Learning The Ropes

Above, a statue guards the entrance to Hakusan Park in Niigata, Japan . In the background,
yukiduri ropes are tied to some of the park's trees  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, I made a side trip to Niigata, Japan. While there, I wandered around Hakusan Park and noticed some trees with peculiar ropes tied to them.

I really didn't give them much thought (I did think they looked cool) and continued on with my exploration of the city.

It was only tonight that I saw a Tweet with a photo of some trees with these ropes that was posted by Japan Tour & Travel.

Above, trees tied with yukiduri ropes surround a pond at Hakusan Park in Niigata.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's what they said about the ropes:

Yukiduri ropes to prevent branches from breaking under heavy snow at a Japanese garden.

So, they're called "yukiduri ropes" and the purpose of them is to keep tree branches from breaking due to heavy snow. Makes sense. Niigata does get a lot of snowfall during the winter months.

Well, one learns something new everyday!