The great outdoor of Japan is no stranger to world. Nearly 70% of its land are covered by mountains and lush green forests. It is through these mountains and nature that since ancient time, the Japanese draws their source of inspiration, dream and spiritual strength.
Three of the mountains in particular are known as Sanreizan (三霊山) or the Three Holy Mountains. Each believed to possess specific spiritual force which flows through the mountains and their rivers, from the peaks to the foothills, giving life to the land.
Mount Haku, or Hakusan, is the most prominent natural feature of Ishikawa Prefecture. Hakusan which means “white mountain,” come from the fact that it is covered with snow for more than half of the year. The area surround it have been designated Hakusan National Park, a vast natural preserve that attracts many mountain climbers and other visitors. The alpine plants that grow near the top are a charming addition to the summer scene.
Check out our video from previous adventures in Japan here
Mount Haku (Grade 2.5, moderate difficulty)
HAKUSAN 白山 (lit. white mountain) is the collective name for a number of sacred Japanese mountains that converge along the borders of four prefectures; Ishigawa, Fukui, Gifu, and Toyama. The Hakusan Shirayama Hime-Jinja Oku-miya (Shrine), is located at the highest peak of Mt. Hakusan at 2702masl.
The origin of mountain-climbing worship is said to date back to 717, when a priest named Taicho climbed Mt. Hakusan for the first time to practice aesthetic rites and has since then attracted many worshipers. Hakusan national park is well known spot for skiing and snowboarding and the trails maintains a plethora of flora and fauna due to minimal human contact including the Ishikawa’s golden eagle and Toyama’s thunder bird (Raicho).
HAKUSAN 白山 (lit. white mountain) is the collective name for a number of sacred Japanese mountains that converge along the borders of four prefectures; Ishigawa, Fukui, Gifu, and Toyama. The Hakusan Shirayama Hime-Jinja Oku-miya (Shrine), is located at the highest peak of Mt. Hakusan at 2702masl.
The origin of mountain-climbing worship is said to date back to 717, when a priest named Taicho climbed Mt. Hakusan for the first time to practice aesthetic rites and has since then attracted many worshipers. Hakusan national park is well known spot for skiing and snowboarding and the trails maintains a plethora of flora and fauna due to minimal human contact including the Ishikawa’s golden eagle and Toyama’s thunder bird (Raicho).
There are two trails leading up to the peak from Bettodeai. Both paths take you through forested switchbacks for a few hours until the trail reaches alpine territory above the treeline. From the plateau you will see the Murodo mountain lodge at 2,450 meters (8,038 ft). The lodge has basic facilities and space for 750 people. Space for Murodo is notoriously difficult to get due to its limited space and popularity.
At the summit of Mt. Hakusan stands the small shrine Shirayamahime, a mini version of the one at the base of the mountain. If the weather is good, you will be rewarded by spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and the Northern Japan Alps.
Kanazawa
Post hike you will have a chance to explore Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, which sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by scenic mountain ranges and national parks, has well-preserved art and culture. As it is one of the few major cities in the country that was spared from the fire bombing in World War II, it is the best-preserved Edo Period city in Japan. Known to the locals as “little Kyoto” because of its beautifully preserved traditional neighborhoods, but without the throngs of tourists.
One of Kanazawa main attraction would be the The ancient Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園) built during the Edo Period. It is one of the Great Three Gardens of Japan, and the top attraction for Kanazawa visitors. Opened to the public since 1871, Kenrokuen literally means “Garden of the 6 Sublimities” - spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views. These attributes make for a perfect garden. The wide variety of flowering trees gives the spacious private garden a different look every season.
Other main attractions within Kanazawa includes: The Ninja Temple; The Higashi Chaya Geisha District; The Nagamachi Samurai District and Omicho Market
Post hike you will have a chance to explore Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, which sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by scenic mountain ranges and national parks, has well-preserved art and culture. As it is one of the few major cities in the country that was spared from the fire bombing in World War II, it is the best-preserved Edo Period city in Japan. Known to the locals as “little Kyoto” because of its beautifully preserved traditional neighborhoods, but without the throngs of tourists.
One of Kanazawa main attraction would be the The ancient Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園) built during the Edo Period. It is one of the Great Three Gardens of Japan, and the top attraction for Kanazawa visitors. Opened to the public since 1871, Kenrokuen literally means “Garden of the 6 Sublimities” - spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views. These attributes make for a perfect garden. The wide variety of flowering trees gives the spacious private garden a different look every season.
Other main attractions within Kanazawa includes: The Ninja Temple; The Higashi Chaya Geisha District; The Nagamachi Samurai District and Omicho Market
THE ITINERARY (2020)
Day 1- 12 September (Saturday)
Arrival at Kansai Airport (note one meeting time for the main group at 1845pm)
Depart to Kanazawa via JR train
Overnight at Kanazawa Inn
Day 2- 13 September (Sunday)
6am Check out and board the bus all the way to Bettodeai (~3hours ride)
9am Registration at trailhead and start hike latest 10am
3pm ETA at Murodo. Check in, free and easy
Take your chance to capture a night shoot of the milky way at night or chat around with the chirpy local hikers
Day 3- 14 September (Monday)
Sunrise attempt at 4am (sunrise at 530am)
Descend back to Murodo latest 8am, check out and continue on to Bettodeai
Take the earliest available bus back to Kanazawa
Check into hotel, free and easy
Day 4- 15 September (Tuesday)
Check out and depart back to Singapore or extension on your own
* you can extend to use up the expiry of the JR pass around the area until 18 Sept 2020
LAND COST
Early Bird cost of SGD900/pax if you paid deposit and confirm your spot by 30 March 2020 or if you register in a group of 3 and above , after which it is SGD999/pax
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "2020 09 12 Hakusan).
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip latest three months prior to the trip.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
1. JR WEST RAIL PASS valid for 7 days (12-18 September 2020)
2. Two nights twin SHARED accommodations at Kanazawa Inn hotel (3 single beds/room), with ensuite bathroom
3. One night accommodation at Murodo Lodge @ Mount Hakusan (SHARED DORMITORY STYLE)
Return shuttle bus ticket from Kanazawa to Mount Haku Trailhead
Logistic support from Adventures Unlimited
Mount Hakusan permit and admin registration fee
On the ground support from Adventures Unlimited trip leaders who will be accompanying and leading the team
Cost doesn't include
International Flight tickets
Early Departure from Trek, Airport and to city, related cost that deviate from the itinerary
Travel insurance
Personal equipment
Visa fee (if applicable)
Personal shopping and laundry, shower etc.
No meals are included in this trip as there is extensive list of choices of local food to explore around the area (average spending is ~30-50SGD/day)
Anything else not mentioned under the inclusion list
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 16 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
14 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Training
Participants are expected to make the effort to attend to training programmes and opportunities conducted by Adventures Unlimited and our partners.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Early Bird cost of SGD900/pax if you paid deposit and confirm your spot by 30 March 2020 or if you register in a group of 3 and above , after which it is SGD999/pax
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "2020 09 12 Hakusan).
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip latest three months prior to the trip.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
1. JR WEST RAIL PASS valid for 7 days (12-18 September 2020)
2. Two nights twin SHARED accommodations at Kanazawa Inn hotel (3 single beds/room), with ensuite bathroom
3. One night accommodation at Murodo Lodge @ Mount Hakusan (SHARED DORMITORY STYLE)
Return shuttle bus ticket from Kanazawa to Mount Haku Trailhead
Logistic support from Adventures Unlimited
Mount Hakusan permit and admin registration fee
On the ground support from Adventures Unlimited trip leaders who will be accompanying and leading the team
Cost doesn't include
International Flight tickets
Early Departure from Trek, Airport and to city, related cost that deviate from the itinerary
Travel insurance
Personal equipment
Visa fee (if applicable)
Personal shopping and laundry, shower etc.
No meals are included in this trip as there is extensive list of choices of local food to explore around the area (average spending is ~30-50SGD/day)
Anything else not mentioned under the inclusion list
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 16 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
14 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Training
Participants are expected to make the effort to attend to training programmes and opportunities conducted by Adventures Unlimited and our partners.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
CONTACT YOUR HOST BELOW FOR ANY ENQUIRIES
Sucan (83668989)
Recommended flight
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do note that it takes ~5 hrs to get from kansai airport to Kanazawa, u can take other flight but do leave enough timing for travel to kanazawa
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