Shimanto River Hinoki Cutting Board by Mitsuboshi Cutlery
Hinoki (Japanese cypress) is the wood Japanese professional chefs have used for centuries. This cutting board is crafted from Shimanto hinoki, which grows along the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture and it's often called Japan's last pristine river (日本最後の清流). Trees in this watershed grow slowly in clean, mineral-rich conditions, producing unusually fine annual rings and a density that sets Shimanto hinoki apart from standard cypress. More resilient, more fragrant, longer-lasting.
Made by Mitsuboshi Cutlery in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan's knife-making capital, this board is designed as a natural companion to Japanese blades. The Shimanto wood's measured elasticity absorbs each cut rather than resisting it, preserving a fine edge in a way that hard surfaces simply cannot. It is the material choice that makes sense when your knives are worth protecting.
Specifications
- Length: 300mm
- Width: 180mm
- Thickness: 30mm
- Weight: 760g
- Material: Hinoki cypress
- Usage: Home gatherings, kitchen and cooking.
- Origin: Shimanto, Kochi prefecture (Japan)
Hand wash only with mild soap and warm water. Dry immediately after washing. Do not soak in water. Do not use in dishwasher or microwave. Periodically apply food-safe oil to maintain the wood. Keep out of reach of young children during use. For food preparation use only.
The Shimanto River (四万十川) runs through Kochi Prefecture in western Shikoku, one of Japan's least industrialised regions and one of the last major undammed rivers in the country.
Hinoki grown in this watershed develops more slowly than cypress elsewhere, producing annual rings so fine they are nearly invisible to the naked eye. This tight grain gives Shimanto hinoki exceptional density and strength relative to its weight, as well as the resilience and fragrance that professional kitchens prize.
The Shimanto region also practices sustainable forest management, trees are harvested selectively and replanting is maintained, meaning the forest that produced this board will produce boards for generations to come.
We offer FREE SHIPPING for all orders. We also ship worldwide from our warehouse in Japan.
After your order is confirmed, it may take up to 3-5 business days for dispatch from our warehouse.
You'll receive:
- An order confirmation email when we check payment.
- A shipping confirmation email with a tracking number once your order has shipped.
Import duties, VAT, or local customs taxes may apply once your order reaches your country.
These are set by your local customs authority and are not included in our product prices or free shipping. We suggest contacting the responsible institutions to find more information.
These fees are the customer's responsibility and thus must be paid upon delivery.
FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS: Beginning August 26, 2025, customers have reported anywhere from 20% to 80% import taxes due to changes in tariffs regulations.
FOR EU CUSTOMERS: Please note that we do not participate in the EU IOSS scheme, so you will be responsible for any VAT due upon delivery.
AS FEATURED ON YOUTUBE
Watch how a NAGOMI knife IS shaped by hand in Seki City by artisans with over 140 years of blade-making tradition.
OVERVIEW
At the foot of Japan’s historic blade-making capital, Seki City in Gifu Prefecture, a team of skilled artisans continues a centuries-old craft. Mitsuboshi Cutlery Co., Ltd., founded in 1873, has produced knives for over 140 years and remains committed to precision, consistency, and handmade quality. Under the leadership of Takahisa Watanabe, the fourth-generation head of the company, the workshop carries forward the city’s reputation for exceptional blades and knife accessories.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAKERS
We are a team of craftsmen in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, a place where blade-making traditions have been passed down for over 500 years. Once the home of samurai swordsmiths, Seki is now where we create kitchen knives to serve chefs and households around the world.
Our mission is to craft knives and blade accessories that are not only sharp and durable, but also a pleasure to use every day. Each item is made by skilled hands, combining time-honoured techniques with modern materials, and finished with care to ensure lasting performance.
It is our hope that our blades and knife accessories will bring ease, enjoyment, and a touch of Japanese craftsmanship to your cooking for many years to come.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is hinoki wood right for your cutting board?
Hinoki is the right choice if you own Japanese knives and want to preserve their edge, if you value natural materials and craft provenance over synthetic durability, and if you prefer a lighter board you can move easily around a kitchen. It requires more care than plastic and is softer than end-grain hardwood.
If you do heavy cleaver work or need something that can go in the dishwasher, end-grain maple is more practical.
If you want the board that Japanese professional kitchens actually use alongside their best knives, this is it.
What is hinoki wood and why do Japanese chefs use it?
Hinoki (檜) is Japanese cypress — Chamaecyparis obtusa — prized in Japan for centuries in temples, traditional baths, and professional kitchens.
Its key property for cooking is measured elasticity: it absorbs the impact of a knife stroke rather than resisting it, which preserves a fine blade edge far better than hard surfaces.
It also contains hinokitiol, a natural antibacterial compound, and has a clean aromatic quality that many chefs consider part of the pleasure of using it.
What makes Shimanto hinoki different from regular hinoki?
Shimanto hinoki grows along the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, one of Japan's cleanest, undammed river systems. The slow growth in these conditions produces exceptionally fine annual rings and higher density than hinoki from other regions, giving the wood better resilience, a longer lifespan, and a more pronounced natural fragrance. It is considered among the highest grades of Japanese cypress.
Is the Hinoki Cutting Board dishwasher-safe?
No, Mitsuboshi Cutlery HInoki Wood Cutting Board should not be washed in the dishwasher due to their artisanal crafting process. To prevent damage and ensure it lasts you for years to come, please wash the knife by hand with a mild detergent and gentle sponge.
Will this board damage my Japanese knives?
The opposite, it is specifically chosen to protect them. Japanese knives are ground to a much finer, harder edge than Western knives. Dense surfaces reflect that edge back and cause micro-damage over time. Hinoki's elasticity absorbs the cut instead. Using a hinoki board is one of the most practical things you can do to extend how long your knives stay sharp between sharpenings.
Does it smell? Is the fragrance safe?
New hinoki has a gentle, clean cedar-like scent from its natural aromatic compounds, including hinokitiol. The fragrance is pleasant, fades gradually over weeks of regular use, and is entirely food-safe. Hinoki has been used in Japanese food preparation for hundreds of years with no adverse effects.
Hinoki vs end-grain cutting board
Different tools for different priorities. End-grain boards (maple, walnut, cherry) are very durable and handle heavy chopping well. Hinoki prioritises knife preservation, lightness, and natural material qualities over raw durability. It is softer, more aromatic, and more demanding in terms of care. If your knives are your priority, hinoki. If dishwasher convenience and indestructibility are your priority, end-grain.
How long will it last?
With proper care (hand washing, immediate drying, periodic oiling) a Shimanto hinoki board lasts many years. The wood's self-healing property (minor cut marks gradually close in the grain) also helps it age gracefully. Boards that are soaked in water, left wet, or machine washed will warp or crack within months regardless of quality.
Why does mine look slightly different from the photo?
Shimanto hinoki is a natural material. Grain pattern, colour tone, and wood expression vary between individual boards. These variations are inherent to the material and not defects. No two boards are identical, which is part of what makes each one a natural object rather than a manufactured commodity.
How much will shipping cost?
All prices include FREE international shipping. Please allow up to 5 weeks for shipping, depending on your country of residence. Please see our Shipping Policy for details.
Please note: Our products ship directly from Japan to you. You may be required to pay customs duties and/or customs clearance fees upon delivery (if applicable in your country). US customers please see our Important Notice for US Customers.