Hosono Highlands: Inatori autumn grassland

Grassland and views

Susuki covers roughly 125 hectares above Inatori, with silver heads that ripple in the wind during October and November. As November ends, the drying stems take on a golden color in the sun, continuing into December. Across the grassland, Inatori projects into the sea; farther along the coast are Kawazu, Shirahama and Tsumekizaki. The Izu islands lie offshore, while the Amagi mountains rise behind the plateau.

This open country was a kaya cutting ground. People harvested the grass for thatched roofs, field fertilizer and livestock feed; some is still used in citrus orchards. Cutting and annual burning stop woodland from taking over. The main burn is normally a February task, followed by blackened ground and new bracken shoots from April. Visitors are excluded on burning days.

Four wetlands interrupt the grassland: Nakayama No. 1, Nakayama No. 2, Momono and Shibahara. Water gathers above the impermeable Inatori mudflow layer beneath the plateau. The wetlands are protected, with fenced areas kept out of the walking routes. They are part of a managed landscape on private land, where visitors must stay on permitted paths and keep vehicles off the grass.

Grassland circuits and Mount Misuji

The three circuits begin at Hosono Highlands Square, above the parking area and reception. Walking times start at the square. The lower, roughly 200-meter susuki path has stairs and a stepped crossing on the hillside.

The longest circuit reaches Misuji-shita, below Mount Misuji. From there, a further climb reaches the summit at 821 meters above sea level. The path from Misuji-shita to the summit is steeper than the short grassland circuit. Descend to the square and reception for the return bus.

Along the lower slopes, the changing view is the point of the walk: grass in front, a band of wooded hills below, then sea and islands. Benches during the autumn event provide places to stop. Below the grassland, Inatori’s harbor and shopping streets lie on the coast.

Autumn event and entry

The autumn event has sea-view swings, rest benches and five stamp-rally stops.

The event runs October 30–November 29, 2026, from 10:00–16:00. Middle-school ages and older pay ¥1,000 (about US$6.30) and receive a ¥400 (about US$2.50) Higashiizu shopping voucher; children through elementary school enter free.

Balls and sleds are lent at the event field. Food stalls and kitchen cars attend on irregular days. Carry food and water when walking here. On November 1 a local high-school wind band is scheduled; November 7 has an Alpine ensemble using instruments such as alphorn and accordion. Selected concerts are followed by mochi and sweets being thrown to the crowd. Weather can change or cancel performances.

Event bus and return

During the autumn event, direct buses run between Izu-Inatori station and Hosono Highlands on Saturdays, Sundays and Japanese public holidays. The journey takes twenty minutes each way. On weekdays, reach the highlands by car or taxi. From Route 135, the drive to the entrance takes about fifteen minutes, and event parking is free.

The last event bus leaves at the end of staffed hours. The stop is below Highlands Square, where the walking circuits begin; descend from the grassland to catch it. Back at Izu-Inatori, coastal trains continue toward Atagawa or south to Kawazu and Shimoda. For the Tokyo journey, a northbound connection or reserved express is needed.