Shirayama Hime Shrine
The head shrine of 2,700 Shirayama shrines across Japan and the spiritual centre of the White Mountain range. Deep in cedar forests at the base of Mt Hakusan, it has been a pilgrimage destination since 717 CE. The autumn foliage here, dyed red by the cold mountain air, is Ishikawa's finest.
1–2 hours
Free
Shrine: 9:00–16:00 (extended hours New Year); mountain trails year-round (best May–Nov).
May–November (October for foliage)
Train to Tsurugi (Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line from Kanazawa), then bus to shrine (approx. 7 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Head shrine of 2,700 Shirayama shrines nationwide — the parent of them all
- 2
Founded in 717 CE at the base of Mt Hakusan — one of Japan's three sacred mountains
- 3
The cedar forest approach turns extraordinary in late October when maples catch fire above the stone lanterns
Local Tips
The head shrine of 2,700 Shirayama Hime shrines across Japan — the mountain approach through ancient cedar forest is beautiful. The cable car no longer operates (check current status); the walking trail to the inner shrine (1.5 hours) is the more rewarding approach. In autumn the Kanazawa-facing valley is filled with spectacular foliage.
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