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
Trail reviews for Hakusan National Park
Nice hike, not technical at all, and quite doable with the overnight stay at Murodo lodge. Here are some links i found helpful for planning the trip from Kanazawa: - bus from Kanazawa to and from Ichinose: https://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/news/news-7699/ - shuttle bus between Ichinose and Betto Deai (trail start): https://map.ishikawa.jp/hakusan-bus-2025/ FYI on Saturdays the trail is quite popular and rather crowded, also the beds in the lodge sell out early