Japanese rain chains (kusari-doi)
Japanese rain chains are what traditional Japanese houses use instead of drain pipes, and they're a lot more attractive. You'll never go back!
Rain chains are suspended from the rain gutter at the corner of your roof, and the rain water trickles down the chain to the ground, to a basin, or a barrel. The rain water makes a wonderful soothing sound as it trickles down the chain.
Japanese rain chains are absolutely beautiful. They're usually made of copper, which over time grows a lovely green patina. They're often very ornate; some are literally chains or loops, but many are strings of lovely little copper cups or flowers.
They're also hugely practical, and a great way to add a Japanese touch to your house and garden without taking up any valuable space. You can direct your rain chains into barrels if you want to collect your rainwater – very handy in dry summers. If you prefer to direct the water straight into the drain, you can make the drain look Japanese by covering it with pebbles. Or you can place a stone basin over the drain (make sure it doesn't completely cover it!) and place pebbles around the base of it.
Here are some different styles of Japanese rain chain.
