Japan’s ‘Suicide Forest’ is not for the weak-hearted – 5 spine-chilling facts

Far from the madding crowd on a distant land in Japan lies a dense forest known as Aokigahara (also known as the Sea of Trees). It's a dense forest hiding several mysteries waiting to be discovered. This dark woodland is located in northwest base of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji and is globally called the "Suicide Forest". Yes, you read that right! Though the forest is visually magical, lush and beautiful, something here doesn’t feel right. An eerie silence surrounds the forest adding to an inexplicable chill! With Baba Vanga's earthquake prediction in Japan, it just adds to the whole mystery!

Over the years, the forest has gained global notoriety for more tragic and sad reasons. Visitors don’t talk about the natural beauty that surrounds the forest. The forest has an unsettling history that has disturbed visitors, psychologists, and paranormal stories lovers.

On this note, let’s have a look at five eerie facts about this forest:

Aokigahara got its infamous name ‘Suicide Forest’ because many people have committed suicide here. As per Japanese police data from the early 2000s, more than 100 people have attempted suicide here every year, with many resulting in death. It’s so sad that local authorities conduct regular searches for bodies in the forest.

Legend has it (Japanese mythology) that Aokigahara is haunted by yūrei, also known as restless spirits of the dead. The forest is linked to the historical practice of ubasute, a custom in which elderly family members were left to die in remote regions in the times of famine. These stories just add to the negativity that surrounds the forest.

The forest is so dense that it’s difficult to get GPS signals inside. The trees here can block the outside sound completely adding to a deafening silence. The volcanic soil in the forest is rich in iron and is a possible reason for the interference with compasses and GPS signals. Visitors to the jungle become disoriented when inside.

There are some bravehearted volunteers who patrol the forest to save people from making the unwanted choices. There’s even signboards written right outside the forest which reads:
“Your life is a precious gift from your parents. Think once more about your parents, siblings, and children.”

It’s more like a maze-run inside the forest. The visitors often tie tapes around the trees or string to find their way back. However it has a weird implication: most of the time some of these trails lead to abandoned campsites and personal belongings. Its tragic legacy continues to draw the attention of the people from across the globe.