In the winter months, many Japanese gardens erect cone-shaped structures around trees; these are constructed of bamboo and rope, protecting the tree branches from breaking under the weight of the winter's snow. In Japanese, these structures are called 'Yukitsuri' in English 'snow suspenders,' I prefer a more straightforward terminology 'winters tree umbrella.'
The winters tree umbrella blends in harmonically in a combination of function and beauty; with ropes spread out from the top of the tree evenly encircling in its natural pattern. Many Zen gardens across Japan have lighting events at night; spotlights are precisely placed under the trees, with snow falling around this creates a beautiful winters Zen scene. 

Japanese dogmas has made "Zen" a household name word know worldwide. Japanese garden aesthetics are drawn inspirationally from the elements of nature and Buddhist philosophies. I photographed these winters trees umbrella while leading a private Japan Photo Tour workshop.