Miboro Hakusan Shrine

One of nine Shinto shrines in Shirakawa dedicated to the deities of Mt. Haku, a peak revered since prehistoric times. Buddhist ascetics are believed to have begun organized worship there in the eighth century, ascending the summit for extended spiritual training. One of the ancient trails to the peak started near this shrine. The hill where it stands may have been a place of worship long before a formal structure was built, and the two large stone slabs beside the shrine building are thought to have served as a yorishiro, a place where the deity could reside during ceremonies.