Catch these stunning pampas grass fields in Japan this autumn

Not too far from Tokyo, Senjogahara in Tochigi’s Nikko National Park is a stunning spot to admire the seasonal pampas grass. The main viewing area is a vast 400-hectare marshland with a flat 6km trail that lets you stroll through the grassy landscape. Following the Yukawa River, the trail offers beautiful views of the susuki grass against a backdrop of changing autumn foliage. This popular year-round hiking destination is also great for enjoying the surrounding greenery and bird-watching.

Located in the heart of Hyogo prefecture, this scenic highland plateau boasts roughly 90 hectares of susuki grass, with winding trails and changing terrain that let you take in the views both up close and from a distance. Set at an altitude of 800 to 900 metres, the area is rich in diverse vegetation and alpine plants, and has even served as a filming location for several productions, including the 2010 film adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood.

Though modest in size, Metropolitan Sayama Natural Park in Higashi-Murayama is home to a 5,000sqm pampas grass field that glows golden every autumn. While you’re there, take in the scenic view of Mt Fuji and the forests surrounding Lake Tama, which are protected to preserve the water that’s used as a freshwater reservoir for Tokyo residents. Best of all, it’s less than an hour from central Tokyo: take the Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hagiyama Station, then transfer to the Seibu Tamako Line for Tamako Station, just a short walk from the park.

Admire the views at Inatori Hosono Plateau this autumn as the area is hosting its annual susuki festival between October 30 and November 29. During this time, there will be food trucks as well as live musical performances.

Entry fee for the event is ¥1,000 per person and free for children who are in elementary school and younger.

One of the most popular pampas grass destinations in Japan is this sprawling field near the onsen town of Hakone. The picturesque grass covers the western slope of Mt Hakone and is a highlight in autumn. The tall grass usually changes colour from late September to mid-November and can grow to as tall as an adult. The field features a single walking path to keep you on track so you don’t get lost or disoriented. 

During peak season, parking spaces, including the main paid parking lot and several surrounding the nearby Lawson store, may become full. Take the local bus (Togendai Line) from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Sengokukogen bus stop for easy access.

The peak of Mt Iwawaki doesn’t have any trees, but you’ll find a sea of this photogenic grass as you make your way to the top. If you’re up for an autumn hike, the mountain offers numerous hiking trails with observation decks along the way. The trek to the top of the mountain takes roughly 90-minutes and it’s worth it to catch the pampas grass swaying in the wind with the backdrop of Kansai in the distance.

This breathtaking plateau in Uda, Nara prefecture boasts spectacular sunsets, hiking trails, natural onsen and rolling hills covered with susuki grass. The optimal time to see this is November, but it’s also beautiful in the summer when the highland is covered in a brilliant blanket of green. Late afternoon is when photographers from far and wide flock to the area to catch the sun setting behind the expansive fields of grass.

Nestled in western Wakayama just south of Osaka, the panoramic highland of Oishi Kogen is home to a large plain of pampas grass. Locals say this is one of the best grasslands in the Kansai region. The susuki here is mainly golden in autumn, only turning silvery-white when winter rolls around. At a height of 870 metres, the Oishi Kogen Highland also offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. Talk about prime photo ops.

This vantage point in Yamanashi prefecture not only boasts beautiful pampas grass in autumn but also a winning view of Mt Fuji. The best time to go is in November and make sure you get there early in the morning before the clouds roll in and shield Mt Fuji from view. The nearby susuki swaying in the wind is the cherry on the cake – we can see why a dedicated viewing platform is built at this exact spot.

This lovely plateau in Tottori prefecture is renowned for its autumn foliage, especially around Mt Daisen. It's also home to a gorgeous grassland full of swaying susuki. The breathtaking landscape looks largely untouched, and as this is the birthplace of Japan's Nature Conservation Charter, there are regulations in place to protect the area's wildlife and natural scenery.