⛩️ Hakusan Hime Shrine

Hakusan Hime Shrine, with the sacred peak of Hakusan as its deity, is the head shrine of approximately three thousand branch shrines across the country. Hakusan provides the essential "water of life" for daily living, making it a sacred realm for those residing at the foot of the mountain. Over time, the faith in Hakusan transformed into a form of pilgrimage, rapidly spreading throughout the nation after the monk Taichu established the mountain in 717. The starting point of this faith is Hakusan Hime Shrine. Within its vast area of over 47,000 hectares, shrines stand tall like ancient trees, exuding a solemn atmosphere. Passing through the first torii gate along the Omotesando, one reaches the second and third torii gates before arriving at the sacred gate. In front of the sacred gate stands the outer worship hall, built in the kirizuma-zukuri style with a copper roof and made of cypress wood, showcasing an elegant appearance. Behind it are the straight-line arranged Chokai Hall, worship hall, offering hall, and main hall. The main hall, constructed in 1770 by the 10th lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Shigenori, enshrines the deity Kikunihime. It is worth mentioning that Kikunihime, mentioned in the "Nihon Shoki," is widely known as the "deity of connections" for helping the deities Izanagi and Izanami reconcile after a quarrel at the border of the underworld. Within the grounds, there is a sacred horse stable that enshrines the divine horses that once carried other deities, as well as a purification area for washing away sins and the famous Hakusan sacred water known for prolonging life. There are many attractions worth seeing. The treasure hall houses numerous valuable artifacts.

The area of Tsurugi, where the shrine is located, has historically thrived as a bustling town with sake breweries, soy sauce shops, koji manufacturing facilities, and traditional Japanese sweets all standing side by side. Visitors can experience "Misogi" under the guidance of shrine staff. On the morning of the 1st of each month, "Saku Nichi San" is held, attracting many worshippers.