Discovering Hakusan - Japan’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, Hakusan is a city and region brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. Despite its proximity to Kanazawa, a booming tourist destination, Hakusan remains relatively unknown to many international travelers, even to many Japanese. Let us introduce you to the wonders of Hakusan, including its UNESCO designations, historical significance, arts and crafts, agriculture, outdoor activities, and festivals.

Proximity to Kanazawa and Accessibility

Hakusan is located just south of Kanazawa, making it an easy addition to any itinerary featuring a visit to Kanazawa, even if just passing through Ishikawa Prefecture. These days Kanazawa is extremely well-connected by shinkansen, from Komatsu airport, and of course also by highway, allowing visitors to reach Hakusan quickly and easily, no matter how you choose to arrive here. The city spans diverse landscapes—from coastal areas along the Sea of Japan to the rugged mountainous region dominated by Mount Hakusan.

UNESCO Designations: Geopark and Biosphere Reserve

Hakusan boasts two prestigious UNESCO recognitions:

Hakusan Tedori Geopark: This geopark highlights the geological significance of Mount Hakusan and the Tedori River. The theme “Water nurtures life” reflects the interconnected ecosystems spanning mountains, rivers, and seas.
Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve: Established in 1980 as part of UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere” program, this reserve protects diverse ecosystems ranging from temperate forests to alpine meadows. The area is home to unique flora like Hakusan kozakura (Primula cuneifolia) and fauna such as golden eagles and Asiatic black bears.

Hakusan is one of Japan’s “Three Sacred Mountains,” alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama. While Mount Fuji is globally renowned for its iconic shape and cultural symbolism, Mount Hakusan offers a quieter but equally spiritual experience. Its alpine landscapes are less commercialized, making it ideal for hikers and nature lovers seeking tranquility.

The Tedori River flows from Mount Hakusan, carrying pristine snow-melt water that supports agriculture and sustains local communities. This water is celebrated for its purity and contributes to the region’s high-quality agricultural produce.

Hakusan has a rich tradition of arts and crafts tied to its culture and natural resources:

Pottery: The area is known for ceramics influenced by Kaga traditions, including the “Kutani-yaki” famous in this region.
Textiles: Silk weaving has historical roots in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Woodworking: Craftsmen create intricate wooden items using timber from local forests.
These crafts reflect the harmony between human creativity and nature.

The fertile valleys of Hakusan are ideal for farming. Key crops include:

Rice: Ishikawa Prefecture produces the famoust “Koshihikari” rice variety, some of the best in all of Japan.
Chrysanthemums: Known as Japan’s largest cut flower crop market.
Vegetables: Seasonal produce thrives thanks to the clean mountain water that irrigates a vast array of rice fields and farms.

Hakusan also offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts – to name just a few:

1. Hiking Mount Hakusan:

The summit stands at 2,702 meters above sea level.
Trails open from late June through October due to the heavy snow conditions throughout much of the rest of the year.
A hike typically takes 6–8 hours one way. Shiramine Onsen serves as a convenient base for climbers.

2. Skiing:

Winter brings heavy snowfall from the constant weather systems coming in from the Sea of Japan to the west, making it ideal for skiing enthusiasts. Hakusan Seymour and Ichirino Ski Resorts are both co-managed and easily accesible from the Hakusan area. It’s close proximity make even day ski trips from Kanazawa possible.

3. Cycling:

The Tedori Canyon Road is a 19.6Km (39.2Km round trip) former railway-turned-cycling path stretching from the old Tsurugi Station to the “roadside station” in Sena, the last stop before ascending up into the mountains towards Ichirino and the Hakusan White Road.

4. Geological Exploration:

Visit Watagataki Falls at Tedori Gorge or learn about volcanic activity at the geopark centers.

Hakusan also boasts a long and rich local history that is deeply intertwined with Japan’s feudal Samurai era:

1. Ikko-Ikki Uprising:

During the Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries), Buddhist sects led uprisings against samurai rule in Kaga Province (modern-day Ishikawa). These movements shaped regional politics.

2. Samurai Legacy:

Kaga Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate was one of Japan’s wealthiest domains. Samurai culture flourished here during the Edo period.

3. Sacred Traditions:

Mount Hakusan has been revered since ancient times as a sacred site for Shinto worship.

Hakusan also hosts many unique festivals that celebrate local culture:

1. Horai Matsuri Festival:

An event not to be missed, held every year in early October, this is an 800+ year old festival centered around the famous Kinkengu Temple which celebrates the annual autumn harvest. Its highlights are a series of huge floats called “Tsukurimono”, carrying 5-meter tall historical and mythic characters which are paraded through town and stop at many local businesses and residences to give blessings in exchange for offerings ($) meant to bring luck for the following year.

2. Shiramine Snow Festival (February):

Highlights winter traditions with snow sculptures and activities.

3. Hakusan Festival (August):

Features traditional music, dance performances, and fireworks.

Hakusan combines breathtaking natural landscapes with deep cultural roots and exciting activities. Whether hiking its sacred mountain or exploring historical sites tied to samurai and Buddhist uprisings, visitors will find themselves immersed in an authentic Japanese experience far removed from bustling tourist hubs. Add this hidden gem to your itinerary—you’ll leave with memories as pure as its mountain water!