Mountain Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Mountain Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Mountain Day is celebrated on August 11th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Mountain Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about Mountain Day.

📅 What day is Mountain Day 2024?

In 2024, Mountain Day is on Friday, August 11th. It is the 2nd Friday in August; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the exciting details and facts about August 11, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In Japan, there is no obstacle too great to hinder the celebration of Mountain Day. This special day, which takes place on August 11 each year, perfectly aligns with Japan’s mountainous terrain. It encourages people to view mountains as peaceful sanctuaries and calls for everyone to embrace nature and enjoy the breathtaking scenery while breathing in the fresh mountain air. This festival is especially meaningful for those confined to crowded cities with flat landscapes. By reflecting on the abundance that mountains offer, Mountain Day symbolizes the principles of Shintoism, Japan’s traditional religious belief.

📜 Mountain Day History

Japan’s towns and culture have primarily developed in flat coastal areas, but the country’s landscapes offer much more than just this. Recognizing the significance of its mountainous terrain, hikers, trekkers, and groups like the Japanese Alpine Club advocated for the establishment of a special day to honor the mountains. This led to the creation of Mountain Day, also known as “Yama-no-Hi,” in 2014. It officially became a public holiday in 2016, with August 11 selected as the date. The choice of this date is symbolic, as the number eight represents a mountain in the Chinese characters used in Japanese, while the number eleven symbolizes two trees. The first Mountain Day ceremony took place in Kamikochi, located in the Japanese Alps near Matsumoto, Nagano. Although the holiday is officially observed on August 11, if it falls on a Sunday, it is celebrated on the following Monday.

✅ Mountain Day Facts

🔖 It was off limits to women climbers until 1868
Until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, women were not allowed to climb Mt. Fuji because of its religious significance. However, in the following year, Lady Fanny Parkes broke this tradition and became the first Western woman to successfully reach the summit.

🔖 It’s surrounded by lakes
Mt. Fuji, a famous symbol of Japan, is encircled by five lakes situated approximately 1,000 feet above sea level. These lakes provide awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic mountain.

🔖 It’s more than a mountain – it’s a volcano
In actuality, Mt. Fuji comprises three active volcanoes: Komitake located at the bottom, Kofuji positioned in the middle, and Fuji situated at the peak.

👍 Why Is Mountain Day Important

Various mountain groups lobbied hard for an official day to abandon work and travel to the mountains for recreation and fitness. Furthermore, the Japanese government saw the holiday as a boon to the economy, creating a win-win situation all around. Japan promotes Mountain Day on August 11 as a natural fit for groups seeking the serenity of the region’s various mountains due to their rocky terrain. Mountain Day believers also think that the written number symbols for 11 resemble a mountain peak or two trees.

Mt. Fuji is Japan’s most famous mountain, and Mountain Day falls during Mt. Fuji’s climbing season, which runs from early July to early September. That is an ideal time for the approximately 300,000 hikers and mountain climbers who visit each year to pay their respects. There is no snow on the paths at that time, and the weather is pleasant.

Mt. Tate, Mt. Haku, and, of course, Mt. Fuji are Japan’s three sacred mountains. In 663 A.D., a monk became the first person to ascend this peak. Since the seventh century, Shintoists have used mountains as sites of meditation and prayer.

🙂 How To Observe Mountain Day

⚡ Walk, hike and climb

⚡ Take a spin on your mountain bike
When we consider mountains, our first thought is often about hiking or climbing them. However, another beautiful way to experience the breathtaking mountain views is through mountain riding. Before embarking on this adventure, it is important to thoroughly check your bike for any issues and always remember to wear a helmet for safety.

⚡ Go camping
Nothing beats preparing for a daylong stroll, trek, or mountain climb for individuals who consider themselves die-hards. Bring your camera since you don’t want to miss anything, but be cautious and stay away from the edge. If you’re lucky enough to get it all the way to the top, sit and enjoy the silence and the view of calm from above.

📅 When is Mountain Day?

Explore all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Mountain Day. So be sure to check back soon.