Hakusan City is an area in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, and includes one of Japan's three famous mountains - Mt. Hakusan. In addition to the hot spring resorts and historic buildings at the foot of the mountain, there are also a wide range of tourist attractions such as natural scenic spots and museums.
About Hakusan City
Hakusan City is an area rich in nature, surrounded by the mountains, rivers and the sea. It's also the largest city in Ishikawa Prefecture, with an abundance of tourist attractions.
The tourism area of Hakusan City is divided into three major areas: the urban northern area which faces the Sea of Japan, the central area which is centered around the Tedori River, and the southern area with Mt. Hakusan.
Highlights and Things to Do in Hakusan City
Every different area of Hakusan City has its own charms. Here, we will introduce some of the features and our recommendations for each area.
The Northern Area: The Sea and River Delta Area
The northern area includes the tourism base of Hakusan City - JR Matto Station, with the urban area spreading out along the delta facing the sea. There are a variety of tourist attractions, from seaside spots such as beaches and coastal parks, to the Shishiku Kogen highlands at the height of 650 meters, where you can experience paragliding.
There are also many shrines and temples, such as the Shirayama Hime-jinja Shrine, which is dedicated to the deity of the sacred Mt. Hakusan, and the Kinken-gu, which is said to be the oldest shrine in the Hokuriku area.
The Central Area: The River and Valley Area
The central area centers around the Tedori River with a beautiful natural landscape. The Tedori Gorge is a must-see scenic spot. With cliffs that rise about 20-30 meters, you can also see the dynamic 32 meter high Watagataki waterfall.
Besides in this area, you may find the Hakusan Seymour Ski Resort and a number of hot springs.
The Southern Area: The Mountain and Snow Area
The southern area boasts its natural beauty with Mt. Hakusan as its main star. Featured activities depend on the season, with mountain climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. You might also pay a visit to the Hakusan Dinosaur Park Shiramine which exhibits fossils excavated in Hakusan City and dioramas depicting the era of the dinosaurs, or Hakuho where many traditional buildings leave reminiscent feelings of the old days.
There are also many hot spring facilities and communal baths as well as foot baths which might be ideal for your short day trip. The foot baths are free, so we highly recommend them!
Restaurants and Food in Hakusan City
Hakusan City is blessed with natural ingredients from the river and mountains. Therefore, the city is famous for its gourmet dishes such as Hakusan Hyakuzen and soba noodles. Most restaurants that specialize on these dishes can be found near the northern area of the city. There are also some restaurants dotted around the central and southern areas, though not as many.
Hotels and Inns in Hakusan City
There are plentiful accommodations in all the areas of Hakusan City. In the northern area are many hotels and guesthouses, while the central area has mostly small privately owned hotels and inns. The southern area has hot spring resorts such as Ichirino and Shiramine, as well as small hotels and guesthouses.
Access to Hakusan City
If you are sightseeing in Hakusan City, first head to JR Matto Station. Take the Hokuriku Main Line from JR Kanazawa Station, and get off in about 10 minutes. To get to the various sightseeing spots and area, take the local bus from JR Matto Station.
Spot information
- Spot name: Hakusan City (JR Matto Station)
- Street address: Ainoki-machi 1020, Hakusan-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture 〒924-0022
- Access: About 10 minutes by Hokuriku Main Line from JR Kanazawa Station
- Wi-Fi: Available (Hakusan Free Wi-Fi)
- Language: English
- Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International
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