Other Japanese Wood Species

Keyaki 欅 - Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)

A strong and dense hardwood, Keyaki is often compared to elm due to its excellent resistance to splitting and warping. It plays a crucial role in traditional Japanese architecture, commonly found in temples, structural beams, and fine furniture. The rich reddish-brown hue and striking grain pattern contribute to its popularity in high-end joinery and cabinetry.

Hiba 檜葉 - Japanese Hiba Cypress (Thujopsis dolabrata)

Hiba is a rare softwood native to northern Japan's mountainous regions. Its pale yellow heartwood, fine, even grain , and hygenic properties make it a natural fit for high humidity and culinary applications. It works cleanly, finishes well, and ages with structural integrity intact, deepening in color over time without losing the qualities that have made it a benchmark of Japanese timber craftsmanship.

Akamatsu 赤松 - Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora)

Akamatsu is valued for its durability, natural resistance to decay, and warm reddish-brown heartwood, making it a key material in traditional and modern construction. It is often used for structural elements in temples, shrines, and traditional homes, as well as for interior paneling and flooring. Its straight grain and ease of processing also make it suitable for shipbuilding and bridges.

Shirakanba 白樺 - Japanese White Birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica)

Distinguished by its smooth, pale bark and fine, even grain, Japanese white birch is a preferred choice for interior paneling, furniture, and flooring. This light-colored wood offers a modern aesthetic, complementing minimalist and Scandinavian-style interiors. While not as decay-resistant as some other species, it is valued for its workability and ability to take finishes well.

Irohamomiji いろは紅葉 - Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Irohamomiji is a fine-textured hardwood known for its smooth grain and excellent workability. Though not a primary choice for large-scale construction, it excels in decorative woodworking, intricate carvings, and high-quality veneer. Craftsmen appreciate its stability and refined aesthetic, making it a sought-after material for specialty furniture and artistic applications.

Inumaki 犬槇 - Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

Inumaki is an evergreen conifer native to southern Japan, where its tolerance for warm, humid conditions has made it a long-standing presence in coastal and urban landscapes. Traditionally valued in Japanese gardens as a structural planting, its fine, uniform grain and smooth texture make it well-suited to precision woodworking, decorative joinery, and furniture production.

Yamazakura 山桜 - Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

Japanese cherry, best known for its ornamental beauty, produces a fine, richly colored hardwood with a smooth texture and high polishability. Though not widely used in large-scale construction, it is highly prized for cabinetry, fine furniture, and decorative woodwork. Its deep reddish-brown color darkens over time, enhancing its luxurious appeal in artisanal craftsmanship.