Mountain Day — 11 August

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep people from celebrating Mountain Day in Japan. The day is a natural fit because of Japan’s hilly and mountainous terrain. This fairly new holiday which takes place annually on August 11, reminds us to see mountains as natural sanctuaries of peace. Mountain Day encourages everyone, especially those who are boxed into the flatlands of dense, urban centers; to use the day exploring nature and taking in wondrous views while breathing deeply of fresh, mountain air. Pondering the blessings that mountains offer is reflective of Shintoism, the dominant religious practice in Japan.