09/10/2025
Hakusan in Autumn – Hiking via the Hirasedō Trail 🏔🍂
Among Japan’s sacred peaks, Hakusan (白山, 2,702m) stands out not only for its spiritual significance but also for its breathtaking autumn landscapes.
🥾 The Hirasedō Trail (平瀬道登山口)
Starting from Hirase Onsen in Gifu, this trail takes you through quiet forests, crystal-clear streams, and wide ridges that open up to sweeping alpine views. It’s a long but steady climb, less crowded than the Bettodeai route, making it perfect for hikers who want a wilder, more peaceful approach to Hakusan.
🌄 The Summit Experience
Reaching the top, you’ll pass Hakusan Shrine Okumiya, a reminder that this mountain has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. From the summit, the panorama stretches across the Northern Alps, Mt. Ontake, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days.
🍁 Why Autumn?
The Hirasedō trail is especially magical in autumn. The forests burst into shades of deep crimson, golden yellow, and fiery orange, with alpine meadows glowing in warm tones. The contrast of volcanic ridges, blue sky, and autumn foliage is nothing short of spectacular.
✨ Recommendation
If you’re looking for a full-day or overnight trek with fewer crowds, rich history, and some of Japan’s finest autumn colors, Hakusan via the Hirasedō Trail is a hike you’ll never forget.
📍 Trailhead: Hirase Onsen, Gifu
⏱ Best season: Late September – early October for peak autumn colors
