Mountain Day in Japan
Mountain Day, or Yama no Hi, is a Japanese national public holiday observed on August 11. Its purpose is to give people an opportunity to enjoy the mountains and appreciate what they provide.[1]
A holiday created for Japan
Japan added Mountain Day to its national holidays through a 2014 amendment to the holiday law, and it became a holiday in 2016. It is the newest of Japan’s national holidays, according to the Cabinet Office.[1]
The holiday reflects the importance of mountains in Japan and their benefits to people’s lives. The Cabinet Office describes its purpose as encouraging people to spend time with mountains and give thanks for their benefits. The Environment Ministry also connects the day with protecting Japan’s natural environment for future generations.[1][2]
Date and substitute holidays
Mountain Day is set on August 11. Under Japan’s holiday law, national holidays are days off; when one falls on a Sunday, the nearest following day that is not another national holiday becomes a substitute holiday. A Saturday observance does not trigger this Sunday rule.[1]
How people mark the day
There is no single custom that everyone follows. One nationwide observance is the Mountain Day National Convention, held annually on August 11 to share the holiday’s purpose. The Environment Ministry also encourages people to visit mountains and national parks and to think about their connection with nature.[2]
Mountain Day falls during Japan’s summer travel season. The Japan National Tourism Organization describes highland outings and visits to mountain destinations as popular August pastimes. It also notes that the Bon holiday period in early to mid-August is one of the busiest times for travel, so visitors planning mountain trips should check transport and local access information ahead of time.[3]
What to expect as a visitor
The national holiday status does not mean every workplace or business follows the same schedule. Check with your employer or the specific office, shop, bank, or attraction before visiting. Public transport continues to serve summer travelers, but the Japan National Tourism Organization cautions that seats on planes, trains, and highway buses can sell out in advance during the Bon period.[1][3]
Mountain Day: common questions
When is Mountain Day in Japan?
Mountain Day is observed on August 11. If the date falls on a Sunday, Japan’s holiday law makes the nearest following day that is not another national holiday a substitute holiday.[1]
Is Mountain Day a public holiday?
Yes. It is one of Japan’s national holidays, and the holiday law designates national holidays as days off. Individual workplace schedules can vary, so check with your employer.[1]
Are shops, banks, and public transport open?
Schedules vary by business and service, so check directly before making plans. Transport can be busy during the surrounding Bon travel period, and seats may sell out in advance.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Mountain Day in Japan:
- 「国民の祝日」について- Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
- 山にでかけよう 山に親しみ、山の恩恵に感謝。 | 国立公園に、行ってみよう！ | 環境省- Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
- Japan in August- Japan National Tourism Organization