Hakusan National Park

Hakusan National Park is centered on the three highest peaks, Gozaebo (2,702 m), Daiyebo (2,684 m), and Kengaebo (2,677 m), and the surrounding mountains, and extends approximately 40 km north to south and 30 km east to west. Natural forests, mainly beech, spread at the foot of the mountains below 1,600 m above sea level, and about 250 species of alpine plants, including the Japanese snow bunting and black lilies, grow in the alpine and subalpine zones, preserving a pristine natural environment. It is also a habitat for large wild animals and birds such as black bears, Japanese serows, and golden eagles. Because of its natural features, the area is designated as a Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO Eco-Park) under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program. In winter, Hakusan is covered with a large amount of snow brought by the northwest monsoon. It is estimated that approximately 600 million tons of snow accumulates in the mountains above 500 meters above sea level. This snow is one of the major elements that shape the nature of Hakusan, bringing abundant blessings to the foot of the mountain and fostering the unique landscape and culture of the snow country. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)