Aug 11, 2022
Mountain Day 2022
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Illustrated by Japan-based guest artist Kouhei Miyazaki, today’s Doodle celebrates Japan’s Mountain Day. While the country is a leader in tech innovation, it’s also home to thousands of acres of transcendent mountains, hot springs and more than 100 volcanoes. Ever since this holiday began in 2016, people leave the urban jungle on this day each year to enjoy Japan’s natural wonders.
With mountains taking up about 70% of Japan's landmass, urbanites don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors. 60 miles outside of Tokyo is the highest mountain in Japan. Towering at 12,000+ feet tall, Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano—a steep, conical mountain built by many layers of hardened lava and tephra.
Thrill-seekers might also enjoy Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Located in the southern part of the country, Aso has a breathtaking crater that is 600 meters in diameter. During periods when volcanic activity is low, gentle steam rises from the crater’s lime green lake.
Those who would prefer to relax in nature can bathe at one of Japan’s famous hot spring facilities (onsens)—including some that are heated by subterranean volcanic activity.
Happy Mountain Day to everyone in Japan! We hope your time in nature leaves you feeling at your peak.
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