Best trails in Hakusan National Park
Hakusan National Park includes some of the highest mountains in western Japan, and is home to volcanic lakes, plateaus, and lush beech-based natural forests. It has also been designated as a biosphere reserve (UNESCO Ecopark). It is said to be over 1,800 years old and is also home to the Ishiteshiro Osugi, a special natural monument of the country, making it a treasure trove of rich nature.
Mt. Hakusan, the symbolic peak of this park, is also known as a sacred mountain and has been worshiped as a religious object since ancient times. Also, as one of Japan's three sacred mountains, it was considered the culmination of Shugendo, the practice of ascetic practices on this sacred mountain. There are other sightseeing spots such as Hyakushijo Falls, a scenic spot, Lake Hakusui where the bright autumn leaves decorate the lake, Shirakawa-go, which is registered as a World Heritage Site and is famous as a gassho-zukuri village, and Chugu Onsen, where you can enjoy camping and hot springs. It is also a national park full of various attractions.
Top trails
- (31)·Hard·9.0 mi·Est. 8–8.5 hrThe mountain is an active volcano. The path is a rugged ascent that takes you up through several distinct zones. You will climb through a magnificent forest of native Japanese beech trees. As you get higher, the trail opens into a vast alpine world of Siberian dwarf pine and protected alpine flowers. The high-altitude reward is the summit plateau. Here, you will find the Gozen-ga-mine Peak and the Hakusan Okumiya Shrine, a major pilgrimage site. The mountain is famous for its rock ptarmigan...
- (11)·Hard·9.0 mi·Est. 8–8.5 hrMount Hakusan: Hirasedo Course (白山: 平瀬道) One of the "three holy peaks" and also one of the 100 top famous mountains in Japan. This route starts from the trailhead near Lake Hakusui and heads to the summit of Mount Hakusan via Mount Okura. Hiking this trail, you will see magnificent landscapes of Hakusan from the path and the mountains.
- (6)·Moderate·1.7 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrMount Sanpoiwadake - Sanpoiwa Parking Lot (三方岩岳 - 三方岩駐車場) Heading to Mount Sanpoiwadake from Sanpoiwa Parking Lot. The mountain is known for the superb views of Mount Hakusan and the Northern Alps of Japan from the 360 degrees summit, plus alpine plants such as the daylilies and virgin forests of beeches.
- (6)·Hard·7.1 mi·Est. 6.5–7 hrMount Nodanishoji - Mount Sanpoiwadake - Gifu Prefecture Magari Toll Loop (野谷壮司山 - 三方岩岳 - 岐阜県馬狩料金所) A loop trekking route departing from the trailheads at Gifu Prefecture Magari Toll stretches to Mount Sanpoiwadake and Mount Nodanishoji. Hikers cans enjoy the superb views of Mount Hakusan and the Northern Alps of Japan from each summit.
- (1)·Strenuous·13.2 miThis trail traverses the Tonbiiwa (Sill Rock) course, a segment that involves navigating large boulders and gravelly paths. As the route ascends, the vegetation transitions from dense beech and birch forests into a subalpine zone of stunted pine shrubs and open grasslands. Patches of snow often remain in the gullies well into the summer. This high-altitude area is home to the Japanese stoat and the Japanese serow, a goat-antelope.
- (3)·Hard·5.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrMount Dainichigatake (大日ヶ岳) Located in Hakusan National Park. It is known as the mountain for snow sports, and there are many ski resorts in the area. From Dynaland, one of the largest ski resorts in western Japan and goes through steep slopes, then reaches the summit of the mountain. You can see spacious green views from the mountain and the path.
- Hard·5.6 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrItoshiro trailhead - Choshigamine（石徹白登山口 - 銚子ヶ峰） Choshigamine straddles Gujo City and Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. The mountain range is located in Hakusan National Park, the highest peak in Gujo City. This course starts from the Itoshiro trailhead. The Itoshiro starting point is the entrance to the Itoshiro trail (the south traversing road, the former Mino Zenjo trail), but it is often used for descents due to its long distance. Private cars and taxis can enter the trailhead directly,...
- Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrMount Hakusan (白山) One of the "three holy peaks", and also one of the 100 top famous mountains in Japan. Starting from the trailhead near Lake Hakusui and heads to the summit of Mount Hakusan via Mount Okura. It offers you the magnificent landscapes of Hakusan National Park from the path and the mountains. Walking this route, you will go through seven large and small crater lakes and ponds around the summit of Mount Hakusan, where you can enjoy excellent views.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Hakusan National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Hakusan National Park is Mount Hakusan, which has a 4.6 star rating from 31 reviews. This trail is 9.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,773 ft.
What is the longest trail in Hakusan National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Hakusan National Park is 白山: 砂防新道 - トンビ岩コース. This trail is estimated to be 13.2 mi long.
How many trails are in Hakusan National Park?
There are 11 trails in Hakusan National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 61 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Hakusan National Park?
白山: 砂防新道 - トンビ岩コース has the most elevation gain with 6,394 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Hakusan: Hirasedo Course, which has 4,849 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Hakusan National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 camping trails in Hakusan National Park and the most popular is Mount Hakusan with an average 4.6 star rating from 31 community reviews.
