelling place for the 'Yurei'—the restless spirits of the dead. According to local legends, these spirits are the…

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  7. 7Lakeside Bat Cave: A Living Ecosystem2:11

    At the edge of the forest, near the shores of Lake Sai, lies the Lakeside Bat Cave, another testament to Aokigahara's volcanic past. This is the largest of the three major caves in the area, stretching for over 350 meters. …

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  8. 8Closing2:05

    As we conclude our journey through the Aokigahara Forest, take a moment to reflect on the complexity of this extraordinary landscape. You have walked through the 'Sea of Trees,' witnessed the resilient life that has emerged from…

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What is Aokigahara Forest?

Aokigahara Forest is a place in Yamanashi Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationYamanashi Prefecture · Japan
TypeNature
Story sections8
Total length18 min 04 s in all
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates35.4567, 138.6275
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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