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#95

Mountain Day in Japan : More Than Just a Day Off

by Rachel Anne

Image Reference : https://www.japanfortwo.travel/best-japanese-summer-outfits-2024-tiktoks-latest-style-obsession

Every August 11, Japan celebrates Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) — a national holiday dedicated to appreciating the mountains and their blessings. Introduced in 2016, it’s one of the newer public holidays, but it holds deep meaning in a country where around 70% of the land is mountainous.

Why Mountain Day Exists

The holiday was created to give people a chance to connect with nature, take a break from busy city life, and enjoy Japan’s stunning mountain landscapes. The date, August 11, was chosen because the kanji for “eight” (八) looks like a mountain, and “eleven” (11) resembles two trees standing side-by-side.

How Japanese People Celebrate

While there’s no single traditional way to celebrate Mountain Day, many locals take the chance to :

Go hiking or trekking in famous spots like Mount Fuji, Mount Takao, or the Japanese Alps.

Have picnics near mountain lakes or rivers.

Image Reference : https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/picnic-park-vacation-summer-holiday-fuji-mountain-view-with-cherry-blossom-season_23499419.htm

Join local events such as mountain clean-ups, festivals, and nature workshops.

Image Reference : https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/celebrating-mountain-day-in-japan-a-tribute-to-nature-and-wellbeing?srsltid=AfmBOooank5cLAiaLClN5yZLL0RN6S_L0jY7ixlk8Jfne7Av0EQNBHP1

Fun Fact

In 2020, Mountain Day was moved to August 10 to align with the Tokyo Olympics schedule — proof that Japan really plans its holidays carefully!

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a well-deserved break, Mountain Day is a reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate the natural beauty around us. So this August 11, why not take the opportunity to say arigatou to the mountains that have shaped Japan’s culture, scenery, and way of life?

Posted : 11 August 2025