“Hakusan” is actually not a single mountain, but a mountain range. Its highest peak, Gozengamine, stands at 2,702 meters above sea level. Beautiful alpine plants are scattered across the rugged volcanic terrain, with spectacular views everywhere. Why is it called “Hakusan,” or “White Mountain”? Of course, it’s because this is an area with heavy snowfall, and the summit is often covered in snow. In ancient times, Japan’s Hokuriku region was called the Province of Koshi, so Hakusan was known as “Koshi no Hakusan.” Since white was regarded as a sacred color, Koshi no Hakusan has long been a mountain admired by the Japanese and frequently appeared in waka poetry. Of Japan’s three famous mountains, if you’ve already visited Mount Fuji and Mount Tate, you should make a trip to Hakusan too!
The photos show the Hakusan range as seen from Kanazawa (January) and from the rooftop parking lot at Costco Kanazawa.
