Hakusan

Hakusan, meaning White Mountain, is a Japanese geographic name used for several places and features, most prominently Mount Hakusan and Hakusan National Park. The mountain is a sacred peak in central Japan and a major landmark on the border between Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures.

Mount Hakusan stands at 2,702 meters and forms the centerpiece of Hakusan National Park. It is a popular destination for hikers and pilgrims, and its routes ascend through alpine and subalpine zones. The mountain has long been revered in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and researchers and visitors study its natural environments, including diverse flora and fauna that occupy the higher elevations. The peak is often included in lists of notable Japanese mountains enjoyed for its scenery and cultural significance.

Hakusan National Park was established in 1962 to protect the Hakusan massif and surrounding highland areas. The park spans portions of Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures and preserves a range of ecosystems, from forested lower slopes to high-altitude meadows and rocky slopes. It also covers cultural landscapes associated with traditional mountain worship and seasonal harvests.

Hakusan is also the name of a city in Ishikawa Prefecture, named after Mount Hakusan. Hakusan City (Hakusan-shi) is located in the region surrounding the mountain and derives its identity from the prominent peak, reflecting the cultural and economic influence of Hakusan in the area.