If you want to pray for good luck in Ishikawa Prefecture, go here ~ Hakusan Higa Shrine

In Japan, there are sacred mountains that have been said to be inhabited by Shinto Buddha since ancient times and have attracted the faith of the people. Among them, Mt. Fuji, Tateyama, and Hakusan are called the "Three Sacred Mountains of Japan". These mountains, with their beautiful appearance, rich nature, and mystical powers, have inspired a sense of awe in people and fostered a unique belief system. In this article, we will explain in detail the characteristics, history, and beliefs of each of the three sacred mountains in Japan.

Japan's Three Sacred Mountains: Sacred Mountains of Faith and Nature

Mt. Fuji is Japan's most beautiful and awe-inspiring symbol

Mt. Fuji, the highest peak in Japan and attracts people all over the world with its graceful appearance, is a well-known spiritual peak. Mt. Fuji, an active volcano with an altitude of 3,776 meters, has been revered as an object of worship since ancient times. Its beautiful cone-shaped mountain shape inspires awe in its eyes and has been recognized as sacred.

The eruptive activity of Mount Fuji was a manifestation of the wrath of the gods and an object of awe for the ancient people. Therefore, the Asama cult was born, which enshrines "Asama Ōkami" at the foot of the mountain to quell the eruption. In the Heian period, it was also used as a training ground for Shugendo to enhance the sacredness of Mt. Fuji, and many ascetics aimed for the summit.

Mt. Fuji is a special place that evokes both natural beauty and awe at the same time, and it can be said that it is deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of Japan.

Tateyama, the majestic peaks where the gods dwell

Tateyama, the main peak of the Tateyama mountain range located in the Hida Mountains (northern part of the Northern Alps), is also known as one of the three sacred mountains of Japan. Tateyama is not a single peak, but a collective term for Mt. Oyama, Mt. Daiyo, and Mt. Fuji, and is a mountain with rare glaciers in Japan.

Tateyama has been an object of worship since the time of Manyo as a "mountain where the gods dwell". In the Heian period, Buddhism spread, and a belief system of Shinto-Buddhist practice, which fused ancient mountain beliefs and Buddhism, was formed, and developed as the land of Shugendo.

Staying in Tateyama and practicing was called "Tateyama Zenjo", and it was believed that all those who were guilty would fall into Tateyama Hell (Hell Valley in Tateyama). For this reason, many ordinary people visited to atone for their sins and seek salvation through the worship of Tateyama. Tateyama has been deeply believed by people as a place to train their minds and deepen their faith in a harsh natural environment.

Hakusan Mountain, the source of life and a sacred place of healing

Straddling the three prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, and Gifu, Hakusan is a sacred mountain blessed with abundant nature and pure water. The main shrine of the Hakusan cult, Shirayama Hime Jinja, is the general headquarters of more than 3,000 Hakusan shrines nationwide, and is visited by many worshippers.

The founding of the Hakusan Higa Shrine is very old, and it is said to have been around the time of Emperor Sujin (91 BC). The deities of the festival are Shirayama Hime Ōkami (Kikuri Hime Kami Kukuri Himekami), Izanagi Kami (Izanagi Kami), and Izanami Kami (Izanami Kami). The vast grounds are 47,000 square meters, and the approach lined with old cedars invites visitors to a sacred space.

Hakusan is the seat of the gods who supply the "water of life" that is indispensable for life for the people living at the foot of the mountain, and has been revered as a sanctuary. In addition, the beautiful mountain scenery of Hakusan has given people healing and peace of mind, and has become a source of comfort for their hearts.

Hakusan was founded by Taicho, a monk of Shugendo in the Nara period. Taisumi practiced at the foot of Mt. Hakusan and received a revelation from the Great God of Mt. Hakusan to climb Mt. Hakusan. Then, he climbed Mt. Hakusan, which no one had ever climbed, and enshrined the eleven-sided Kannon Bodhisattva near the top. Since Taisumi's ascension, the belief in Hakusan has spread throughout the country.

The Hakusan Higa Shrine Treasure Museum exhibits many valuable cultural properties, including the Komainu, which is an important cultural property of Japan. These cultural relics tell the story of the history and depth of the Hakusan faith, and fascinate visitors.

More information about Hakusan Higa Shrine

Location: 105-1 Sannomiya-cho, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Access: About 40 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station, about 45 minutes from Komatsu Airport. It is also accessible by train and bus.

Shrine deities: Hakusan Higa Ōkami (Kikurihime Kami), Izanagi Kami, Izanagi God

Common elements of the Three Sacred Mountains: Nature worship and Shinto Buddhist practice

Although each of the three sacred mountains in Japan has different characteristics, they have the common elements of nature worship and Shinto Buddhist practice.

1. Nature worship and Japan ancient nature worship is an animistic belief that believes that gods dwell in natural objects such as mountains, rivers, and forests. All of the three sacred mountains have been revered as sacred places that inspire awe in people due to their beautiful natural scenery and abundant resources.
   
2. When Buddhism was introduced to Japan, ancient nature worship and Buddhism fused to create a unique belief system called Shinto-Buddhist practice. The Three Sacred Mountains are also influenced by Buddhism, and there are forms of Shinto Buddhist practice, such as temples being erected in the precincts of shrines and Buddha statues being enshrined.

Summary・Three Sacred Mountains Symbolizing the Spiritual Culture of Japan

Japan Three Sacred Mountains are a special place that symbolizes the beauty and awe of nature, as well as the depth of faith. Mt. Fuji, Tateyama, and Hakusan are mountains with different personalities, but they are deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of Japan and have become a source of inspiration for people. Visiting these sacred mountains will be a valuable experience to experience the history, culture and power of Japan and nature.

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Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965 Since childhood, he has been plagued by troubles, illnesses, and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena. However, one day at the age of 20, he participated in an event, had a strange experience at the venue, and received a lightning energy from heaven that seemed to pierce his brain and his spinal cord, and his psychic abilities blossomed. After that, he started researching psychology and psychic powers, and now he has combined psychic abilities and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics Exorcism" with his own radionics technique. Beyond exorcism, memorial services, and healing, "it is possible to cure luck"