First Expedition: Gearing Up For Some Serious Adrenaline
Hello everyone and apologies for the delay to send updates on our first expedition.
As we’re all aware of, preparation is an essential factor for any outdoor adventure (specially this one!) and having the necessary 
supplies and equipment can make a difference in our overall enjoyment and experience. Due to this reason I will introduce some new information and rephrase a few others previously mentioned in past articles.
Picking-up The Car
The car, a 8-passenger van, will be picked up at 6am on June 5. The car rental*1 is located only a few minutes from Shinjuku Station.
Where We Will All Meet?
We will meet a couple of blocks away from Shinjuku Station*1 at 6.30am. If for reasonable circunstances you cannot make it on time please let us know well before the departure time. Please note that we will be able to wait only until 6.50am.
There’s an old saying that goes, “If you are five minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, then you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.” I couldn’t agree more.
What You Should Bring
When heading out for a hiking trip there are some definite basic items you should bring along and the most important are definitely food and water.
01. Water: Bring at least 2 bottles (500ml) of water but don’t drink it just because you have it. Drink enough to stay hydrated and save what you can in case of an emergency. Remember anything can happen at anytime, don’t assume you won’t need it.
02. Food: We, of course, won’t be able to bring a three course meal with us but try to carry enough energy bars to not only satisfy you for the length of our hiking but also extra to keep you alive for at least a week.
03. Cell phone: Make sure the battery is 100% charged (It might be a good idea to also bring one battery pack that can be easily purchased at any convenience store in Japan. Make sure to check if the plug is compatible with your cell phone model) and if you don’t get a signal the first time, try moving to a different location if possible.
04. Compass: Why a compass? A compass can be very important not only if you get lost but also if you call for help you can then aid rescuers in figuring out where you might be. Remember that technology is dependant on power and can be unpredictable and unreliable but a compass will almost always work (Not sure if that applies for Aokigahara though!).
05. Blanket / Jacket: If you are constantly feeling cold in Tokyo then it might be a good suggestion to bring a small blanket or a very warm jacket. Inside the forest it can get quite cold in the afternoon (or because of the presence of some ghosts) even if it is extremely hot outside.
06. Change of Clothes: Bring at least one change of clothes in case you fall over, trip or slip. You don’t want to scare everybody away on the train with that Sadako (character from the movie ‘The Ring’) looks on you.
07. Hiking Shoes/Boots: This is totally optional and I am not saying that you should buy hiking shoes in case you don’t own one but the protection of your feet needs to be given top priority when hiking. Foot pain or discomfort can quickly take the fun out of hiking, and an injury could prevent you from walking at all. Hiking boots are designed to provide comfort and support for the feet and ankles while walking on rough and wet ground as in Aokigahara. Wearing them will significantly reduce the wear and tear on your feet and minimize the risk of an injury.
Costs
On this trip we will share costs for the car rent (incl. insurance), gasoline (round trip), toll (round trip) which must be paid by the end of the trip.
| Car Rent | ¥20,160 (1-day hire / insurance incl.) |
| Gas | ¥10,000*2 |
| Toll | ¥ 6,400*2 (round trip) |
| Total | ¥36,560*2 |
| Total p/ Person (with 8 participants) |
¥ 4,570*2 |
| Total p/ Person (with 9 participants) |
¥ 4,062*2 |
| + Personal Expenses | ¥ 3,000 |
Please note that all spots were confirmed last week and if you cancel now or don’t show up on the day, you will still be liable to pay for your share.
Hiking can be fun and exciting but it can also be dangerous if we are ill prepared. A few rules we should hike by are to always tell someone where you are heading to and when they should expect you to return.
As for me, I am also gearing myself up with possibly every single thing to ensure the safety of every participant. Please mind yourselves that we will still head out to Aokigahara even if it rains.
If there is something you were not able to understand and/or wish to make a suggestion, please feel free to write it using the comment box below.
Looking forward to seeing you all next Saturday.
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Alex Kawano.
Official HE Blog Author
*1 For security reasons, I will send the location details to each participant by e-mail.
*2 Estimated costs. The final cost might differ slightly.
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08. Salt/Cross/Charm/Talisman/Amulet or Whatever: Just in case if we encounter supernatural phenomenon. aka sightings. Just saying….
Forgot to write that one down but I am totally taking blessed water to use on us and on the car! Hehe
There’s an old saying that goes, “If you are five minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, then you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”
S/be If you’re late – then you’re taking a 3 hour bus ride to the spot :p
I’d also like to add few things. These are some of the unwritten rules of the “etiquette” when one entering a forest. Based on local folklore, may sound a little superstition or urban legend where I grew up (java island) on how to travel safely and sound without offending the “residents” living inside the forest (if you know what I mean).
1. Do not litter.
2. Best to go to toilet and do your business 1st hand before entering, but if you really need to “go” while inside, better ASK and SAY permission. Not to your guide or your friends but to ask permission to the “residents”. This can be done simply just by saying. For example, if you need to go to bush or a tree, just say “excuse me” or “すいません” politely before you do your business.
3. Never ever let you mind go blank. To avoid being possessed. Normally they don’t do that unless somehow you did something offensive unintentionally. (See 1 & 2)
4. Careful when approached some tree. Usually the one looks aged or big. Most of the “residents” like to hang out there. And Caves too.
5. Stay on road track.
Well, that’s it!
Thanks for adding up this information Keio! Very wise!
40% chance of precipitation come Sat – fingers crossed folks.
Rain or no rain, all I know is that we are fecking going!
What is it that is always only me, Keio and YK who writes comments here? Where is everyone else!? Speak up, we can’t hear you folks!!!