Shiramine - A Mountain Village Living with Mt. Hakusan

Shiramine is a mountain village located at the southernmost tip of Ishikawa Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of the sacred Mt. Hakusan, the village is one of Japan's snowiest regions, with the snowfall exceeding 2-3 meters. For centuries, people here have lived in harmony with the mountain, shaping a unique culture that continues today.

Mt. Hakusan - Where Nature, Faith, and Daily Life Meet

Known as the symbolic mountain of Ishikawa, Mt. Hakusan is famous for its brilliant white look, visible even from the coastal plains. People have long said, "Because Hakusan is white, we can grow rice," recognizing that its abundant snowmelt nourishes rivers, rice fields, and communities from the mountains to the sea.

Since the monk Taichō first opened the mountain in 717, Mt. Hakusan has been one of Japan's most important sacred mountains, where mountain worship and everyday life have been deeply connected. Today, it is protected as part of Hakusan National Park and is celebrated as the "Mountain of Flowers" for its spectacular alpine plants, while climbers are rewarded with unforgettable sunrise views from the summit.

A Historic Sericulture Village in Japan's Heavy Snow Region

At the gateway to Mt. Hakusan lies Shiramine, where rows of traditional houses have been preserved for generations. Designed to withstand heavy snowfall and support the village's once-thriving silk production, these unique buildings have earned the area designation as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Visitors can stroll through the traditional preserved streets before/after relaxing in Shiramine Onsen, whose hot springs are renowned for leaving the skin soft and smooth.

The "Dezukuri" Tradition - Living Deep in the Mountains

Beyond the village center, people once practiced Dezukuri—a traditional lifestyle of living in the mountain closer to forests, rivers, and fields. Surrounded by nature's bounty, they gathered wild vegetables and mushrooms, caught river fish, practiced slash-and-burn farming, and produced charcoal, developing sustainable ways of living in harmony with the mountains.

Although few people continue this lifestyle today, its knowledge and spirit remain an important part of Shiramine's cultural heritage.

Experience Life in Shiramine

Today, around 600 people continue to call Shiramine home, preserving the traditions and culture shaped by Mt. Hakusan.

Visitors can experience:

Traditional local cuisine featuring Shiramine's famous firm tofu, wild mountain vegetables, and seasonal ingredients.
Restored traditional houses transformed into charming accommodations.
Activities that let you experience both the historic village and the surrounding mountains, offering a deeper connection with local life and nature.

Just over an hour from Kanazawa and Fukui, Shiramine invites you to discover a mountain village where people have lived with Mt. Hakusan for generations.