Aug 11, 2023
Mountain Day 2023
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today, the love for Japan's 12,000+ mountains reaches a peak — it's Mountain Day! This holiday was advocated for by nature and hiking groups before being enacted in 2014 and celebrated for the first time in 2016. Some speculate that the holiday takes place on August 11th because the kanji for “eight” (八) somewhat resembles a mountain and the number 11 looks like two trees.
This holiday aims to give Japanese people an opportunity to visit, appreciate, and celebrate the mountains that make up 70% of the country’s landmass. Japan has over 400 volcanoes, around 100 of which are active, and about 27,000 hot springs warmed by magma, so there are plenty of ways to take in the natural wonders.
As Japan’s newest public holiday, there are no traditional celebrations on this day, but many try to spend the day outdoors and treasure the peaks and ridges near them. Some visit and climb the highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji, while others take a shorter hike to places like Zushi Beach or Mt. Tenran for a magnificent mountainous lookout. Others opt for an adventure to the stratovolcano Sakurajima which may erupt on the visit — there are minor eruptions about 200 times a year!
In the mood for some peaceful time in the great outdoors? Visit a hot spring for an all-natural hot tub, or paint a landscape while you take in the views.
To summit all up, there are many ways to celebrate the treasures that nature and mountains offer. Happy Mountain Day, Japan!
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