Aokigahara

Aokigahara is a forest that lies at the base of Mount Fuji, less than 100 miles west of Tokyo. Locally, it is also known under the name of Jukai (Sea of Trees) because of its very high density of trees. Outside of Japan it might be better known as "the perfect place to die." 

The Aokigahara forest, unfortunately, has been listed as the world's second most popular place to take one's life. Hundreds upon hundreds of Japanese people have hanged themselves from the trees of Aokigahara forest. Legend has it that in ancient times families would abandon elderly people in the forest during periods of hunger so that there would be less mouths to feed.

Despite these horrifying stories, the forest is also a beautiful and very dense forest with many interesting caves, which is why I decided to travel to Aokigahara to take a hike.