Park Shishiku is a comprehensive facility that spreads around the gondola lift platform at Shishiku Highland (獅子吼高原). With an altitude of 650 meters, a spectacular view of Hakusan City and the Sea of Japan awaits at the summit. If the weather is good, you can even see the Noto Peninsula past Kanazawa!
The Lion Head World Museum (獅子ワールド館)
The park is symbolized by the Lion Head World Museum, which has collections of all different sorts of lions’ heads across the globe.
On the second floor, be prepared to be amazed by Japan’s largest wood carvings of lion heads. Apparently, it took the craftsman 10 years to make the heads. In case you are wondering, the golden head with lipstick on is the wife, and the husband is the redhead lion (´▽｀*).
Paragliding at Shishiku Highland
If you visit the highland in November, the 5-minute gondola lift ride is especially stunning when the deep red of autumn spreads below your feet. Instead of taking the lift, you can also hike all the way up! At the top of the mountain, you might find many paragliders preparing to launch off.
Yes, Shishiku Highland is one of the best paragliding spots in Japan. If interested, you can reserve with one of the two paragliding schools for a 10 to 15-minute exciting time in the sky (^_-)-☆. And don’t worry if you have never tried paragliding. You will be accompanied by an experienced instructor who will also help you take some photos during the flight!
If you aren’t the adventurous type of person, you can also chill out at the Kogen Cafe (高原のカフェ) to enjoy their delicious desserts menu or a light meal.
Paragliding Schools at Shishiku Highland
Both schools are located within a 10-minute walk distance from Park Shishiku. While they probably still take you if you just show up at their office, booking online or via phone is preferred. On the day, check in at their office, and they will guide you to the top of the mountain by taking the gondola lift. The cost is 10,000 to 12,000 yen per person, excluding the cost of the gondola lift. They have a session at an hourly interval that you can choose from.
- Sky Shishiku Paraglider School (スカイ獅子吼パラグライダースクール)
- The cost is 12,000 yen per person.
- Online booking form (Japanese web page)
- Booking by phone call: +81-76-273-2320
- Operating hours are from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Session time required: 60 minutes
- Session operating from 9 am to 6 pm
- Cancellation charges apply if it isn’t due to weather conditions.
- Shishikukogen Paraglider School (獅子吼高原パラグライダースクール)
- The cost is 12,000 yen per person.
- Online booking form (has the English translation underneath)
- Can be used for booking up to 3 days in advance
- Booking by phone call: +81-76-273-0658
- Operating hours are from 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Session time required: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Session operating from 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Confirmed with them that the English session is available upon request
- Cancellation charges won’t apply, but please let them know in advance
Tip: It is recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, and sneakers suitable for sports. A thin jacket will be handy as it can be cold in the sky. You can also borrow from them on arrival, but it is subject to availability. There are also changing spaces and lockable lockers if you need them.
Important: There are no paragliding sessions from December to March.
Park Shishiku’s Operating Hours, Gondola Lift Cost, and Access Information
- The park is open from 10 am to 5 pm but closes early at 4 pm in winter.
- The park is closed on Tuesdays. In winter, it also closes on Fridays.
- The gondola lift operates from mid-April to November, with the last gondola going up to the summit at 4:30 pm.
- Gondola lift cost:
- Return trip: 710 yen for adults and 300 yen for children
- One-way trip: 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children
- The park is free to enter, including the Lion Head World Museum.
Discover Other Attractions in Hakusan City Nearby
Hakusan City (白山市) is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture filled with breathtaking scenery. The city also features one of Japan’s best places for paragliding. Other attractions include Kaga Province’s largest shrine, a scenic gorge not known by many, one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Ishikawa Prefecture, and more!
To find out more information about the city, please refer to our article on Hakusan City (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
