Shishiku Highland

Overview

Shishiku Highland, located in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, refers to the area around Atoyama, a hill at an elevation of 650 meters. It's a scenic spot offering breathtaking views of the Tetori River and its alluvial fan. The name "Shishiku" (Lion's Roar) originates from Taicho, the founder of Hakusan's mountain worship, who stayed in four locations around Atoyama on his way to Mount Hakusan. Initially called "Shishuku", written as "四宿" (four lodgings) or "止宿" (stopping for the night), the name later changed to "Shishiku" using characters from a Buddhist scripture. Tourism development in Shishiku Highland began with the establishment of the "Tsuruga Municipal Ski Resort" in the late Taisho period. A ropeway was completed in 1959, and the following year, it officially opened as "Shishiku Highland Ski Resort". As Ishikawa Prefecture's only ski resort at the time, it thrived with skiers and tourists. However, in recent years, the opening of new ski resorts in the Hakusan foothills and snow shortages led to a decline in visitors. From the 1980s, however, the demand for air sports such as hang gliding increased, gradually leading to the development of related facilities. In 1996, "Park Shishiku", an industrial park aimed at fostering local industries and redeveloping tourism, opened. A new four-person gondola was installed that same year, along with "Sky Shishiku", a leisure facility at the summit featuring an artificial turf slope for year-round skiing and a paragliding launch site. Today, you can take the gondola to the summit and enjoy the magnificent scenery overlooking the Tetori River and its alluvial fan. Park Shishiku also hosts exhibitions and events that showcase the history, culture, and nature of Shishiku Highland. A variety of outdoor activities, including paragliding, hiking, and camping, are also available. Shishiku Highland is a fascinating tourist destination where nature, culture, and leisure come together.