Narusawa Ice Cave

Narusawa Ice Cave is a vertical, pit-type lava cave full of natural undulations, located at the eastern entrance of the Aokigahara Forest. It was formed when lava flowed down during the 864 eruption of Nagao-yama, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji. In 1929, it was designated a National Natural Monument and introduced to the world as a precious site. The cave interior stays cold at about 3°C year-round and is covered in ice, hence the name “Ice Cave.” The total length is about 150 meters, and you can walk a full loop in roughly 15 minutes. Inside there are many stairs, and the ground is damp and slippery, so avoid sandals or high heels. The ceiling is low—at the lowest point, about 91 cm—so take care while walking. There is also a food corner where you can enjoy local B-grade gourmet foods such as Fujinomiya yakisoba, Yoshida udon, houtou manju, and sweetcorn soft-serve. Access: about 30 minutes by route bus from Kawaguchiko Station; get off at “Fuketsu” (Wind Cave) or “Hyoketsu” (Ice Cave) bus stop. You can also use the Kawaguchiko–Saiko area coupon for the retro bus.