Handcrafted in the Kiso region of Nagano, this rectangular cutting board by Yamaichi showcases the enduring beauty and practicality of Japanese Hinoki (cypress). Each board is made from masame ita — straight-grained wood joined seamlessly using Yamaichi’s traditional bonding technique. The result is a board that feels like a single solid piece, combining elegance, durability, and the soothing fragrance of Hinoki.
About Yamaichi
Founded in 1973 in Nagiso-machi, deep within the Kiso Valley, Yamaichi was born from a mission to preserve Japan’s centuries-old woodcraft traditions. The region’s Kiso forests are famed for their high-quality cypress — once used in temples and shrines for its strength, beauty, and purity. Yamaichi continues this heritage today, selecting Hinoki aged 100–300 years and crafting each piece with precision joinery that enhances both form and function.
Features & Benefits
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Made from Kiso Hinoki — prized for its fine, straight grain, resilience, and natural antibacterial properties.
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Exceptional knife feel — the elastic surface protects blade edges while producing a pleasant, rhythmic sound with each cut.
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Traditional joinery — Yamaichi’s precise lamination technique enhances strength and prevents warping or cracking over time.
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Optimal 3 cm thickness — stable and substantial without being heavy; resists deformation from repeated washing and drying cycles.
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Sustainably crafted — each piece is hand-finished by Japanese artisans using responsibly sourced local wood.
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Naturally aromatic — Hinoki’s distinctive fragrance reflects its essential oils, often mistaken as chemical by those new to Japanese cypress but entirely natural and safe. The scent softens with use.
Available Sizes
Ontakesan (36 × 24 × 3 cm) A generous surface for daily cooking. The thickness provides stability, while the soft Hinoki grain remains gentle on knife edges — a board made to last for decades.
Mini (31 × 17 × 3 cm) Compact and easy to handle. Ideal for quick prep, slicing fruit, or as a serving board for bread and cheese. Perfect for small kitchens or everyday use.
Care & Maintenance
- Rinse with warm water after use and wipe dry immediately.
- Stand upright to air-dry in the shade — avoid direct sunlight or soaking.
- If the natural resin (yani) appears, wipe with hot water or alcohol.
For detailed care tips, visit our guide 👉 Caring for Your Hinoki Cutting Board
Dimensions
- Mini: Length 31 cm × Width 17 cm × Thickness 3 cm (12.2” × 6.7” × 1.2”)
- Ontakesan: Length 36 cm × Width 24 cm × Thickness 3 cm (14.2” × 9.4” × 1.2”)
Made in Japan
Crafted by Yamaichi in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture — a region renowned for its woodworking heritage and pure mountain Hinoki.
A faithful companion for everyday cooking, this board reflects Yamaichi’s belief that tools should grow more beautiful with time — carrying both the rhythm of your kitchen and the quiet soul of Japanese craftsmanship.