The purpose of yuki-tsuri is to protect trees from snow. A technique developed in the snow belt of Japan, it is a Japanese winter tradition. Togoshi Park uses yuki-tsuri every year in mid-December on the three kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) trees located in front of Yakuimon gate so that visitors can learn about this ancient custom and enjoy the beauty of a traditional Japanese garden.

Komo-maki is a traditional method of protecting pine trees from insects. Komo (woven straw mats) are wrapped around the trunks of trees like belts—very inviting to pests wishing to escape from the cold. When winter is over, the belt is burned along with pests inside. Since no pesticides are used, this is considered an environmentally friendly way of eliminating pests. Togoshi Park uses komo-maki on all thirty-four kuromatsu on its grounds.

In anticipation of New Year’s Day, a pair of kadomatsu are placed in front of Yakuimon gate. A kadomatsu consists of pine branches and bamboo and plum branches, which is thought to bring good luck in the New Year. Professional artisans create the kadomatsu at Togoshi Park, carefully inserting about a hundred pine branches for each. It takes about two hours to create one.