Saiko Bat Cave
Explore a vast lava cave formed by Mount Fuji's eruption, featuring unique volcanic rock formations and a cool, constant temperature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful exploration.
Saiko Bat Cave
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast lava cave formed by Mount Fuji's eruption, featuring unique volcanic rock formations and a cool, constant temperature.
"A fascinating geological wonder with an adventurous route, set within a beautiful, serene forest."
Wear grippy shoes! 👟
Paths can be slippery and uneven. Helmets are provided, but good footwear is essential for navigating the cave.
Bring a jacket! 🧥
The cave stays a cool 10-12°C year-round, so it can feel chilly, especially after being outside.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 1,373 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Volcanic Rock Formations
Marvel at unique lava ledges, shelves, and diatomite layers formed by Mount Fuji's ancient eruption.
The Challenging Route
Crawl through narrow tunnels and over petrified lava flows for an adventurous, memorable experience.
Aokigahara Forest Trails
Hike through the breathtaking, ancient Aokigahara Forest, connecting to other lava caves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Embrace the Cool
Explore Beyond the Cave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear grippy shoes! 👟
Paths can be slippery and uneven. Helmets are provided, but good footwear is essential for navigating the cave.
Bring a jacket! 🧥
The cave stays a cool 10-12°C year-round, so it can feel chilly, especially after being outside.
Explore the forest 🌲
Don't miss the beautiful Aokigahara Forest surrounding the cave. Well-maintained trails offer great hiking.
Combine with other caves 🧊
Visit the nearby Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave for a full lava tube experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear grippy shoes! 👟
Paths can be slippery and uneven. Helmets are provided, but good footwear is essential for navigating the cave.
Bring a jacket! 🧥
The cave stays a cool 10-12°C year-round, so it can feel chilly, especially after being outside.
Explore the forest 🌲
Don't miss the beautiful Aokigahara Forest surrounding the cave. Well-maintained trails offer great hiking.
Combine with other caves 🧊
Visit the nearby Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave for a full lava tube experience.
Check bus schedules 🚌
Public transport is available, but confirm bus times to plan your visit efficiently.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Saiko Bat Cave a fascinating geological site, particularly appreciating its unique volcanic formations and the adventurous challenging route. The cool, consistent temperature makes it a refreshing stop, and the surrounding Aokigahara Forest adds significant natural beauty to the experience. Some note the lack of bats and the limited English signage as minor drawbacks.
"Located in Aokigahara Forest near Lake Saiko, the Saiko Bat Cave is the largest lava cave formed by the eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 AD. The cave extends approximately 386 meters in total length and features several chambers and corridors with varying ceiling heights. It is part of the “Fugaku Wind Cave – Narusawa Ice Cave – Saiko Bat Cave” trio of lava tubes, all created by the same ancient lava flow.
The cave’s name comes from the bats that used to inhabit it, primarily the Eastern Bent-Wing Bats. However, the population has significantly decreased due to temperature fluctuations and human activity, and the cave is now mostly a geological site rather than a wildlife habitat.
Inside, visitors can observe fascinating natural formations such as lava ledges, lava shelves, and diatomite layers, which indicate the prehistoric water levels of the ancient Sea of Se-no-Umi. The cave’s temperature remains around 10°C (50°F) throughout the year, making it cool even during summer.
Illuminated pathways and safety railings make the route accessible, though some passages are narrow or require bending down. The cave tour takes about 15–20 minutes, and informative signs in Japanese and English explain geological features."
Anna Krzak
"This is the largest cave in the area, with multiple levels. There is a decent amount to see and learn about, and the free nature center attached to it makes it worth the visit. Inside the cave there is some signage in English, and some in only Japanese (no internet to translate either). There is a path that is easy and accessible, and an optional path with tunnels so small you almost have to crawl through them, which added to the fun factor for us.
More importantly, this area connects to a large network of trails through Aokigahara, an enormous old-growth forest that is breathtakingly beautiful. We used this cave as the starting point, then walked through the forest to the nearby Wind Cave (about an hour walk taking our time). There are maps all around and the trails are very well maintained and easy to follow. Taken as a whole, this was a really amazing day and well worth doing."
Timothy Neher
"A very nice cave inside a beautiful forest (actually part of Aokigahara Forest) that offers a standard route and a more difficult one. We, of course, decided to follow the more challenging one. It was worth it! We could walk over a petrified lava flow and other caves that supposedly host bats (we didn’t see any)."
Hartmut Bock (Eduprenur)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a local bus (e.g., Saiko Sightseeing Bus 'Green Line') that stops near the Saiko Bat Cave. Some visitors also opt for overnight buses from Kyoto to Fujikawaguchiko, which can be comfortable and a good way to save on accommodation.
Yes, Saiko Bat Cave is accessible by public transport. The Saiko Sightseeing Bus 'Green Line' from Kawaguchiko Station stops at the cave entrance. It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules as they can vary.
Many visitors enjoy cycling around the Fuji Five Lakes area, including to Saiko Bat Cave. It's a scenic route, especially around Lake Saiko and Lake Kawaguchiko.
The Saiko Bat Cave, Wind Cave, and Narusawa Ice Cave are relatively close. You can walk between them through the Aokigahara Forest, which is a beautiful experience. Alternatively, local buses connect these attractions.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors who are traveling by car. This is a convenient option if you are exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region with your own vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Saiko Bat Cave is typically around ¥350 per person.
The cave is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary by season. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Advance booking is usually not required for Saiko Bat Cave. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
There are no specific age limits mentioned for entering the cave, but the challenging route may not be suitable for very young children or individuals with mobility issues. Helmets are provided for safety.
Yes, you can explore the cave on your own. The paths are illuminated, and there are safety railings. Informative signs in Japanese and English are available to explain the geological features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip, as the cave floor can be slippery and uneven. Bring a light jacket or sweater as the cave temperature is a constant 10-12°C year-round. Layers are recommended.
While the main path is generally accessible, some sections of the cave, especially the optional challenging route, involve narrow passages and require bending or crawling. If you are severely claustrophobic, you might want to stick to the main path or reconsider.
Historically, the cave was named for the bats that inhabited it. However, due to environmental changes and human activity, bat sightings are now rare. The cave is primarily a geological attraction.
The standard cave tour takes about 15-20 minutes. If you choose the more challenging route with crawling sections, it might take a bit longer.
Restroom facilities are usually available near the entrance of the Saiko Bat Cave, along with a nature center that provides more information about the cave and the surrounding Aokigahara Forest.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Saiko Bat Cave. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb the cave environment and potentially any wildlife.
The cave itself offers unique geological formations for photography. The surrounding Aokigahara Forest and the views of Mount Fuji from nearby areas are also excellent photo opportunities.
Due to low light conditions inside the cave, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. Consider using a wider aperture and a higher ISO, or a longer exposure if using a tripod.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural parks and sensitive ecological areas like Aokigahara Forest to protect wildlife and the environment. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
While bats are rarely seen now, if you are fortunate enough to spot one, it's important to be respectful and avoid disturbing them. Focus on capturing the natural formations of the cave.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit