"What is Yukitsuri?"
"Yukitsuri" is synonymous with Japanese gardens in winter. It refers to supporting the branches of garden trees with ropes or wire to prevent them from breaking under the weight of accumulated snow.
The Sea of Japan side is said to be one of the heaviest snowfall areas in the world, and not only is the amount of snow heavy, but also the quality of the snow is wet and heavy, making it easy for trees to break.
For this reason, it is practiced everywhere in Japan in areas with deep snow, and the technique of yukitsuri has been developed and spread since ancient times.
It is generally said to begin in November, before the snow begins to fall, and is removed in March, when the snow ends.
Yukitsuri Technique
There are several methods of Yukitsuri. A typical method is "apple hanging," in which a post is erected around the trunk of the tree and ropes are stretched radially from the tip of the post to each branch.
It looks as if it is completely covered by an umbrella, and it is said that this practice began in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where apple growing was popular, to protect the growing fruit from breaking branches.
In addition, "trunk hanging" involves setting up a post around the trunk of a tree and hanging the branches with a rope directly from the trunk of the garden tree. and "Komomaki", which involves wrapping cold-tolerant trees that are sensitive to cold, such as cycads, in thin straw. etc.
Its purpose is protection, but it's beautiful
Although the purpose is to protect the garden trees, when it comes to hanging large trees , a large amount of ropes and poles are used and it is quite a sight to behold.
It also has a very artistic and beautiful shape, which I think is the result of the aesthetic sense of the gardeners.
One of Japan's three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen
Kanazawa, home to Kenrokuen, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, is an area with a tradition of high landscaping techniques.
Kenrokuen's Yukitsuri work, which can be concidered one of the culmination of these efforts, begins on November 1 each year and takes about a month to a month and a half to set up Yukitsuri in over 800 locations throughout the park.
It is a large-scale operation that requires a total of about 500 people, and one of the highlights is the work that shows the skill of the craftsmen.
Kenrokuen is visited by many tourists every year to see the Yukitsuri.
Don't you see it in Tokyo?
In fact, you can even see it in Tokyo!
Higo Hosokawa Garden, a municipal park in Tokyo, is a vast Japanese garden that is approximately 1.4 times the size of the Tokyo Dome Grand.
At Higo Hosokawa Garden, there are a total of 4 to 6 beautiful Yukitsuri (varies depending on the year) for viewing purposes.
You can admire the Yukitsuri from anywhere while walking through the pond-style garden.
"Japanese Garden"
A Japanese garden is a uniquely Japanese design space that is formed based on elements such as ponds, rockeries, and stones.
It mainly consists of a pond placed in the center, a built mountain with a slope, and various combinations of stones, and is an attempt to symbolically recreate the natural landscape.
Its main feature is that it incorporates natural materials such as stones and plants, and is constructed asymmetrically with a curved shape.
Four Seasons Relationship
Japan has four seasons, and you can feel it in the Japanese Garden, making it the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of each season.
In spring, cherry blossoms decorate the garden, and in summer, lush greenery fills the cool air. In the fall, the leaves add vibrant colors to the park, and in the winter, the snow-covered landscape creates a magical landscape.
Getting in touch with nature
The Japanese Garden, which changes with the seasons, is designed as a place to enjoy harmony with nature.
In the spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the garden, and in summer, the pond is filled with lotus flowers.
In the fall, you can enjoy a stroll, and in the winter, the snow-covered gardens offer tranquility and beauty.
History of Religious Thought
Throughout their history, Japanese gardens have been strongly influenced by religious ideas imported from the mainland, such as Pure Land Buddhism and Zen.
The people responsible for gardens and their uses have also changed over time as society has changed.
Because of its sophisticated nature, it has become popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
Why not visit a Japanese garden and experience the wabi-sabi feeling?
