Narusawa Ice Cave 鳴沢氷穴

Narusawa Ice Cave is a frozen subterranean realm located in the heart of the Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mt. Fuji that formed when nearby Mt. Nagao erupted.

While you're in the area, check out Fugaku Wind Cave nearby as well. The best time to see the ice in these caves is naturally in winter, but you'll also find this a cool retreat in the summer. You can buy a ticket that allows entry into both caves.

You can reach the cave by train, bus or car.

If arriving via train, disembark at Kawaguchiko Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line. From there, the cave is a 30-minute bus ride away.

If arriving by car from Tokyo, exit at the Kawaguchiko Interchange.

The ice cave was created after Mt. Nagao, which formed Mt. Fuji's northwestern flank, erupted violently in 864. Lava hollowed out a vast underground cave. Temperatures drop steadily as you make your way down the stairs and through low, dark tunnels.

The ice pillars that form here grow bigger in the winter, and sometimes the stalactites and stalagmites actually connect. The cave's temperature hovers around zero degrees Celsius year-round, and it was once used to store seeds and silkworm cocoons.

Be sure to bring something warm to wear, even at the height of summer.

Pair your visit to the Ice Cave with one to the Fugaku Wind Cave. You can walk there from the Ice Cave in about 20 minutes.

Extending 200 meters below ground, the Fugaku Wind Cave features impressive lava formations, while unusual light moss colonies accentuate its natural beauty. One notable aspect of this cave is that there are no echoes: the wall of basaltic rock absorbs sound.