Autumn plants in Japan: Pampas Grass

Pampas Grass, or silver / plume grass, is not native to Japan, but it has been grown here since the Edo period. Originally it was grown to be used for thatching roofs. Pampas grass' scientific name is Miscanthus sinensis. It is called susuki in Japanese and, although not native to Japan, is one of the seven grasses of Japan. Something every child in Japan knows, because they learn a rhyme to memorize the seven grasses in elementary school!

At this time of the year you can see it in most parts of the country. It actually grows for months on end, but it is shades of silver and gold around October and November. The pampas grass pictured in this post was taken today, November 12th 2024, in Kawasato Central Park in Konosu.

I will be very honest; when I first came to Japan I thought susuki was a weed. Because it grows wild everywhere! Even though for many years I thought it was a weed, I still thought it was beautiful. What I learned over the years is that they intentionally burn the pampas in winter in my town, ironically as a way of preserving it. That is an incredibly beautiful scene too. 

The most famous place for pampas grass in Japan is Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields in Hakone. I have never been personally, just seen beautiful photos of rolling fields of susuki. Reportedly, you can usually see susuki there from September to November. They also burn the pampas grass, but in March not winter. Genkidesu recommends Hikarigahara Plateau on the border of Niigata and Nagano for this silver beauty. Is there anywhere you would recommend for pampas grass?