Sacred Mountain Hakusan
—A Holy Peak Adorned with Snow and Alpine Plants—
Date of Designation: November 12, 1962
Area: 49,900 ha
Related Prefecture: Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Gifu
Hakusan National Park is stretching approximately 40 km north-south and 30 km east-west comprising the three peaks of Mt. Hakusan--the highest, Gozengamine (2,702 m above sea level), Onanjmine (2,684 m above sea level), and Kengamine (2,677 m above sea level)--and surrounding mountains.
At the foot of the mountains at altitudes of 1,600 m or less are expansive natural forests comprising mainly Japanese beech, while in alpine and subalpine belts some 250 species of alpine plants can be seen, including Geranium yesoemse var. nipponicum and chocolate lily , and the primeval natural environment is being preserved.
Moreover, the park is a habitat for the Asian black bear, Japanese serow, golden eagle, and other large wild animals and birds, and as a national park with one of the highest levels of naturalness in Japan, the park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve in accordance with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).
In winter, Mt. Hakusan is covered in deep snow brought by seasonal northeast winds. In mountain areas at altitudes of 500 m or higher, it is estimated that approx. 600 million tons of snow accumulate. This snow is a major element in the formation of Mt. Hakusan's natural environment, bringing rich blessings to the foot of the mountains and nurturing a distinctive Snow Country landscape and culture.