Craft from the Forests of Kiso
Yamaichi
For generations, Kiso has been home to Japan’s most treasured hinoki — slow-grown, beautifully fragrant, and protected since the Edo period. Wood from these deep mountain forests has long been reserved for sacred architecture, including Ise Grand Shrine, because of its purity and strength.
Yamaichi works with this same Kiso hinoki, shaping each piece with techniques passed down through local craftsmen. Their approach is simple: respect the tree, use the material wisely, and make tools that will live a long, honest life in someone’s home.
Yamaichi Hinoki Cutting Boards
Craft You Can Feel Every Day
Each board begins with carefully seasoned Kiso hinoki, then is shaped, planed, and finished by hand. This gives the surface a smooth, velvety feel that sanding alone can’t achieve — a difference that becomes even more noticeable as the board ages.
Hinoki’s natural aroma, light weight, and gentle grain make it a favourite among Japanese chefs. It’s kind to knives, naturally resistant to moisture, and develops a warm, lived-in character over time.
Why Yamaichi’s Boards Are Worth Owning
A Small Piece of Kiso in Your Kitchen
Yamaichi’s products aren’t just tools — they carry a lineage of craft shaped by the forests and people of Kiso. If you value objects made with intention and integrity, these boards will feel at home in your hands from the very first use.
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