I've been to the pampas grass field twice, and it's a lovely but brief detour from the main path—a quick walk rather than a full hike. A wide, single trail stretches up the hillside from the west, offering open views along the way until reaching a dead-end lookout at a slightly higher point.
This field is best known for its autumnal beauty. By early November, the grass reach their peak as a bright, whitish gold, before turning brown in winter. In spring, controlled burns clear the field to maintain the integrity of the pampas grass and prevent other plants from overtaking it.
Access:
The pampas grass field is a short walk from the Sengoku Kogen bus stop, accessible by the Hakone Tozan Bus Line T and the Odakyu Bus. It’s about a 30-minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station (¥980) or just 5 minutes from Togendai (¥350). Buses run frequently, and the route is fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass.