Aokigahara Suicide Forest (near Mount Fuji, Japan)

At the northwest base of Mount Fuji is an 8,600-acre forest so dense it's peculiarly silent. Wind can barely sway the trees. And wildlife is scarce here. The dark forest, linked with demons in Japanese mythology, is best known for its suicides. More than 500 people have taken their lives here since the 1950s. Every year bodies, bones, makeshift nooses, and flowers left by grieving friends and family are found on the forest floor.

Get creeped: Even with a GPS or compass it's easy to get lost. Fujikawaguchiko Town leads nature hikes through Aokigahara to a large lava cave where bats hibernate in winter. En route, watch for the plastic tape used by local volunteers to mark search patterns during the forest's annual search for bodies.

Stay: Check Japanican.com for deals on hotels, traditional ryokan inns, tours, and train fare.

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