About this Holiday
Mountain Day (Yama no Hi), observed on August 11, is Japan's newest national holiday, first celebrated in 2016. The date was chosen for its symbolic visual connection — '8' resembles mountains and '11' evokes trees standing in rows — to provide an opportunity to appreciate mountains and their blessings. With about 70% of Japan's land covered by mountains including the iconic Mount Fuji, the holiday falls just before Obon, extending the summer break for many workers.