Yamanashi

Narusawa Ice Cave in Yamanashi

Permanently frozen cave under forest near Mount Fuji

Cathy Cawood Aug 12, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Buy a ticket from the ticket machine</p>

<p>You can hire a helmet if you like  </p>

<p>As soon as you start down the steps you feel the chill</p>

<p>Delicate ice pillars have formed between the icy floor and the low ceiling in this area of the cave</p>

<p>Don't bump your head on the low rocky ceiling</p>

The ground beneath the forest near Mount Fuji is honeycombed with caves and tunnels formed by gas trapped within lava as it cooled. As soon as you start to descend the steps the chill rises to meet you, and once you are actually inside the cave it is very cold indeed. I expected more ice, and I believe there is more in winter, but I went there on a hot summer day. If you visit this cave, you will definitely need at least a jacket. It's freezing down there!

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Find out more about Narusawa Ice Cave.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...