「Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone SengokuharaAfter a peaceful stay at [location], our final destination was the Susuki Grassland, known as one of Sengokuhara's most representative scenic spots.
Right next to the hotel is the Hakone Tozan Bus stop "Daigatake," from which you can take a bus to "Sengoku Kogen" and access the area near the entrance to the pampas grass field. It's about a 10-minute walk from the hotel to the field, but since it was a lovely early summer day, we decided to walk. Also, despite having already checked out, the hotel kindly allowed us to leave our car in the parking lot for about 30 minutes. Such thoughtful gestures are a welcome part of hospitality that enhances the satisfaction of your stay.
Once we were ready, we put our dog Chocolat in the pet stroller and set off. It's the season when a parasol is essential for sun protection.
In early summer, Sengokuhara is enveloped in dazzling new greenery. The sky is clear and endlessly blue, and a gentle breeze caresses your cheeks as soft sunlight pours down.
As I walked with a parasol in hand, I could hear the birds chirping and the rustling of leaves, and I felt a sense of tranquility that is hard to find in the city. The path was gentle and easy to walk, and as I strolled along, enjoying the scenery surrounded by greenery, even that felt pleasant.
Looking to the other side of the pampas grass field, you'll see the majestic Marudake mountain, rising to an altitude of 1,156 meters. Known as one of the outer rim mountains of Hakone, Marudake boasts a beautifully gentle ridgeline and is one of the iconic landmarks of Sengokuhara. Standing majestically beyond the vast pampas grass field, it gives visitors a sense of the sheer scale of Hakone's nature. Looking at Marudake, adorned with fresh greenery under a blue sky, it's as if you've stepped into a landscape painting.
And what unfolded before my eyes was a landscape of pampas grass fields, typical of early summer. While autumn pampas grass fields are famous for their golden waves of grain, the pampas grass at this time of year is still young and a vibrant green. It is also short in stature, displaying a fresh and vibrant appearance full of life.
Each time the wind blows, the lush green pampas grass sways in unison, and beyond it, the Hakone mountains stretch out gently. It's surprising to encounter such a completely different scene from autumn, even though it's the same place. Rather than a spectacular, dazzling view, it's a landscape that makes you feel the inherent breath and powerful force of nature's growth. There's something simple about it, a beauty that quietly seeps into your heart.
Chocolat also seemed to be enjoying the stroll comfortably, gazing at the scenery from inside the cart and feeling the scent of the cool breeze.
Walking with my beloved dog, feeling the changing seasons, created an irreplaceable travel memory. While sightseeing is enjoyable, perhaps it is these moments of simply strolling slowly through nature that truly make you feel the richness of travel. The pampas grass fields are known as a famous autumn spot, but early summer, enveloped in vibrant green, is also exceptional. Hakone's nature changes dramatically with each season. Walking through the pampas grass fields in early summer, feeling the changes of the seasons, was a peaceful and fulfilling stroll that was a fitting conclusion to our stay at Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara. Relaxing in the hot springs, savoring delicious food, and walking in nature with my dog—it was an unforgettable moment that encapsulated the charm of a Hakone trip.
Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara
Address: 817-444 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
TEL: 0120-489-166
https://www.morinokaze-hakone-sengokuhara.com/
