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Yukizuri Create Winter Scenery

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This winter, visitors to Portland Japanese Garden will experience a rare and beautiful addition not seen on the grounds since the 1980s: yukizuri (sometimes transliterated as “yukitsuri”). Yukizuri (雪吊り) are aesthetically pleasing support systems designed to protect and prepare trees for winter. The word yuki means “snow” and zuri or tsuri means “lifting,” and the technique involves casting straw ropes down from a central pole, resembling the frame of an umbrella. These ropes are tied to branches to help lift them, ensuring they can withstand heavy snowfall or frost.

Yukizuri in the Flat Garden. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

Installation of Yukizuri

Wari-bochi are the woven straw covers at the very top of the pole. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

Yukizuri have been installed in two locations this year. Trees in the Flat Garden, including its weeping cherry and maples, feature yukizuri with ropes tied to spikes driven into the raked gravel. In the Cultural Village, ropes will be tied directly to tree limbs. While Portland’s typical winters don’t bring the heavy snowfall seen in Japan, these additions serve as an aesthetic touch, showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural traditions of Japanese gardens. The Garden’s rice straw ropes, reminiscent of shimenawa, are favored in Kanazawa and used in Shinto rituals. These ropes symbolize the border of sacred spaces and act as a ward against evil spirits.

Historical Significance

Yukizuri was first introduced to Portland Japanese Garden during the tenure of Garden Director Kichiro Sano (1982-84). Sano, inspired by the heavy snows of his hometown Kanazawa, brought this feature to Portland as a focal point for winter, even aligning the initial installation with the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Yukizuri in the 1980s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Other Winter Preparations

Joining yukizuri this winter will be komo-maki and shiki-matsuba:

  • Komo-maki are straw mats gently wrapped around tree trunks with straw rope to prevent insects from reaching tree roots.
  • Shiki-matsuba are coverings of dried pine needles placed on moss to protect it from frost.

These winter preparations reflect the concept of tei-en no fuyu-jitaku (庭園の冬支度), or “garden’s winter preparation,” ensuring plants are protected and cared for during the colder months.

  • Shiki-matsuba in the Flat Garden. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.
  • Komo-maki on red pine in the Cultural Village. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

Visit Us This Winter

Don’t miss this chance to see the rare beauty of yukizuri, along with other traditional winter touches, at Portland Japanese Garden. These features are available to view throughout the winter season into early March.

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