Mountain Day – August 11

Since the establishment of the national holiday Mountain Day in 2016, the Mountain Day National Convention have been held annually on August 11.
This year, more than 500 participants—including government officials, local citizens, and mountain and nature enthusiasts gathered in Ōno, Fukui.The 10th Convention in 2026 will be hosted in Takayama, Gifu. At the Ōno venue, the symbolic mountaineering hat of the Convention was ceremonially passed from Governor Sugimoto of Fukui to Governor Ezaki of Gifu, the host of next year’s convention.

Governor Ezaki of Gifu delivered the address

Message from the Governor of Gifu

Mountains have long been the very source of human life, providing food, water, timber, and protection from natural hazards. Japan remains a nation of forests, with 67% of its land covered by woodland, and in Gifu this figure reaches 81%. Safeguarding and nurturing these forests is our solemn responsibility. Yet today, many regions face challenges of overplanting and underharvesting, leaving valuable resources untapped due to a lack of successors to manage the mountains.

As we look ahead to the 10th Mountain Day National Convention in Gifu, our theme will be: “Transforming gratitude for the mountains into action.”

The historic city of Hida-Takayama, known worldwide, will serve as the stage from which we share Japan’s mountain culture and our responsibilities for the future with the international community. Learning from the excellent example set by Fukui, we pledge to take up this relay baton with full dedication and make thorough preparations for the convention.

Introduction to Gifu

Gifu is located in the very heart of Japan, surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges of the Northern Japan Alps. With 81% of its land covered by forests, Gifu is often called “the Land of Mountains.” The prefecture is rich in cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and history, while also serving as a center of sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship. Its mountains, rivers, and hot springs continue to attract visitors seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth.

Introduction to Takayama

Takayama, nestled in the Hida region of northern Gifu, is internationally renowned as a cultural tourism destination. Often referred to as “Little Kyoto of Hida,” the city preserves beautifully maintained traditional townscapes, including merchant houses from the Edo period. Takayama hosts the Takayama Festival, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals, and serves as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go. With its rich history, warm hospitality, and proximity to the Japanese Alps, Takayama welcomes visitors from around the world as a living symbol of Japan’s mountain culture.