Introduction

August 11th is Mountain Day, a national holiday in Japan. Since its establishment in 2016, people have celebrated the blessings that mountains bring. It is also a day to strengthen our connection with nature through hiking, taking in the beautiful mountain scenery, or finding other ways to express gratitude for the gifts of the mountains.
Creating a national holiday focused on such appreciation is a unique international phenomenon.
Mountain Day serves as a poignant reminder that Japan is truly a mountainous nation, where the topography is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity and everyday lives of its people.
It is a timeless symbol of the Japanese spirit of cherishing nature.
Today, Mountain Day is evolving into a symbol of co-creation. This bridge connects nature to people and local communities to the world as we look toward a more sustainable future.
Mountains provide water, nurture food, regulate the climate, support our health, and shape the regions in which we live. In many ways, mountains are a source of life.
Over the past decade, both society and the natural environment surrounding our mountains have undergone significant changes. This is why we must now ask ourselves:

"How shall we live in harmony with the mountains?"

In the decade ahead, Japan hopes to share with the world the wisdom and responsibility of coexisting with nature.
As a national symbol of this aspiration, Mountain Day is ready to take on an even greater role.

About Us

The Japan Mountain Day Foundation

The Japan Mountain Day Foundation

- Established in 2016
- Certified as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation in 2024
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Member of FAO's Mountain Partnership (joined in 2025)
- Core Mission: To promote public awareness of mountains and connect people with nature through the national holiday, Mountain Day, on August 11th.

The Significance of Mountains in Japan

Why Mountains Matter in Japan

- 70% of Japan's land is mountainous
- 66% forest cover—among the highest in the world
- Critical sources of fresh water for cities, agriculture, and other industries
- Rich biodiversity from subarctic to subtropical zones
- Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, spirituality, and lifestyles

What We Do / Activities

1. National Events

• Annual Mountain Day celebrations in collaboration with prefectural governments and municipalities
• National Summit held in a different host region every year
• Upcoming: 2025 in Fukui, 2026 in Gifu

The first Mountain Day celebration was held in 2016 in Matsumoto City,
Nagano Prefecture, attended by the then Crown Prince and
his family (now the Emperor and Empress).

2. Education and Awarenes

• Mountains and Health forums in urban and regional areas
• Youth and citizen engagement through public seminars and digital content
• Mountain culture promotion through multilingual media

Health Forum held in 2025 in Tokyo

3. International Collaboration

• Hosting global symposiums, such as the International Year of Mountains +20 (2022, Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture)
• Partnering with global organizations such as the FAO Mountain Partnership
• Upcoming: 2025 Mountains and Water Symposium with Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

Keynote speech at the International Year
of Mountains +20 Symposium held
in Toyama Prefecture in 2022

Outcomes of the two-day
symposium were featured

Support Us / Get Involved

Support Us

The Mountain Day movement is sustained by grassroots supporters, volunteers, and contributions from individuals and organizations. Your support is essential as we expand our activities to protect mountain environments and educate about mountain culture.

Ways to contribute:
- Become a Supporting Member
- Make a Donation
- Collaborate as a Corporate Partner

Help us build the future of mountains, for Japan and the world.

Support Us / Get Involved

Japan Mountain Day Foundation
Zenkoku Yamanohi Kyogikai

Mail: office@yamanohi.net
URL: https://www.yamanohi.net
URL: https://www.facebook.com/yamanohi811

Address: (zip) 160-0004
#301 Yatsuhashi Bldg, 2-10-5 Yotsuya, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Telephone Number: +81-3-5315-0652