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Celebrating Mountain Day in Japan: A Tribute to Nature and Wellbeing
On August 11, 2024, the whole of Japan will celebrate another Mountain Day, the newest national holiday in the country. To prepare you for the upcoming event, we’ve created an in-depth guide to the holiday. Read on to learn about the meaning, history, and popular destinations of Mountain Day in Japan.
Introduction:
About 80% of Japan’s land mass is made up of mountain ranges. It’s easy to see why the country would dedicate an entire holiday to these natural wonders. Famous mountains like Mount Fuji, Mount Takao, and Mount Kita have been a part of Japan’s cultural and spiritual identity since ancient times. It’s safe to say that they will remain so in the future, thanks to traditions like Mountain Day.
Also called Yama no Hi, Mountain Day in Japan is dedicated to appreciating the country's mountainous landscapes and promoting the benefits of spending time in nature. The holiday also has a spiritual aspect to it, encouraging displays of respect and appreciation for the mountains. On a side note, you should know that Japanese Mountain Day is not the same as International Mountain Day, which is celebrated on December 11.
What is Mountain Day?
Mountain Day, or Yama no Hi, is a Japanese national holiday dedicated to promoting love and respect for mountains in the country. It takes place on August 11 every year. This holiday was established in 2016, making it the newest national holiday in Japan. Because of its young status, there aren’t too many traditions associated with the holiday. However, most celebrants spend the day hiking mountain ranges or vacationing in resorts with scenic views of mountainous landscapes. For many, Mountain Day offers the chance to escape the busy city life and immerse themselves in nature.
Although it hasn’t been around for long, Mountain Day has already helped to increase awareness of the mountains' resources and their many benefits. It sheds light on the importance of investments in mountains and the best practices for interaction with their natural resources. The mountain groups that advocated for the creation of the holiday did so with the intention of educating locals and tourists about the country's rich supply of mountain regions.
The History of Mountain Day
The first official announcement that Mountain Day would become a public holiday in Japan took place in May 2014. According to it, the government would be revising the law of national holidays and making August 11 Mountain Day. As planned, the first Mountain Day in Japan took place in 2016. But why did the Japanese government decide to pass this law?
We have legislator Seishiro Eto, the Japanese Alpine Club, and various mountain-related groups to thank for the creation of Mountain Day. They were at the forefront of communications with the government as they pitched the idea of dedicating a day to Japanese mountains. Their argument was that mountains were an integral part of the Shinto beliefs that shaped Japanese culture. Hence, they deserved to be celebrated.
The parties involved landed on August 11 as the day of the celebration because the indigenous people of local mountainous regions were used to celebrating nearby mountains on that day. Some say that the number eight in “8-11” resembles a mountain when written in kanji characters and the number eleven resembles two trees.
How Mountain Day is Celebrated in Japan
Mountain Day is probably too young to have many set traditions. However, the Inaugural National Ceremony was held in 2019 on the world-famous Japanese Alps at Kamikochi, Nagano. Despite the lack of traditions, many people often engage in fun and recreational activities on that day.
The most popular way to celebrate Mountain Day in Japan is by hiking across natural ranges. The country already has a vibrant hiking culture, so finding parks and hiking trails to go for a long walk is super easy. Trails often range from easy to difficult, and some of the mountains are volcanic. Other people may decide that hiking is not enough to honor the holiday and go mountain climbing instead. The adventure is a lot more daring than hiking and requires adequate climbing skills. Mountain biking is another exciting option available for people who know how to ride mountain bikes and navigate slopes on them.
Some people opt to participate in less adventurous but equally fulfilling activities, such as community clean-ups and nature appreciation events. Such activities help to raise awareness of natural conservation, which is a major aspect of the holiday. Families also go out onto the slopes to set up camp for the day.
Popular Destinations for Mountain Day
So, where do you go to celebrate Mountain Day in Japan? In truth, there is no shortage of options. However, some destinations are more popular than others, and with good reason. The following are the best mountains and national parks to celebrate the holiday:
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Mount Fuji: Every mountain climber dreams of Mt. Fuji, which is 3776 meters high. The mountain is the go-to destination for hikers and mountain climbers seeking thrilling adventures on August 11, a day that falls in peak climbing season at Mt. Fuji.
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The Japanese Alps: Near the Kamikochi area in Nagano lies an extensive mountain range known as the Japanese Alps. It consists of many mountains for hiking and climbing. On Mountain Day, you can explore the celebrations in the local communities.
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Nikko National Park: This park offers everything you’ll need to celebrate the special day. From hiking to plant and animal viewing, you’ll never run out of things to do in Nikko National Park.
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Mount Takao: Takaosan is a sacred mountain and should be your destination if you want to embark on a spiritual journey on Yama no Hi. Slopes of the famous mountain contain vibrant and serene hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Mountain Day Versus International Mountain Day
Many people mistake International Mountain Day with Mountain Day in Japan. While the two holidays share a similar focus, they also have many differences. For one, the United Nations designated December 11 as International Mountain Day. Hence, it’s not a public holiday in any of the countries that celebrate it. However, August 11 was designated Mountain Day by the Japanese government, making it a public holiday for the general population. The only exception was the temporary shift to August 9 to coincide with the end of the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021.
International Mountain Day observes a different theme every year, although each one stays relevant to sustainable mountain development. Both Japanese and international versions of Mountain Day recognize the importance of mountains in climate regulation, agriculture, animal life, and environmental stability. However, Japan’s version focuses slightly more on the spiritual impact of mountains on people’s lives.
Environmental Impact and Awareness
Mountain Day is one of the biggest contributors to environmental awareness and conservation efforts in Japan. It’s no news that mountains all around the world are under threat. Climate change, large-scale deforestation, and pollution of natural habitats are only a few of the human practices that threaten them.
Mountain Day offers a chance for tourists to explore Japan by enjoying sustainable practices like hiking and clean-ups. Such activities don’t negatively impact mountain environments but rather increase awareness of the need for their preservation. The organizations in charge of maintaining the parks and mountain ranges in Japan are responsible for preserving plant and animal life in the area. The money they generate from tourism on Japanese holidays goes a long way toward improving their ability to operate. Preserving the natural treasures of Japan is a vital step in the fight against global warming.
Health Benefits of Mountain Day Activities
We now understand the positive impacts of Yama no Hi celebrations on the environment. But how do they affect our physical and mental health? Hiking and mountain climbing are two popular Mountain Day activities that have immense physical benefits. They help to prevent diseases by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, and controlling blood sugar levels. People suffering from arthritis and sleep deprivation can combat their ailments by taking regular hikes up the mountain. Hiking and climbing will also get you in better shape because they burn fat and improve your balance.
These activities are also known to help participants manage feelings of anxiety and depression. The focus and dedication required to reach the mountain summit can positively reflect on how you approach your goals in life. Hence, the Mountain Day activities are great for your mental health.
Cultural Significance of Mountains in Japan
In Japan, the long-standing belief has always been that mountains are the homes of gods. The Three Holy Mountains of Japan are perfect examples. They consist of Mt. Fuji, Mt. Tate, and Mt. Haku, three of the most revered mountains in the country. According to Shinto and sometimes Buddhist religions, these mountains are said to have special powers. You’ll likely find Shinto and Buddhist temples in the vicinity, some of them dedicated to the mountain gods. In such cases, hiking to the top of the mountain is a lot like going on a pilgrimage. Believers feel their spiritual lives refresh and grow after reaching the summit.
The impact of culture, religion, and spirituality on mountains reflects on the Mountain Day celebrations of the surrounding areas, especially when they take place in shrines or temples.
Mountain Day Festivals and Local Celebrations
Different cities in Japan have their own way of celebrating Mountain Day through festivities. However, most people prefer to spend time in nature or with family. If you’re keen on enjoying festivities on or around Mountain Day, the following are local festivals that you can attend:
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Kochi Yosakoi Matsuri: This is an annual festival in Kochi Prefecture that takes place between August 8 and August 12 in Kochi Prefecture. It features live dance performances and colorful parades in different parts of Kochi City.
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Fukagawa Festival: This festival typically falls in mid-August. It features parades, Noh theater performances, and traditional music around Fukagawa, Koto.
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Citta’ Summer Festival: This festival takes place around August 11 every year in Kawasaki City. It’s famous for its night market, traditional dance, food stalls, and Kimono Walk.
The Future of Mountain Day
According to the Japan Weather Association, only a third of Japan’s population knew about the new holiday in 2016. However, more people are becoming aware of it with every iteration, and we expect this trend to continue.
Thanks to Mountain Day, Japan and the rest of the world are becoming more conscious of environmentalism. We can expect to see more sponsored events by companies looking to showcase their sustainability practices. Since Mountain Day promotes physical exercise, we might be seeing sporting events scheduled for that day, such as rock climbing and mountain biking.
In the next few years, we expect more unique traditions related to the holiday to form, further enhancing its identity for generations to come. As evident in 2021, the designated date for the holiday isn’t set in stone. We may see a new permanent date in the future. However, it’s highly unlikely that the Japanese government will merge domestic Mountain Day with International Mountain Day.
Conclusion:
Mountain Day is not only a celebration but also a vital reminder of the beauty and importance of Japan's mountainous landscapes. By promoting sustainable tourism, physical health, and natural habitat preservation, it’s arguably one of the most impactful festivals in the world. We urge you to participate in or support similar initiatives in your country. You can also use the opportunity to show love to the people around you by giving them gifts on that day. The perfect present is just a few clicks away when you shop for authentic Japanese gifts at Bokksu Boutique.
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