They have been valued highly as a symbol of long life or constancy from old times and many old pine trees are designated as natural treasures.
Pines often make splendid scenery.
The most notable scenic spot is Amanohashidate, in Kyoto Prefecture, with more than 6,000 pine trees forming lines on the sandbar. Large pines trees, which grow to a maximum height of about 40 meters, also serve as a windbreak in coastal areas. Small pines are used as bonsai, garden trees and materials for houses and furniture. Pines are also considered to be holy trees. People in the olden days were awed by nature and saw in plants and trees symbols of divine spirits.