Traditions to Preserve the Nature: Yukizuri

 

When visiting Japanese gardens in the wintertime, you may find trees covered in ropes. These are called "Yukizuri" which means "Snow Hanging". The ropes are attached in a conical array around the trees, and its purpose is to protect the trees from the snow. By catching the snow on to the Yukizuri, it protects the branches from breaking due to the heavy snow.

However in Tokyo, it is very rare to see any heavy snows even during the wintertime. Therefore, it is said that Yukizuri in Tokyo is done for creating a beautiful, winter-like view.