Hand Crafted Tradition

Set in dense forests, Kumano Kodo, or “the old roads of Kumano”, a Unesco world heritage site, are ancient pilgrimage routes leading to sacred sites in the Kumano area. The city of Gobo, located along the Kii-ji, a Kumano Kodo route, has developed as a trading center of high-quality Kishu timber, in particular sugi and hinoki (both Japanese cedars). The fine-grade cedar is a principle product of the local mountains.
Kishu timber is known for its beautiful grain patterns and resistance to decay, making the wood useful in many aspects of daily life, such as for use as tools and in building. Sugi timber is closely connected with aspects of Japan’s food culture. Barrels made of sugi are commonly used to hold sake and soy sauce. Hinoki timbers are mainly used as a building material, mostly for temples and shrines.
System of Kinokuni "Hitoma", an installable Japanese-style room made from sugi and hinoki wood from Gobo city, was developed under the Gobo Japan Brand promotion program, which was instituted by the Gobo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and commissioned by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The warming feeling and beauty of the cedar create a soft calming space, and convey the Japanese concept of “wa”, or “harmony/peace”. The company promotes products made with traditional techniques and utilizing the finest materials offered by Japan’s regions, both in Japan and abroad.