Pix4Japan: October 2024

2024-10-15

Sengokuhara Silver Grass Field

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Morning Light on Sengokuhara: Silver Grass and Tradition at Mt. Hakone
仙石原すすき草原：箱根山北麓に広がる、伝統と美の保護

The vast fields of Sengokuhara, situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, are blanketed with tall susuki grass (Japanese silver grass, Miscanthus sinensis). Lush and deep green in summer, the grass transforms in early autumn, sending up glistening mauve seed heads that evolve into silvery tufts by mid-autumn, creating a magical landscape that attracts both domestic and overseas visitors.

A gently climbing path flows straight through the field along the northern slope at the northwest foot of Mt. Daigatake, an inactive lava dome that forms part of the Mt. Hakone volcanic caldera in Kanagawa Prefecture. This dirt path stretches 680 meters (2,228 feet) across the full width of the slope, offering visitors an immersive journey through swaying seas of silver grass.

Designated as one of Kanagawa’s “50 Best Scenic Spots” and among the “Top 100 Flower Viewing Spots in Kanagawa,” Sengokuhara is a favorite for nature lovers. Leaving home at 4:00 a.m., I embarked on a less-than-two-hour drive from Yokohama via the Tomei Expressway, with a few stops for hot drinks and a stretch break for my border collie, Dale-chan.

The grassland’s scenic beauty is preserved through controlled burning, a tradition rooted in practicality dating back to the Edo period (1603–1867). Back then, the grass was harvested for thatching rooftops, an essential material in Japanese architecture. However, as modern building materials replaced traditional thatch, the fields languished for several decades.

In 1989, preservation efforts were reintroduced on a trial basis, and since 2000, annual cutting and burning have been conducted to prevent trees and invasive plants from overtaking the field. This practice has ensured that visitors can continue to appreciate the unique beauty of these fields, as well as the cultural significance of Japanese silver grass.

Today, Miscanthus species are recognized not only for their ornamental value but also as potential resources for biomass energy. Initially valued as grazing and structural materials in China and Japan, these grasses are now found worldwide, naturalized in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 08:05・2024/10/15
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/11

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Sengokuhara Village

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Sengokuhara Village: Home to a Silver Grass Haven Beneath Mt. Hakone
金時山の麓に広がるススキ草原の町、仙石原

Sengokuhara Silver Grass Fields, nestled at the base of Mt. Hakone’s northern slope in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offer a sweeping view of Mt. Ashigara to the north, quietly overlooking the peaceful resort town of Sengokuhara.

I arrived just before sunrise, just in time to catch the first rays of light spilling over the ridge of Mt. Hakone despite the forecast of heavy clouds.

The history of Sengokuhara stretches back to the early Edo period (1603–1700). Back then, plains of silver grass blanketed the landscape as far as the eye could see, sparking hopes that the land could support grain crops.

However, the volcanic ash soil and high humidity made farming unviable. Instead, the village turned to cultivating Japanese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis), essential for thatching traditional roofs.

While once vital to daily life, today Sengokuhara is cherished for its scenic beauty and proximity to Hakone’s popular resorts and tourist sites.

Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 06:46・2024/10/15
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
53 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8.0