[Shaolin Crane]

Now, usually when you get off the train you show your train pass and you're on your way. Not so in Kawaguchiko. I was required to give me passport for a photocopy, take a photo, and give my itinerary for my stay.

Why you ask? At the base of Mt Fuji lies Aokigahara Jukai. Also known as the sea of trees. Which is tied for number 1 in the world for committing suicide. Here are a few shots from google.




Now that you know a little of the towns history I can continue.
First up was the caves beneath the volcano


Now it was over 105* that day AND 100% humidity. Until I walked down these stairs, where inside the caves was near 0*
Now I was freezing my fuckin balls off cause I was wearing my typical tank top and shorts

[Shaolin Crane]

This door keeps you from going deeper into the caves and the bats nests
Everything closed,I got something to eat and was back at it early AM again.

Wonderful view of Mt Fuji from my room


Went back to Aokigahara for the other caves


These caves were originally used as storage for food


When law enforcement believes there is someone who didnt come back, or is missing, they bring out the cadaver dogs



Marked suicide areas, they request you not explore due to the density of the forest. It was very bright, but you can see how little sunlight comes through




I was hesitant to wander from the bark path cause I am terrible with directions and the GPS on my phone was not very accurate in the forest.

What's odd about this forest is the is NO soil, it's all lava rock. They call the trees "parasitic trees" cause they grow and feed off each other, and it's difficult to understand how the trees actually grow.
As I reached the last parked path, I could hear the cadaver dogs howling, they had found someone...I unfortunately could not find my way to where they were to see what.

Last of the caves before I left, this one I had to crawl and my hands and knees to get through

Finally back in Tokyo, pouring rain, I got a capsule to have a place for my shit while I wandered around all night before my flight.

The same chef who I ate with my first day told me to come back my last day. He again honored me with the gift of charging me for just the fish, gave me several keepsakes to take home, and a way to email their son to stay in touch


Until next time Japan...