Mountain Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

No mountain in Japan is tall enough to prevent people from celebrating Mountain Day. Given Japan’s hilly and mountainous terrain, the day is a natural match. This relatively new holiday, celebrated annually on August 11, reminds us to view mountains as natural havens of tranquilly. Mountain Day encourages everyone, especially those confined to the flatlands of dense urban areas, to spend the day investigating nature, taking in breathtaking views, and inhaling mountain air. Shintoism, the prevalent religion in Japan, is reflected in the contemplation of the blessings offered by mountains.

The background of Mountain Day

Japan is far ahead of the rest of the globe in terms of lifestyle and technological progress. Nevertheless, despite their extreme urbanisation, the Japanese perceive themselves as more connected to nature than citizens of other developed nations.

Japan’s dense cities and culture developed on the flat land located near the ocean, but this is only a portion of the country’s extraordinary landscapes. Hikers, trekkers, and activist organisations, such as the Japanese Alpine Club, advocated for a Mountain Day to celebrate the mountainous geography of the country.

In 2014, the concept of Mountain Day or ‘Yama-no-Hi’ was devised, and in 2016, the day became the most recent national holiday in Japan. The date of August 11 was chosen because, in the Chinese characters used to write Japanese — Kanji — the number eight resembles a mountain, and the number eleven resembles two trees.

At the beginning of Mountain Day in Japan, there weren’t many traditional activities or ceremonies. The opening ceremony took place at Kamikochi in Matsumoto, Nagano, in the Japanese Alps. The holiday is observed on August 11; however, if that date occurs on a Sunday, it is observed the following Monday.

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DAY OF THE MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES

Go for a ride on your mountain bike.

When we think of mountains, we typically only contemplate hiking or climbing. However, there is another scenic method to appreciate mountain vistas: mountain biking. Just ensure that your bike is thoroughly inspected before you leave, and don’t neglect your helmet!

Go tenting

Certainly, it is essential to exercise when visiting mountainous regions. Consider packing up your goods and camping near the base of a mountain if you’re not the most physically fit person around. You receive the same rejuvenating benefits of mountain air and celestial nights without the physical strain. After settling in, gather your closest friend and go for a long walk.

Pace, hike, and ascend

For those who consider themselves to be diehards, nothing beats preparing for a daylong walk, excursion, or mountain climb. Bring your camera because you don’t want to miss anything, but be cautious and stay away from the edge. If you are fortunate enough to reach the summit, sit and take in the tranquilly and view of serenity from above.

3 reasons why Japan’s Mount Fuji intrigues us

In actuality, Mount Fuji is comprised of three discrete, active volcanoes: Komitake at its base, Kofuji dominating its middle, and Fuji at its summit.

Until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, women were prohibited from ascending Mount Fuji due to its religious significance. The following year, Lady Fanny Parkes became the first western woman to reach the summit.

There are five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji at an altitude of approximately 300 metres that offer spectacular views of this iconic Japanese symbol.

MOUNTAIN DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	August 11	Friday
2024	August 11	Sunday
2025	August 11	Monday
2026	August 11	Tuesday
2027	August 11	Wednesday