Hakusan — The Sacred Mountain
A journey around the sacred Mount Hakusan — from temples to panoramic roads and mountain gorges
WHITE MOUNTAIN
Mount Haku is one of the three sacred mountains of Japan
The sacred Mount Hakusan unites the lands of three prefectures: Fukui, Ishikawa, and Gifu. From Fukui, it is revered as Echizen Mountain, from Ishikawa—as Kaga Mountain, from Gifu—as Mino Mountain. For centuries, people have gazed at the same white peak from different sides, considering it sacred.
In 717, the monk Taicho was the first to ascend Hakusan via the Echizen trails. Later, pilgrimage routes appeared from Kaga and Mino, and thousands journeyed to the mountain that provided water to the fields, served as a landmark for fishermen, and connected entire regions.
Today, the path around Hakusan leads through the moss-covered ruins of Heisenji, the mountain valleys of Bettodeai, and the picturesque Hakusan White Road with its waterfalls and gorges. The landscapes change, but the mountain itself remains unchanged—a white peak uniting three provinces and countless human stories.
Additional options
- Advanced mountain ascent for experienced climbers
- Outdoor tea ceremony with mountain views
- Helicopter tour over Hakusag and the Japanese Alps
- Accommodation in a mountain inn with hot springs and kaiseki cuisine
- Professional photography in alpine meadows, along ancient trails, and in sacred forests
- Seasonal program for autumn foliage viewing on White Road
*Please note that meals and additional optional fees are not included in the price of this tour.
*This itinerary involves long transfers, as it includes visits to Heisenji (Fukui side), Bettodeai, and White Road (Ishikawa side). White Road is usually open from early June to around November 10; the schedule may vary depending on the season, weather, and road conditions. The optimal period is from July to October, when alpine flowers are in bloom and the entire route is open.