Mountain Day: Celebrating Japan's Famous Peaks

Have you heard of Mountain Day? Celebrated on August 11 in Japan since 2016, Mountain Day (Yama no hi) is observed during the same week as Obon, when Japanese return to their hometowns and pay their respects to their ancestors. Like Obon, Mountain Day holds a deep spiritual significance in Japan. 

With popular manga like Yama no Susume: Encouragement of Climb and a record number of tourists climbing Japan’s mountains each year, there is greater attention placed on mountaineering than ever before. Read on to learn about Japan's mountain culture!

Mountain Day was established as a national holiday by the Japanese government to provide opportunities to get familiar with the country's numerous mountains and appreciate their blessings. Mount Fuji is the most well-known, while other famous mountains include Mount Aso, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world; Mount Kita, known for its alpine plants; Mount Takao, a quick day trip from Tokyo; and Mount Yari, known for its distinctive pointy top. 

Mountaineer and author Kyuya Fukada compiled a Yomiuri Literary award-winning book entitled 100 Famous Japanese Mountains (Nihon hyakumeizan) in 1964. It is available in English as One Hundred Mountains of Japan, translated by Martin Hood in 2014. Emperor Naruhito is said to be a fan and is a member of the Japanese Alpine Club himself.

Fukada’s book has inspired many mountaineers to aspire to reach every summit on the list, but the most popular mountain in Japan is undoubtedly Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures.

Why is Mount Fuji considered sacred in Japan?

Shugendo practitioners making a pilgrimage to Mount Haku. Image via Adobe

Many mountains in Japan are regarded as sacred in Shintoism and Buddhism. According to Shinto practitioners, divine kami are believed to dwell in mountains, and vermillion torii gates and shrines are often erected at their foot. The introduction of Buddhism to Japan from China extended this belief, with sacred mountains promoted as pilgrimage destinations as a way of becoming closer to enlightenment.

Another religion, known as Shugendo, evolved during the seventh century. Combining elements of Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism, and local folk practices, Shugendo practitioners are ascetic hermits known as yamabushi who tread through mountain ranges to conduct religious training.

Mount Yoshino in Nara is a popular destination, known for its Yoshino-zakura cherry blossoms in full bloom during March.

Popular pilgrimages for yamabushi include Mount Fuji, Mount Haku, and Mount Tate, Japan's holiest mountains known collectively as Sanreizan. Other popular locations include Nara's cherry blossom-covered Mount Yoshino as well as Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono, all in Yamagata prefecture. These Yamagata mountains, known as the "Three Mountains of Dewa," have the oldest history of mountain worship, going as far back as 593 with Prince Hachiko (542-641) worshipping Haguro Gongen, the kami of Mount Haguro.

Nearby temples Dainichibo and Churenji are famous as the resting places of two monks who turned themselves into living mummies while undertaking rigorous Shugendo training in the mountains. The monks subsisted on mountain vegetables, tree bark, roots, and tree sap containing arsenic for 1,000 days before sealing themselves in a cedar box.

They are considered living Buddhas for their achievement and their mummified bodies are on display at the temples. While it may sound a little scary, we recommend visiting the heart of Shugendo for yourself!

The Shinto deity associated with Japan's most-climbed mountain, Mount Fuji, is Konohanasakuya-hime. There are 1,300 shrines dedicated to her worship across Japan, known as Asama or Sengen shrines. The head shrine is Fujisan Sengen Shrine (also known as Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha), located at the foot of Mount Fuji.

By paying your respects at an Asama or Sengen shrine, it is believed that she will keep Mount Fuji, an active volcano, from erupting. Fujisan Sengen Shrine is also a popular starting point to climb Mount Fuji.

How you should plan for climbing Mount Fuji

When climbing any mountain or trail, it is important to take safety precautions, plan your route in advance, and understand local rules and recommendations. If you are hoping to climb Japan's most popular mountain on your next holiday, there are five trails that you can start from—the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya, and Ohachimeguri trails in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. 

As of July 1, 2024, there is a 2,000-yen fee to climb Mount Fuji and a daily maximum of 4,000 clumbers per day, introduced to curb overcrowding at one of Japan's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Climbers must register in advance at Fujisan-climb.jp to reserve their spot.

It is recommended to stay at a mountain hut overnight rather than attempting to climb it in one day, as this puts climbers at a triple risk of injury and altitude sickness. Plus, the early morning is probably the best time to reach the summit as the sunrise from the top is breathtaking.

You can pre-book a nearby mountain hut halfway up the mountain to stay overnight before continuing your ascent. The closest mountain hut will depend on which route you take. Check Mount Fuji's official website for a list of accommodations.

Pack helpful gear like hiking boots and a walking stick for navigating rugged terrain. Image via Adobe.

Always bring lots of layers and comfortable walking shoes. Even in the height of summer, it will get colder as you ascend the mountain. Bring provisions in a backpack, like water, electrolyte drinks (Pocari Sweat and Aquarius are popular brands in Japan), and calorie-dense and nutritious on-the-go snacks.

Bring trash bags, cash to use the toilets, and other tools like walking sticks and head lamps to make your trek easier during rugged paths and when walking in the dark. Follow instructions on Mount Fuji’s website regarding volcanic activity and wind conditions.

We hope that this gave you some insight into Japan's famous mountains. Pick up a copy of One Hundred Mountains of Japan if you would like to learn more. Large or small, we encourage you to take on the challenge of climbing one of Japan's gorgeous peaks!