CNN
—
Japan’s newest public holiday is finally here – and it’s all about celebrating the country’s ancient natural beauties.
“Mountain Day” was first introduced to parliament in 2014 following lobbying from the Japanese Alpine Club and other Alp-related groups.
The bill passed and it was officially added to the calendar, set to be observed every August 11 starting in 2016.
The holiday is targeted at overworked Japanese with the aim of pulling them from their dreary, air-conditioned cubicles for a day.
Those planning to take advantage of the new holiday and explore Japan’s mountainous scenery have no shortage of options.
Many of the nation’s mountains are easily accessible.
For some lucky residents, stunning mountain ranges form the backdrop of their cities and towns.
For the rest of us who aren’t enjoying a day off in Japan on Thursday, this gallery below of some of the country’s prettiest peaks will have to do.
Stunning photos of Japan’s most serene and beautiful places
Is Kyoto the world’s most photogenic city? Look and decide for yourself
Tokyo POV: Locals share their tips on Japan’s premiere city
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
Mount Hotaka, part of Japan's Northern Alps -- or Hida Mountains -- overlooks the Azusa River, which flows through the highland valley of Kamikochi. More of Japan's most beautiful mountainous landscapes ahead.
JNTO
Known as Japan's second Mount Fuji for its resemblance to the icon, Mount Daisen is the highest peak in the Chugoku region, standing 1,709 meters tall.
JNTO
The Tateyama mountain range forms a permanently beautiful backdrop to Toyama city, in the prefecture of the same name.
JNTO
Mount Nipesotsu is a lava dome in the Nipesotsu-Maruyama Volcanic Group, situated in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.
JNTO
Mikurigaike Pond is a crater lake in the Northern Alps along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
JNTO
Kumano Kodo, as seen here from the famous Hyakken-gura viewpoint, is a network of seven pilgrimage routes. It's one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimages in the world.
JNTO
This Nagano mountain village is located near the city of Iida, which was once an old castle town.
JNTO
At 3,776.24 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain peak in Japan and one of the most famous in the country.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
A pass snakes up Mount Norikura, the third tallest volcano in Japan after Mount Fuji and Mount Ontake.
JNTO
Lake Akan is a lake in Hokkaido's Akan National Park.
JNTO
The Northern Alps, or Hida Mountains, join the Central Alps (Kiso Mountains) and Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains) to collectively form the Japanese Alps.
JNTO
As part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, Mount Kuju is the highest peak on the island of Kyushu.
JNTO
Patches of snow can be found on Mount Asahi, Hokkaido's tallest mountain, all year.
JNTO
Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, erupts regularly and offers stunning views of the area's landscapes.
JNTO
Lake Haruna, a popular camping and fishing area during the summer, is located near the summit of Mount Haruna. Haruna is one of Gunma's three famous mountains along with Mounts Akagi and Myogi.
JNTO
Covered in Japanese azalea, the Kuju range is popular among hikers looking for breathtaking views in Kyushu.
JNTO
Sometimes known as the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido, Mount Yotei attracts both climbers and adventurous skiers looking for pristine snow.
JNTO
Steep mountains dominate Niigata, which faces the Sea of Japan, the waters between the Japanese archipelago, Sakhalin and the Asian mainland.