One of the captivating sights in Japan, especially during autumn, is the Susuki grass, scientifically known as Miscanthus sinensis. This ornamental grass thrives across Japan and various parts of Asia, and has become a favorite in gardens throughout Europe and North America. Its elegant form and the way it turns a beautiful golden yellow in the fall, topped with soft, brush-like seed heads, make it a truly stunning plant. There’s a unique joy in walking through a field of susuki, where the grass towers almost as tall as you are, creating an immersive natural experience.
In earlier times, susuki was more than just a wild grass; it was an integral part of rural Japanese life. Villages cultivated susuki in small fields near their homes, and communities would cooperatively harvest it. This versatile grass served as the primary thatching material for roofs, from grand temples and castles to simple farmhouses and barns. Beyond roofing, leftover susuki was repurposed into straw figures and used as valuable fodder for livestock. The dense susuki fields also provided shelter for tiny harvest mice, which in turn became prey for owls inhabiting the village outskirts, showcasing a natural ecosystem intricately linked to this grass.
Japanese culture deeply appreciates susuki, embedding it in poetry and folk traditions. While seemingly ordinary, susuki embodies the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in the commonplace. Many are drawn to its simple elegance, often pausing to admire it in parks and natural settings. However, in smaller gardens, susuki can be challenging to manage, sometimes requiring vigorous pruning. Despite this, for many, including myself, susuki remains an essential element of a refined Japanese garden, as crucial as rocks, moss, or maple trees.
For breathtaking views of vast susuki fields in the Kanto region, Hakone is highly recommended, particularly up to November. For those interested in experiencing “susuki-watching,” a dedicated guide is available online. Recently, I encountered a magnificent stand of susuki flourishing on a ridge near the peak of Mount Takao.
Golden Susuki Grass Field on Mount Takao in Autumn, Japan
Close-up of Susuki Grass Seed Heads, Mount Takao, Japan
Path Through a Susuki Grass Field in Autumn, Mount Takao
Sunlight Filtering Through Susuki Grass, Mount Takao, Japan
