Mountain Day
山の日
Japan’s newest national holiday, encouraging people to get closer to mountains.
- This year
- Aug 11 (Tue)
- August 11
History
Yama no Hi was established in 2014 and first observed in 2016 — the newest entry on the national holiday calendar. August 11 was chosen as a summer date when people can enjoy the highlands. Occasional one-year shifts have happened around Olympics scheduling, but the standard date remains August 11.
How it is observed
Hiking, highland resorts, and mountain shrine visits are popular. It often sits just before Obon travel.
Travel tips
Nagano, Yamanashi, and other alpine areas see demand spikes. Reserve mountain huts and buses early. Combine with cooler weather escapes from humid cities — but watch typhoon forecasts in mid-August.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.