Mountain Day in Japan

Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) is a national holiday in Japan, celebrated annually on August 11. It was established in 2014 and first observed on August 11, 2016. The purpose of the holiday is to provide "opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains."

History

The inception of Mountain Day resulted from lobbying by the Japanese Alpine Club and other mountaineering and environmental groups. They advocated for a holiday that would celebrate the country's numerous mountains and peaks, which are considered an integral part of Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage. The date August 11 was chosen because it is close to the time when many people traditionally take summer vacations and also because the kanji for eight (八) resembles a mountain (山), while eleven looks like two trees.

Traditions

While there are no specific traditions tied to Mountain Day like with older Japanese holidays, it encourages appreciation for the role of mountains in Japan's culture and ecology. The day serves as an opportunity for environmental preservation activities and participation in mountain-related events.

Activities

On Mountain Day, people engage in various activities such as:

• Hiking: Many take advantage of the holiday to climb mountains.
• Nature walks: For those who prefer less strenuous activities.
• Appreciation events: Some attend seminars or exhibitions about Japan’s mountains.
• Volunteer activities: Others participate in conservation efforts to maintain trails or clean up natural sites.

Overall, Mountain Day provides a break for citizens to enjoy the natural beauty of the country's mountainous landscapes.