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Funatsu Lava Cave of Tree

Travel Information

Funatsu Lava Cave of Tree (船津胎内樹型) is one of contents of Fuji's the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This cave was made by the lava flow from Mt. Fuji about 1000 years ago. When the lava flow over the forest, the trees burned down but the its shape remained in the lava. Because the inside of this cave looks like the inside of the human body, this cave is call the in body cave. The wall of this cave looks like the ribs. So, it's called rib shaped lava and its ceiling looks like human's organ. There is a chamber enshrines Konohanasakuya, the goddess of Mt. Fuji. The chamber represents the womb of mother. So, going through this chamber means purified and reborn your body.

Tourist Info.
There are parking and restroom.
Admission: 200 yen for adult, 100 Yen Under Junior.
Time: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Monday except June to August.
Be careful, because it is very narrow cave. You have to wear light clothing and sneakers that are okey to get wet and dirty.

Access
0. at Fujisan Station.
1. use local bus to Kankyokagakukenkyujo iriguchi.
2. walk west


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Detailed Travel Guide

Funatsu Lava Cave of Tree

Funatsu Tainai Jukei is a cave created by the lava flow from Mt. Fuji. It is located in Lake Kawaguchi Field Center.

About 1,000 years ago the lave from Mt. Fuji flow over the forest and burned down the tree. Those fallen tree were burned down in the lava, but the shape of the trees remained and created the small caves. The surfaces of the trees created the unique texture on the wall that were looks like the inside of the human body.

Later, because it is located on the trail of Mt. Fuji climbing, many people who climb up Mt. Fuji, visit here to worship and cleansing their body and mind. Because inside of the cave looks like the womb of mother, people believe that going through this cave represents the reborn of your body.

Because of those historical and religious vaule, it is designated as one of the Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.