Narusawa Lava Tree Molds

The Narusawa Lava Tree Molds are twelve cylindrical cavities carved into rock by ancient volcanic flows that hardened around tree trunks. Each opening reveals the exact shape of a tree that once stood in the path of flowing lava.

These formations came from Mount Fuji's major eruption in 864, when slow-moving lava flowed through a forest covering the land. The hardened lava left permanent imprints of the trees that grew in its path.

The Japanese government recognizes these geological formations as Special Natural Monuments, highlighting their significance in understanding volcanic processes and natural history.

The site is straightforward to explore with marked pathways connecting all twelve cavities and protective barriers surrounding each one. You can see each formation clearly and safely without complicated navigation.

This location holds the densest concentration of lava tree molds found anywhere on Earth, making it one of the few places worldwide where this geological phenomenon appears in such abundance. The tight clustering of all the cavities allows visitors to compare the different diameters of the tree trunks and understand the range of sizes in the ancient forest.

Location: Narusawa

GPS coordinates: 35.48000,138.69833

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:57