Mount Haku, Sacred volcano in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Mount Haku is a volcano in Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan, reaching 2,702 meters and part of the volcanic chain along the mainland. The cone-shaped summit consists of layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and rock built up over thousands of years.
A monk named Taicho reached the top in 717, becoming the first documented climber and establishing the religious importance of the peak. Over the following centuries, the site grew into a center of mountain worship, drawing ascetics and believers from across Japan.
The name translates as "white mountain" and refers to the snow patches that remain on the summit for most of the year. Pilgrims and hikers still visit the shrines on the slopes, continuing a tradition of mountain worship that has shaped local life for generations.
Three main routes go up: the Kanko trail, the Sabo path, and the Hirase route, each offering different gradients and landscapes. Mountain huts are open during the climbing season for overnight stays, allowing visitors to split the ascent over two days.
UNESCO designated the surrounding area as a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1980, protecting 48,000 hectares of natural environment. This designation helps preserve the forests, wetlands, and alpine zones that surround the peak.
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