Aokigahara

At the base of Mount Fuji lies a forest so dense, so silent, and so haunted that it has become synonymous with death.

The Sea of Trees

Aokigahara (“Sea of Trees”) is one of the quietest places on Earth:

• Volcanic rock absorbs sound
• Dense trees block wind
• Compasses malfunction due to magnetic iron
• It’s easy to become lost within minutes

A History of Death

The forest has been associated with death for centuries:

• In feudal times, the elderly and sick were abandoned here during famines (ubasute)
• In the 20th century, it became a suicide destination
• An average of 100 bodies are found yearly
• Many more are never discovered

The Yurei

In Japanese folklore, yurei are spirits of the dead unable to pass on. Aokigahara is filled with them:

• White figures glimpsed between trees
• Moaning and wailing in the silence
• Faces appearing in photographs
• The sensation of being followed

Paranormal Encounters

The Calling Voices

Visitors report hearing:

• Their names being called
• Voices urging them deeper into the forest
• Whispered conversations in Japanese

The Tape and Ribbons

Volunteers mark paths with tape to help the lost. But:

• Tape is found cut or moved
• New paths appear leading nowhere
• Ribbons tied in nooses hang from branches

The Trees

Some believe the trees themselves are haunted:

• Faces appear in bark
• Branches seem to reach for visitors
• The roots trip those trying to leave

The Abandoned Camps

Personal items are found throughout:

• Photos of loved ones
• Letters and diaries
• Tents with skeletons inside
• Shoes pointing toward the forest

The Curse

Many believe that once the forest calls to you, escape is impossible. Those who attempt to prevent suicides report:

• Overwhelming sadness
• Suicidal thoughts they’ve never had
• Feeling the forest “wants” them to stay

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If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/