{"id":62864,"date":"2022-08-12T10:14:45","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T01:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cotoacademy.com\/japan-national-holiday-mountain-day\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T17:51:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T08:51:34","slug":"japan-national-holiday-mountain-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cotoacademy.com\/ja\/japan-national-holiday-mountain-day\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Get to Know Mountain Day (\u5c71\u306e\u65e5) 2022 in Tokyo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There’s always something to celebrate in Japan. To pay homage to the ocean, Japan has Marine Day<\/a> (\u6d77\u306e\u65e5), which falls on the third Monday of every July. With over 73% of Japan\u2019s terrain being mountainous, Japan\u2019s newest public holiday, Mountain Day<\/strong> (or Yama no Hi), definitely seems like another fitting addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Created as a day to honor and give thanks to the blessings of the mountains, Mountain Day was officially announced in 2014, and first observed in 2016 after campaigns by various mountain-related groups. Mountain Day, or Yama no Hi (\u5c71\u306e\u65e5) in Japanese, occurs annually on August 11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, Mountain Day falls on a Thursday. Next year, in 2023, you’ll feel luckier; it will be on a Friday, making a three-day weekend that’s perfect for a summer getaway trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This national Japanese holiday brings the total number of public holidays in Japan to 16 \u2014 the most of any other G8 country. Despite the Happy Monday System, which moved several public holidays to Mondays, creating three-day weekends, Mountain Day takes place on the same date every year. To find out more about Japan\u2019s newest holiday and how to adore the mountains from Tokyo, read on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


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How Was the Mountain Day Date Chosen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before Mountain Day was officially passed as a national holiday, it was already being celebrated on 11th August in various places across Japan. Apparently, this date was chosen because the eighth month is denoted by the kanji \u2018\u516b\u2019 – which resembles a mountain, and \u201811\u2019 \u2013 which resembles two trees. Additionally, there are no other public holidays in August, so it was hoped that people would stop working to enjoy the mountains, or at the very least, boost spending in the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Mountain Day Unique to Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Worldwide, there are two other \u2018Mountain Days\u2019: a student celebration in the U.S where lessons are canceled without prior warning and students head to the mountains for the day, and International Mountain Day on 11th December, which was created by the United Nations General Assembly to encourage sustainable development in the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about the other Prefectures in Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With so many mountains and sights to see over the Nagano<\/a> and\u00a0Yamanashi<\/a> <\/a>Prefecture, why not try visiting there on Mountain Day! The sights are sure to leave you in awe as they are absolutely breathtaking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Japan\u2019s Mountain Day Celebrated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a such new addition, no established customs are honoring this day. Although, the general recommendation is to spend time connecting with, exploring and appreciating the mountains by hiking, walking or climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How You Can Celebrate Mountain Day in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For us Tokyoites, hiking and nature immersion may be most accessible in Mount Takao, western Tokyo. This tree-topped mountain is one of the easiest places to lap-up the highland scenery, and there are numerous trails available, with the most popular only taking 90 minutes. Other popular mountains near Tokyo include Mt. Mitake, Mt. Mito, Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Mitsutoge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t get to the mountains but would still like to see them, why not view them from an observation desk? Bunkyo Civic Centre offers spectacular views across Shinjuku towards Mount Fuji \u2013 and it\u2019s free. Don\u2019t forget to check visibility in advance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A simple way to appreciate the blessings of the mountains is to visit an onsen. Perhaps you could visit one near home, or if you want to make a day of it, venture to Oedo Onsen Monogatari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to be a professional to paint or draw. Said to lower stress, and improve creativity, sketching your favorite mountain is another way to commemorate Mountain Day. Why not unleash your creativity and invite some friends to join you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to find out more about Coto Japanese Academy? Try taking a look at the various Japanese Language Courses<\/a> we offer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t