Following the Yoshida Trail on Mount Fuji, Japan, for Mountain Day

© Max_Xie/Getty Image

Lace up your hiking boots for Mountain Day

Here in Japan, Mountain Day began just two years ago as a way to encourage residents to get out and explore the country’s beautiful mountains. Yoshida Trail, seen in this photo, is open only a short time every year, so it might be heavily trafficked today. If Fuji, or any mountain, is beyond your reach, consider the seasonally appropriate ‘forest bath’ as an alternative. In Japan, a forest bath is a form of nature therapy, with no undressing, soap or water required. Simply get outside into a wooded area and relax, soaking in the clean air and natural sounds as you calm your thoughts. (Is it working yet?)