Possibly the world's spookiest location
Aokigahara is the undisputed top of the list of the World's Creepiest Forests. Not just because the dense tree growth makes it claustrophobic, dark even at the height of the day, and eerily silent. Nor is it due to the surprising lack of common wildlife like small birds and squirrels, which gives the forest an abandoned feeling. Or the fact that navigation is almost impossible, because the overhead tree canopy makes it hard to get a GPS signal, and the forest floor's rich deposits of magnetic ore make traditional compasses almost useless.
No, it's mostly because Aokigahara has earned its nickname of "the Suicide Forest."
The forest has always been considered off-putting. It lies at the base of the renowned Mt. Fuji, and has historically been associated with demons and ghosts. And it has long been a popular place for committing suicide - according to Wikipedia, it is "the world's second most popular suicide location after San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge."
The modern popularity is traced back to a 1960 novel in which the protagonists, doomed lovers, travel to Aokigahara to commit suicide. It is difficult to get specific numbers on the suicide statistics, because not all of the bodies are found. And the local government has been downplaying the numbers, in the hopes of making it seem less appealing.
A particularly memorable episode of Destination Truth investigated Aokigahara forest. The team members found several small caches of personal items (like wallets and photographs) which had apparently been discarded by their owners pre-suicide. They also experienced a considerable amount of paranormal activity, and caught some amazing footage of what appeared to be a man's shadowy form rise from the ground before sinking back in.
While investigating, the team also stumbled across another team of so-called investigators. These may have just been curious kids out to get a good scare, but they could also have been grave robbers. Unfortunately, Aokigahara's reputation has led it to become haunted by those who rob the bodies of the recently deceased, as well.
The forest is so remote and dense that it cannot effectively be patrolled. Once a year, a team of volunteers sweeps the forest to remove the dead bodies. Between 75-100 people commit suicide in Aokigahara every year, which means that in between annual patrols, morbid finds abound for the curiosity seeking hikers (and paranormal investigation teams) who venture inside.
If you are considering suicide, please reach out for help. In the United States, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).