Thanks @Tropical_Willie. It sounds like a nightmare though, from what I hear. It goes through bricks! etc. Here is a random article.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/japanese-knotweed-everything-you-ever-4328310
3. Kill it with chemicals
You can turn to chemicals, especially treatments containing glyphosate, but beware: it can take up to five years’ treatment to finally be rid of the pesky plant.
Professional treatments can set you back thousands of pounds.