Oishi Kogen (生石高原), a prefectural natural park straddling Kimino Town and Aridagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, is entering its pampas grass (susuki) viewing season, which runs from early October to mid-November. From near the 870-meter summit, visitors can enjoy a grassland of pampas grass and a sweeping panorama.
During the peak season, the beautiful pampas grass fields draw not only local residents but also many visitors from inside and outside the prefecture. In October the pampas grass sways in silver, and in November the grassland glows gold in the morning and evening sun, so the scenery changes with the season and the time of day.
Highlights of Oishi Kogen
Panoramic Views from 870 Meters
Oishi Kogen, which straddles Kimino Town and Aridagawa Town, is designated as a prefectural natural park. From near the summit, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the sky, mountain ranges, and the vast pampas grass grassland.
The best viewing period is from early October to mid-November. The pampas grass colors the grassland silver in October, and in November it glows gold in the morning and evening sun.
Hiageiwa (火上げ岩): A Recommended Photo Spot
Hiageiwa (火上げ岩) is a large rock jutting out near the summit and a signature photo spot of Oishi Kogen. Sitting on the rock and taking a photo against the wide sky and grassland captures the scale of the great outdoors.
Yama no Ie Oishi (山の家おいし) near the Summit
After a stroll, visitors can stop by the rest house "Yama no Ie Oishi" near the summit. Besides meals such as its signature egg-on-rice (tamago kake gohan) and oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), local farm products, miso, honey, and handicrafts are also available for purchase.
Campground with Starry Skies and a Sea of Clouds
Oishi Kogen also has a campground, with a location that offers a sky full of stars at night and a sea of clouds in the morning. Beyond the pampas grass during the day, visitors can enjoy nature that changes its look as time passes.
Visitor Information
- Name: Oishi Kogen (生石高原)
- Best Season: Early October to mid-November
- Address: 899-29 Nakata, Kimino-cho, Kaiso-gun, Wakayama Prefecture (和歌山県海草郡紀美野町中田899-29)
- Main Highlights: Pampas grass grassland, panoramic views from near the 870-meter summit, Hiageiwa (火上げ岩)
- Nearby Facilities: Yama no Ie Oishi (山の家おいし), campground
- Parking: Free
Notes for Visitors
- The weather and temperature on the plateau can change easily, so bring warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes.
- The ground can be slippery in the morning, evening, and in bad weather. At photo spots including Hiageiwa, avoid entering dangerous areas and avoid taking photos in awkward or strained positions.
- Please help protect the natural environment by not picking plants, not leaving the walking paths, and taking your trash home with you.
- Bringing in flowers or plants (including dried flowers) is prohibited. Please use artificial flowers when taking photos. This is because plants brought in from elsewhere can take root and prevent the pampas grass from growing.
- Natural phenomena such as the pampas grass at its peak, sea of clouds, and starry skies vary depending on weather conditions.
