Aokigahara forest(Japanese: 青木ヶ原) (known as the Sea of Trees in Japanese 樹海) is one of the most famous places in the world.It is located at the base of mount Fuji,in Japan.The reason why it has gained this kind of popularity is because it’s characterized as the second most common suicide spot in the world. Over the years, the forest has become a beloved destination for dark tourism and it’s considered to be the world’s most haunted forest.
A body is found there almost every 3-4 days. Over 100 bodies are discovered every year but researchers believe that the actual number is much higher as many are never found.
Many horrific stories and mysteries are connected to this place.It is believed that earthbound spirits known as (yūrei) perish with a deep sadness or anger in the forest as well as the legends of people leaving seniors in isolated places, including these woods, to die during times of famine.
Aokigahara's dark reputation has been around for decades. In a popular 1960 novel by Japanese author Seicho Matsumoto, a heroine heads into the forest to take her own life.The book called Kuroi Jukai had a macabre influence towards the whole Japanese culture.Since it’s publication,the item has been found many times amongst the personal belongings of the dead.
The most usual way people commit suicide ,in the ‘’Sea of Threes’’, is by hanging themselves.
Economic recession drove the suicidal percentage to grew 15%.To face the problem the Japanese government and local authorities prepared a plan to reduce these kind of acts.A vast number of cameras were set on many sights of the mountain while signs of motivations quotes were mounted on various paths.
At the entrance of the forest, you can find the first warning "Quietly think once more about your parents, siblings or children," written in Japanese. "Please don't suffer alone, and first reach out."
Even if the forest did not have this bad reputation,it is not a typical forest where you can take your kids for a walk or a picnic in best case.
The threes grow extremely high and in strange shapes making it very difficult to navigate. Due to the vastness of the forest,it is very hard to identify the wind direction as the forest itself makes it extremely challenging.That is why many animals and bird species avoid that part of nature.The forest contains many caves and sharp rocks which are highly dangerous for travelers.Japanese spiritualists believe that the suicides committed in the forest have permeated Aokigahara’s trees, generating paranormal activity and preventing many who enter from escaping the forest’s depths.Also,cell phone GPS and compasses don’t work, as the forest contains high levels of magnetic iron which causes signal interference. People who decide to spend a few nights in the woods often admit that especially in night hours it was so silent they could only hear their breath making it a very strange experience.
Travelers who decide to visit the place often come across abandoned tents,clothes,personal items and tapes near their belongings.People that are indecisive about dying wrap yellow tapes on trees along their way,so they can find their way out.
On the other hand,people sure about their motives wrap red tapes.Usually near red one are found the most corpses.Lastly,locals don’t tend to visit the forest as they are told from a young age to not go there.It is a scary forest for them too.
Sources:
http://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/03/health/japan-suicide-forest-intl/index.html
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/aokigahara-suicide-forest
https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/aokigahara-forest-japan