Staying Overnight in Hakusan: Mountain Inns, Hot Springs, and Local Hospitality

1. Introduction: A Night in the Foothills of Mount Hakusan

Spending a night in the foothills of Mount Hakusan is a chance to experience Japan’s countryside at its most peaceful.
Just an hour from Kanazawa, the air becomes cooler, the stars brighter, and the rhythm of life slower. Here, you can fall asleep to the sound of rivers flowing from the sacred mountain and wake to the scent of cedar forests and fresh mountain air.

Staying overnight in Hakusan is not only about comfort—it’s about connection. Whether you choose a traditional onsen ryokan, a friendly guesthouse, or a cozy village inn, each offers a glimpse into the daily life of people who have lived alongside this sacred landscape for centuries.

This quiet region invites travelers to pause, reflect, and rediscover Japan’s timeless charm—away from the crowds, yet rich in warmth and authenticity.

2. Where to Stay: Overview of the Hakusan Area

The Hakusan region offers several distinct areas for overnight stays, each with its own atmosphere and attractions.

Tsurugi Town (鶴来)
The gateway to Hakusan. Convenient for travelers coming from Kanazawa by train or car. Small inns and local hotels make this a good base for short trips to Shirayama Hime Shrine and the Tedorigawa River area.

Ichirino Onsen (一里野温泉)
Nestled deep in the mountains, Ichirino Onsen is famous for its hot springs, ski slopes, and peaceful lodges. Most accommodations are ryokan-style, offering natural baths, tatami rooms, and hearty mountain meals. It’s a great place to relax after outdoor activities such as cycling or hiking.

Shiramine Village (白峰)
Further into the valley lies Shiramine, a beautifully preserved village known for its traditional houses and quiet streets. Many of its inns and guesthouses are family-run, providing a homely atmosphere and deep cultural charm.

Each area reflects a different face of Hakusan—modern, natural, and traditional—allowing travelers to choose according to their pace and interests.

3. Onsen Ryokan Experience

For many visitors, staying in an onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese inn with hot springs) is the highlight of a Hakusan trip. The mineral-rich waters here flow directly from underground springs fed by Mount Hakusan’s snowmelt.

At Ichirino Onsen, ryokan such as those near the ski area feature open-air baths surrounded by forest. After a day of exploring, guests can soak in steaming water while gazing at the stars—a uniquely Japanese form of relaxation.

Meals at these ryokan often showcase local mountain cuisine: river fish grilled with salt, fresh vegetables from nearby farms, handmade soba noodles, and seasonal dishes like sansai (wild greens) in spring or mushroom hotpots in autumn.

Rooms are simple yet elegant, with tatami mats, sliding doors, and futon bedding. The combination of natural hot springs, warm hospitality, and seasonal food makes the Hakusan onsen ryokan experience truly restorative.

4. Traditional Village Stays in Shiramine

For travelers seeking culture and community, Shiramine Village offers one of the most authentic rural stays in central Japan.
This small settlement—once a hub for Hakusan pilgrims—is filled with wooden houses, narrow lanes, and the gentle sound of the Tedorigawa River nearby.

Several minshuku (family-run inns) and guesthouses in Shiramine are converted from traditional homes. Guests are welcomed with genuine hospitality, home-cooked meals, and stories about life in the mountains.
Some inns have irori hearths, where dinner is cooked over charcoal while guests and hosts chat together—a rare glimpse into Japan’s countryside warmth.

Staying in Shiramine allows you to experience “satoyama life”—the balance between people and nature. In the morning, you might hear temple bells or watch farmers tending rice fields; in the evening, you can bathe in the village onsen before sleeping under clear mountain skies.

It’s an experience that goes beyond tourism—an invitation to slow down and live, even for one night, in harmony with Hakusan’s sacred landscape.