The Aokigahara Forest is located not that far from the town of Fujikawaguchiko. That is in the Minamitsuru District. However, although Japan has an excellent railway collection, there are no high-speed railways available in this area.

You can get to Aokigahara Forest by train and car/taxi. 

From Tokyo, first, you must hop on the Chuo Line and travel to Takao, and from there switch to the Takao-Shiojiri Line. Once the train arrives at Otsuki, you must switch once more to the Fuji Kyuko Line and reach the Kawaguchiko Station. From there, it is about a half an hour drive to Aokigahara depending on traffic.

Or you can simply drive there directly. It is approximately a two-hour drive from Tokyo.

Yes, you can. Japan Aokigahara Forest is a popular tourist destination with numerous tours which takes tourists from Tokyo to the forest. Tourists can take a tour with a group, alone or even travel with a local tour guide to visit this beautiful but also tragic location.

This flourishing, cold, rocky and dense forest stretches for a little over 30 square kilometres.

Historically, it is believed that the Japan Aokigahara Forest is connected with death, stemming from religious practice as well as local history. The first recorded suicide in the forest was a Buddhist monk who entered the forest to perform a ritual fast. He believed that the sacrifice made by the ritual fast would free people from their karmic sins. Later, a few other Buddhist monks have followed in his footsteps strengthening the cultural memory of this forest as a place of great spiritual power. However, today Aokigahara Forest also known as the ‘Suicide Forest’ has become internationally famous for being a popular site to commit suicide with the number of bodies found increasing each year.

Aokigahara Forest tends to get crowded most of the time, therefore we do recommend booking your tickets beforehand to secure your spot.

A tour to the Aukigahara Forest would usually last around 11 – 12 hours. Along the way, there are places for tourists to purchase refreshments as well as souvenirs.

It’s a given that Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. One of the many reasons for this is that it is filled with many natural and historical sights. Listed below is our list of some of the top sights in Japan.

1. Mount Fiji, the most iconic peak in Japan.
2. Kinkaku-ji, the golden Zen temple located in the most serene environment.
3. Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Shinto shrine with thousands of vermilion tori gates.
4. Senso-ji, the historic temple to the goddess of mercy.
5. Arashiyama, the famous bamboo forest.

Japan has sixteen national holidays each year.

Furthermore, usually, if a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is automatically turned into a holiday. Similarly, if a day is jammed between two national holidays, then that day is also turned into a holiday.

Most sightseeing areas and shopping complexes are filled with crowds of people during these consecutive holidays. So, if you are someone who enjoys sightseeing and shopping comfortably and peacefully, we suggest checking the Japanese calendar online and avoiding these holidays.

Throughout the year there are many Japanese traditions associated with holidays, ceremonies, special occasions and life in general. Listed below are four of Japan’s most popular traditions followed on four holidays.

1. Mamemaki Bean Throwing on Setsuban.
   Setsuban is a Japanese holiday that is celebrated on the eve before spring. On this day, as a tradition, parents across Japan put on an ‘oni mask’ and try to scare their children. The children in return throw roasted soybeans to try and scare off the demons.
   
   
2. Toro Nagashi on Obon (The festival of the dead in Japan).
   Toro Nagashi which translates to ‘flowing lanterns’ is a traditional Japanese ceremony that involves floating paper lanterns on a river to represent the souls of loved ones they have lost. It is associated with Obon – the festival of the dead. Obon is a time of year where the Japanese believe that the spirits of their departed loved ones return to the world.
   
   
3. Hatushi Sunrise.
   Hatushi which means ‘first sun’ is the Japanese tradition of waking up to see the first sunrise of the New Year. This is usually followed by a big traditional Japanese breakfast with the entire family.
   
   
4. Koinobori to celebrate Children’s Day in Japan.
   Koinobori are carp-shaped windsocks that the Japanese use to celebrate Children’s Day. Millions of Koinobori are placed by rivers and in front of homes of families with children in late April.

Summer in Japan is usually from June to about August or mid-September, depending on the location. This season is one of the liveliest seasons in Japan despite being hot and humid.

Truth be told, Japan is one of the most expensive Asian countries. That being said, it can also be affordable if you plan properly and make smart choices. A tip to obtain affordable prices on flights and accommodation would be to book in advance.

There are a few essential requirements when planning a holiday to any destination. Here is a guideline covering some of the main things you need to know when planning a trip to Japan.

1. Take time to read a few travel guide books and blogs to educate yourself about Japan and its culture.
2. Choose your season carefully.
   Spring is the most popular season in Japan because it is also the ‘Sakura’ or cherry blossoms season. During summer, many festivals and firework displays are happening in all parts of Japan. Autumn is a lovely time for tourists to visit attractions that are famous for natural beauty. Winter in Japan is to be spent dipping in a hot spring enjoying the many illumination events.
3. Book tickets in advance for popular tours and activities.
4. Get the expertise of local tour guides to enhance your experience and discover hidden areas.
5. Learn about their culture and the do’s and don’ts.
6. Make a flexible itinerary and ensure that you leave adequate time at each stop so that you won’t have to rush around.
7. Learn some basic Japanese words and phrases.
8. Find out the unique things and mementos you can buy in Japan.
9. Make sure to include a mixture of traditional, modern and natural experiences in your itinerary.
10. Be mindful of what you pack for Japan.