Mt Haku

Mt Haku (Japanese: 白山) or Hakusan is one of Japan’s great sacred mountains, a vast, snow‑laden triple-peaked volcanic hyakumeizan* that rises above the Hokuriku region. Most hikers approach from the Bettō Deai trailhead, crossing the large suspension bridge that marks the beginning of the climb. It’s an impressive gateway that is followed by a steady climb through deep forest. Although Bettō Deai is the most popular starting point, Hakusan is ringed with many other trails, each offering a different angle on the mountain’s enormous, varied terrain.

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Snow defines Hakusan. Even in early summer, huge fields of lingering white cover the upper slopes, feeding the mountain’s rich flora and fauna. Alpine flowers bloom in brilliant clusters once the snow retreats, and the forests below are alive with birds, insects and occasional signs of larger wildlife including bears. The mountain’s ecosystems are famously diverse, shaped by heavy precipitation and wide elevation ranges.

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About an hour below the summit sits Murodo, a large and welcoming mountain hut that serves as the central base for hikers. In peak season it becomes lively, but its size and warmth make it a reassuring presence in such a vast landscape. From Murodo, the trail climbs toward Hakusan’s volcanic summit area, where broad paths loop around old craters and weathered lava formations that the form the peaks, the highest of which is called Gozengamine. Walking these circuits gives a clear sense of the mountain’s geological history that has been shaped by fire.

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I particularly enjoy climbing Hakusan in May, when snow still blankets the upper ridges and car access to Bettō Deai is permitted. The crowds are fewer, the air is crisp, and the contrast between white slopes and emerging greenery is beautiful. 

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* 100 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)