Hakusan City Tourist Information Guide

This is the head shrine of about 3,000 Hakusan shrines in Japan, where people worship Mt. Hakusan as a sacred mountain where a deity is believed to dwell. Its Okunomiya (rear shrine) is in Hakusan National Park. On the grounds of the shrine, there are giant trees that are about 1,000 years old, which provide an awe-inspiring atmosphere. People pray for bumper crops, the wellbeing of their family members, academic achievements, successful romantic relationships or marriage, and so on. The main approach to the shrine leads to the sacred world of Shintoism. Many people pay a visit to the shrine on the first day of the month, which is known as "Otsuitachi-mairi." The Homotsu-kan museum houses many cultural properties, including important cultural assets.

At the foot of Shishiku Plateau 650m above sea level, there is a big resort facility with museums that feature carved wooden lion heads from Asian countries, including Japan's biggest one, and dolls used for Horai Festival. There are also a souvenir shop and a restaurant. You can take the gondola to the top, where you will have a commanding view of the Sea of Japan, and you can also enjoy hiking. Reservations are required for tandem paragliding, which even beginners can experience. At "Kogen-no-Café" on the top, you can enjoy eye-pleasing sweets such as French toast and a beverage, while taking in the breathtaking view of the alluvial fan.

This shrine is said to have been founded in 95 B.C. Its old name, "Tsurugi-no-miya," is the origin of the name of the town of Tsurugi. In recent years, it has been a popular "power spot" reputed to give people luck with regards to money.

This is a temple with one of the biggest Fudo Myo-o (Acala) images carved on a rock face in Japan. The Fudo Myo-o is carved on a natural monolithic rock that is eight meters tall. Legend has it that Taicho Daishi, a Buddhist monk who was the first to climb Mt. Hakusan, carved the original image. The current image was made in the late Edo Period. It is said to give you good luck with commerce, to protect you against evil, and to be effective in curing eye diseases, among other benefits.

This is a machiya, a traditional house built about 180 years ago. It was owned by a family that worked for the Kaga Domain as "Kurayado," managed the annual rice tax during the Edo Period and later in the Meiji Period, and ran a post office responsible for collection and delivery. The 12th generation family lord was the town's medical doctor. When the 14th generation left the house, it was donated to the town. It is now used as a free resting place. Surrounded by antique furnishings, including paper sliding doors and ranma, or wooden transoms, you can feel the old atmosphere. There is a rarely seen type of stone storehouse in the back, and the space can be used as a free gallery. You can look around inside, so feel free to stop by to take a rest while strolling around Tsurugi Town.

This first full-fledged insect museum on the Sea of Japan side of the country has the advantage of being located in the rich natural surroundings of Tsurugi.
A variety of insects from all over the world are exhibited here, and children can observe their favorite insects up close. In the Butterfly Garden, where it is summer all year round, there are as many as 1,000 butterflies flying about. In addition, you can see "Insects of Ishikawa Prefecture" and "Insects of the World" in the exhibition area, and live insects in Mushi-mushi House. You can see a lot of species of insects that you have never seen before.

Unique exhibitions with seasonal themes are held from time to time.

This is an arboretum at the site of Ishikawa Forest Experiment Station. A variety of trees representing Ishikawa Prefecture grow in the vast grounds. Nine hundred cherry trees of 130 varieties are particularly worth seeing. The arboretum hasba museum, a Japanese garden and a large lawn area. You can have seasonal fun here throughout the year; viewing of autumn foliage and "forest bathing" are popular activities. It is the perfect place to relax and refresh.
The cherry blossoms here are at their best after those in Kanazawa City have passed their prime (from mid through late April). This place is especially recommended for people who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms longer.