Mt. Haku
Map
Mt. Haku is a sacred mountain 2,702 m high spanning Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures, counted as one of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama. Shirayama Hime Shrine, the head shrine of about 2,700 Hakusan shrines across Japan, stands at its foot, and an inner shrine is located at the summit of the highest peak, Gozengamine. Since 1951 the summit area has been part of the grounds of Shirayama Hime Shrine.
Sacred Site Info
- Type
- Sacred mountain
- Legend
- It is said to have been opened as a sacred mountain by the priest Taicho in 717 (the first year of the Yoro era). Hakusan Gongen has been enshrined here since ancient times, and together with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Tateyama it has been revered as one of the "Three Sacred Mountains of Japan."
- Element
- Mountain, water
History & Origins
It is said to have been opened in 717 (the 1st year of Yoro) by the monk Taicho, and as the base of Hakusan faith since ancient times it flourished in the medieval period as a sacred mountain of Hakusan Shugendo. Ascetics climbed from three trailheads (the three baba) in Kaga, Echizen, and Mino, forming a wide sphere of faith.
Highlights
From Gozengamine at the summit you can see the three provinces of Kaga, Echizen, and Mino at a glance. Murodo (2,450 m) has the Murodo-sha of Shirayama Hime Shrine, which many pilgrim climbers visit. Alpine plants are abundant, and rare flowers such as the black lily can be seen.
Visitor Guide
The most common route is from Betto-deai on the Ishikawa side (shuttle bus from Ichinose). At Murodo near the summit there is a Mountain Visitor Center and lodging, making a two-day pilgrimage climb possible. The climbing season is usually from July to mid-October.
Best Season
July to August, when alpine plants are at their best, is the peak season. The autumn leaves of October and the quiet before the snow are also appealing.
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