The timeless beauty and practicality of Hinoki

A Hinoki cutting board isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s a piece of traditional craftsmanship that enhances your everyday cooking. Made from Japanese cypress (Hinoki), it offers a smooth surface that’s gentle on knives, naturally antibacterial, and resilient enough to last for decades when properly cared for.

Hinoki’s fine, straight grain (called masame) provides a stable, elastic surface that allows knives to glide effortlessly. Over time, shallow knife marks gradually fade as the wood absorbs and releases moisture—a quiet reminder of Hinoki’s self-healing nature.

Before First Use

When you first receive your Hinoki cutting board, you may notice its distinct scent.

This natural fragrance comes from Hinoki’s essential oils, which have been cherished in Japan for centuries for their calming, purifying qualities. For those unfamiliar with Japanese wood, the aroma can seem strong at first—but it’s completely natural, not chemical. The scent softens gradually with use and becomes part of the board’s charm.

If you prefer to tone it down before use:

• Rinse lightly with warm water.
• Wipe off excess moisture and allow it to dry in the shade.

Daily Care

To keep your board beautiful and hygienic:

• Wash immediately after use. Rinse with lukewarm water and, if needed, use a small amount of mild dish soap.
• Avoid soaking. Hinoki absorbs water easily, so prolonged soaking can cause warping or cracking.
• Dry thoroughly. Wipe off moisture, then stand the board upright or on its side in a shaded, well-ventilated place.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat. Rapid drying can lead to cracks.

When used regularly and dried properly, Hinoki naturally resists mold and bacteria.

Long-Term Maintenance

Even the finest cutting board can show signs of age—but Hinoki makes it easy to refresh.

• Surface darkening: If the surface becomes dull or slightly discolored, gently sand with fine-grit sandpaper (around #240).
• Resin spots (ヤニ): If sticky resin appears, it’s a sign of the wood’s vitality, not damage. Simply wipe with a cloth soaked in hot water or a bit of alcohol.
• Deep care: Occasionally, apply a thin layer of rice bran oil or camellia oil for a smooth, nourished surface (optional).

With minimal effort, your Hinoki board will continue to age gracefully—its color deepening, its texture becoming softer, and its aroma gently fading into the background.

Things to Avoid

• Dishwasher or dish dryer
• Bleach or harsh detergents
• Prolonged soaking in water
• Direct sunlight or heaters

Why Choose a Hinoki Cutting Board

• Gentle on knives: The soft yet resilient surface protects knife edges from dulling.
• Naturally antibacterial: Hinoki’s essential oils and tannins help inhibit bacterial growth.
• Resilient structure: Knife marks recover over time, and a quick resurface brings back its original beauty.
• Aromatic and calming: The subtle scent of Hinoki adds a sensory element to everyday cooking.
• Sustainably made: Yamaichi’s boards use responsibly sourced Kiso Hinoki, hand-finished by local craftsmen.

Our Hinoki Cutting Boards

At The Wabi Sabi Shop, we carry handcrafted Hinoki cutting boards by Yamaichi.

Each piece is made in the Kiso region of Nagano using traditional masame ita (straight-grained wood) and Yamaichi’s precise joinery that enhances both strength and beauty.

Explore our collection:

• Yamaichi Hinoki Rectangle Cutting Board — available in two sizes, designed for daily use and easy handling.
• Yamaichi Hinoki Grand Round Cutting Board — a spacious statement piece with generous surface area and quiet elegance.

Whether you prefer the clean lines of the rectangle or the harmonious balance of the round, both boards embody Yamaichi’s belief that good tools grow more beautiful with time.

Their subtle Hinoki fragrance, smooth touch, and natural antibacterial properties make them everyday essentials — tools that feel alive in your hands.

A Tool That Grows More Beautiful with Time

Just like a well-used kitchen knife or a seasoned cast-iron pan, a Hinoki cutting board develops character through years of use. It carries the rhythm of your cooking—the sound of the knife, the scent of fresh wood, the feel of craftsmanship under your hands.

A Hinoki board rewards care—the more you use it, the more character it gains.
ひのきのまな板は、手をかけるほどに味わいが増していく道具です。
毎日の料理とともに、その木肌の美しさと香りを楽しんでください。