Mount Hakusan

What to know

Mount Hakusan (白山) is a dormant volcano straddling the border between Ishikawa and Gifu Prefectures. At 2,702 meters, it is the tallest peak west of the Japanese Alps and lies at the heart of Hakusan National Park. Along with Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama, it is revered as one of Japan's three most sacred mountains. Snow covers the peak for more than half the year, making the climbing season from June to October the prime time for hikers.

The most popular route begins at the Bettodeai Trailhead, where a round trip to the summit takes 8–10 hours. With an early start, a day climb is possible, but a rental car is recommended since limited bus service makes it hard to finish before the last bus. Shiramine Onsen nearby serves as a convenient base for the climb.

Two trails, Sabo Shindo and Kanko Shindo, ascend from Bettodeai. Both are similar in distance, but the southern Sabo Shindo is less steep, making it easier and faster. The Kanko Shindo follows a ridge with panoramic mountain views, especially on the descent. Each trail has a small mountain hut for overnight stays (reservations required).

The 6.6 km climb to Murodo takes about 3.5–5 hours. Murodo is a well-equipped mountain station with lodging (reservations required), toilets, a visitor center, shop, dining hall, shrine, and medical station. It's a great spot to rest, grab a snack, and refill water before the final ascent. From Murodo, it's a relatively easy 30–40 minute climb to Gozengamine Peak at the top.

At the summit stands the satellite shrine of Shirayamahime Shrine, whose main buildings are in Hakusan City below. The peak offers breathtaking views stretching to the Sea of Japan and the Northern Alps.

From the peak, you can return to Murodo the same way or take the Oike Meguri loop, which descends past several mountain ponds back to Murodo. This loop adds about 30 minutes (1.5 km) but offers nice scenery. Other trails approach Mount Hakusan from various points, including long-distance treks to Hakusan Super Rindo and Shirakawa-go.