Soni Kogen I watched the silver grass as lights came on across the grassland

I arrived at Soni Kogen and stepped out of the car to find a grassy slope spread out before me. I’d come to see the silver grass in autumn, but first I was struck by just how wide the grassland was. I’d only just walked over from the car park, and I was already so glad I’d come.

As I followed the path, the plumes of silver grass nearby swayed in the breeze. I took in the plumes close by, then let my eyes travel up the slope. Even within the same grassland, the view was different up close and from a distance. Before I’d taken a single photo, I already wanted to walk a little farther.

When I reached the area around Okame Pond, I stopped walking. Looking at the terrain stretching from the pond toward the hill, I could see the path I’d just walked, now part of the landscape. I’d only seen this place in photos, and now I was walking it myself. Once that sank in, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

By late afternoon, I was starting to think about heading back. But whenever I looked up at the sky, I found I wasn’t ready to return to the car yet. I’d told my friend I’d head back after seeing the silver grass, but now I’d found something else I wanted to stay for. I’d tell her about it when I got back.

As dusk fell, lights around Okame Pond came into view. I held the little flashlight I’d brought in both hands and peered through the silver grass. The lights made the path I’d followed earlier visible again. The same grassland looked so different now that I couldn’t help saying so out loud.

After one more look at the lights, I made my way slowly back to the car park. Walking the autumn grassland and staying until dusk had both become part of the day. Next time, I don’t want to leave as soon as I arrive. I’ll make sure to leave time to take in the scenery.