Located in the city of Fujiyoshida, Shizuoka Prefecture, the Aokigahara Shrine honors the spirits of those who reside within its dense forest. The shrine is famous for being a popular destination for visitors seeking to purify their minds and bodies during their stay in the nearby town of Kamakura.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 34.8686945, 138.3223514
Visitor tip
When visiting the shrine, be sure to bring a handful of salt from the sea and burn it on the grounds to purify your mind and ward off evil spirits.
Cultural notes
The Aokigahara Shrine is said to be inhabited by the spirit of the local deity, 'Mori-no-kami', who is believed to protect travelers in need. During the Obon festival, lanterns are lit on the forest paths to guide spirits back home.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 1681 as an offshoot of the Kegon-ji temple, but its location within the Aokigahara forest was considered sacred by local inhabitants long before its founding.