Mount Tsubakuro near Azumino, Nagano, Japan

Go hug a mountain, if you can. It’s Mountain Day in Japan

It makes a mountain of sense for Japan to celebrate Mountain Day, which occurs each August 11. Created in 2014, it’s one of Japan’s newest holidays. Nearly three quarters of the country is made up of mountains, thanks to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire volcanic zone. Japan's four major islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—all have ranges running through them.

The 2,763-metre Mt. Tsubakuro, which we feature in our home page image today, is a popular hiking destination, with well-maintained trails, rest areas, and lodges. Beautiful scenery abounds here on the island of Honshu, less than three hours' driving distance from Tokyo.

According to the legislation that established Mountain Day, the observance was launched to provide 'opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains.' One of those is snow-capped Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain (3,776 metres) and one of the most pictured peaks in the world. Japan's rugged terrain is a boon for its tourist industry, providing opportunities for skiing, climbing, and resorts featuring the country's many hot springs.