Mt. Hakusan 白山

At over 2,000 meters high, Mt. Hakusan is recognized as one of Japan's three most sacred mountains, along with Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka and Mt. Tateyama in Toyama .

Mt. Hakusan is accessible by bus from Kanazawa Station during the summer hiking season.

During the climbing season, there are buses from Kanazawa Station to the Bettodeai trailhead on certain days. From the East Exit of the station, take the bus bound for Ichinose from stand #1 of the rotary. The ride takes about two hours and costs 2,100 yen. From Ichinose, take a shuttle bus bound for Bettodeai. The ride costs 800 yen.

The trailhead is easily accessed by rental car, but during busy times cars must park at the Ichinose parking lot and take a shuttle bus to Bettodeai.

There are two trails leading up to the peak from Bettodeai. Both paths take you through forested switchbacks for a few hours until the trail reaches alpine territory above the treeline.

From the plateau you will see the Murodo mountain lodge at 2,450 meters (8,038 ft). The lodge has basic facilities and space for 750 people. You need to make reservations in advance to stay here. It takes 30 minutes to reach the summit from Murodo.

At the summit of Mt. Hakusan stands the small shrine Shirayamahime, a mini version of the one at the base of the mountain. If the weather is good, you will be rewarded by spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and the Northern Japan Alps. You can do a loop hike from the top back to Murodo hut, passing by several blue-green crater lakes. The loop around the top takes just under one hour.

If you are not staying at the hut and you are taking public transportation, go up early and allow enough time to hike back down to Bettodeai to catch the last bus to Kanazawa Station . The descent takes approximately three hours, and during peak season the bus departs at 1:30 p.m. from Bettodeai.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website.