Mountain Day was established to give people an opportunity to appreciate mountains and nature, recognizing their cultural and spiritual importance in Japan's landscape. Many people spend the day hiking, camping, or visiting scenic mountain areas. The holiday highlights Japan's deep respect for nature and encourages outdoor recreation and environmental awareness.

When is Mountain Day?

Mountain Day is celebrated in Japan on August 11 each year.

The following is the list of Mountain Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Mountain Day?

Mountain Day is one of Japan's newest national holidays, created to encourage appreciation of the nation's rich natural landscapes and to promote outdoor activities.

The idea for Mountain Day originated from mountaineering and nature organizations, including the Japanese Alpine Club, which proposed the holiday to celebrate Japan's deep cultural connection with mountains. Mountains have long held spiritual and cultural significance in Japan, featuring prominently in Shinto and Buddhist traditions as sacred places believed to house gods.

In 2014, Japan's National Diet officially established Mountain Day, making it the 16th national holiday. It was first celebrated in 2016, with the purpose stated as "to provide opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate their blessings". The date, August 11, was chosen partly because it fits conveniently within the summer season and partly because the numbers "8" (山's two peaks) and "11" (two trees side by side) visually evoke the image of mountains.

In 2020, the date was temporarily moved to August 10 to align with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, but it returned to August 11 the following year.

Today, Mountain Day is celebrated with hiking events, mountain festivals, and community clean-ups across the country. From Mount Fuji to the Japanese Alps, people use the day to reconnect with nature, enjoy Japan's scenic landscapes, and reflect on the harmony between humans and the natural world.