This is an ohitsu—a rice container made from sawara cypress.
An ohitsu is traditionally used to store freshly cooked rice. In Japan, it has long been a part of daily life: lacquered versions were used for ceremonial occasions, while plain wooden ones like this have been favored for everyday use.
This product uses Kiso sawara, a type of sawara cypress grown in the Kiso region of Nagano.
The standing trees resemble hinoki in appearance, but the wood is softer, lighter, more water-resistant, and easier to work with than hinoki.
Sawara gently absorbs moisture and has a more subdued scent compared to hinoki. Its mild character makes it well suited for use with food, and it has long been favored for items like rice tubs and drop lids.
We introduce an ohitsu fitted with a bamboo hoop, known as a “taga”, which is placed around the body of the tub.
This ohitsu is available in four sizes: 18cm, 21cm, 24cm, and 27cm in diameter (approx. 7.09″ to 10.63″).
This is the body of the ohitsu. It is made by arranging strips of sawara wood around a round base, then securing them with a hoop woven from bamboo.Bentwood items such as lunch boxes or steamers are made by gently bending a single thin board into a circular shape. In contrast, tub-style containers like this ohitsu are constructed by lining up separate staves and tightening them with a bamboo hoop tapped into place using a wooden mallet.Some wooden tubs are reinforced with copper hoops instead of bamboo. Copper hoops are typically tightened using specialized machinery, whereas bamboo hoops are entirely handcrafted—including the hoop fitting itself—making the tub more elaborate and refined.Each of these ohitsu is crafted entirely by a single artisan—from shaving the wooden staves, to selecting the bamboo, to weaving the hoop.The bamboo hoop is woven first and then fitted onto the ohitsu. Because of this, crafting a hoop that fits each size precisely requires a high level of skill and experience. The tightness of the hoop is determined by the maker’s judgment, based on their understanding of how the wood will expand or contract after assembly.You may notice marks or small dents on the wooden tub or bamboo hoop—these are traces from the wooden mallet used during assembly and are a natural result of the handmade process. We intentionally leave these hammer marks as sanding them down would roughen the surrounding surface of the wood. Please understand that they are not defects.As shown in the photo, you may also notice a small mark in the center of the base—this is created when the wood is cut into a circular shape, and it is part of the normal finish. Because this product is made from natural wood, knots may appear, along with occasional dents or recesses around them. These do not affect the use and are not regarded as defects.Each ohitsu comes with a matching lid sized accordingly. Like the body, the lid is made in the form of a shallow tub, secured with a bamboo hoop.The lid is designed to gently rest on top, with a slightly wider diameter than the body for easy placement.This is the edge of the tub. It has been smoothly polished for a comfortable feel in the hand.Sawara wood does not easily conduct heat, so even when freshly cooked rice is inside, you can hold the tub with bare hands.This is the underside of the ohitsu. It has a raised base.A small cutout in the base makes it easier to lift the tub by giving your fingers a place to grip—and the detail also adds a pleasing touch to the design.The grain of the wood is beautiful, almost as if it draws you in.Here you can see the inner side of the tub wall. The sawara surface has been carefully polished.This is the top view of the lid. Its surface is smooth, with a beautifully even grain.
Let us introduce the sizes one by one.
When using an ohitsu to store cooked rice, we recommend choosing a size with room for about one extra cup beyond the amount you wish to store.
In Japan, one cup (gō) of rice is equivalent to approximately 180ml of uncooked rice.
For example, if you usually cook 3 cups of rice, eat 1, and store the remaining 2 cups, the 18cm (7.09″) size would be suitable. If you typically cook 5 cups, eat 2, and store 3, the 21cm (8.27″) size would be a good choice.
We hope this helps you find the size that suits your needs.
This is the 18cm (7.09″) size. It holds up to 3 cups (gō) of rice.It’s well suited for storing 1 to 2 cups of cooked rice.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size. It holds up to 4 cups of rice.A good size for storing 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice.This is the 24cm (9.45″) size. It holds up to 5 cups of rice.It’s ideal for storing 3 to 4 cups of cooked rice.This is the 27cm (10.63″) size. It holds up to 6 cups of rice.It’s just right for storing 4 to 5 cups of cooked rice.
Now let us show you how the ohitsu is used in everyday life.
Before use, gently wipe the inside with a damp cloth. We don’t recommend running it directly under the tap, as the wood may absorb too much moisture and make the rice soggy. A well-wrung cloth is just right.Here, we’ve placed 3 cups (gō) of freshly cooked rice into a 21cm (8.27″) ohitsu. The sawara gently absorbs excess moisture, keeping the rice in ideal condition.Rice stored in this way takes on a subtle aroma from the wood—and when shaped into rice balls, the flavor is something truly special.In summer, the rice can be kept at room temperature for about one day, and in winter, up to two days. However, this depends on the storage environment. We recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later, while finding the timing that works best for you.
Even after the rice cools and time passes, it won’t become dry or crumbly like rice stored in the refrigerator. Instead, it stays soft and moist, with a gentle scent of sawara—still delicious to eat.
You can also make rice balls and keep them in the ohitsu until ready to eat.
Or, place the rice in a steamer to reheat it before serving—another way to enjoy its gentle texture.
Wooden tubs like this may no longer be a familiar part of daily life, but when you see an ohitsu finished with a bamboo hoop, there’s something comforting—something that feels quietly familiar.
When newly made, the bamboo still retains a slight green tint, creating a beautiful contrast with the pale wood.
Please store the ohitsu in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Rice cookers and refrigerators are essential tools in modern life, but there is a kind of quiet value that only an ohitsu can offer.
Lightweight yet sturdy, this ohitsu is a simple, functional vessel— designed by leaving only what’s necessary and removing the rest. There is always a reason why certain things have been passed down through generations.
You may discover a new and delicious relationship with rice. Please check the size and choose the one that suits you best.
Care Instructions
Before use, gently wipe the inside of the tub with a damp cloth.
After each use, avoid synthetic detergents. Instead, clean both the inside and outside with salt or a powder cleanser. Do not leave standing water in the tub, as this can accelerate the deterioration of the wood.
After washing and drying, spraying the inside with sanitizing alcohol (ethanol) can help prevent mold and discoloration.
Allow the tub to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area—such as near a window or ventilation fan. Avoid direct sunlight, as rapid drying may cause the wood to shrink, leading to the hoop coming loose, cracking, or warping.
Do not use a dishwasher or dish dryer.
If the ohitsu will not be used for over a month, wrap the body and lid separately in paper or cloth. Store them in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature. Leave the lid open during storage. Keeping it closed or storing it in a plastic bag may cause sap or resin to form.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is an ohitsu—a rice container made from sawara cypress.
An ohitsu is traditionally used to store freshly cooked rice. In Japan, it has long been a part of daily life: lacquered versions were used for ceremonial occasions, while plain wooden ones like this have been favored for everyday use.
This product uses Kiso sawara, a type of sawara cypress grown in the Kiso region of Nagano.
The standing trees resemble hinoki in appearance, but the wood is softer, lighter, more water-resistant, and easier to work with than hinoki.
Sawara gently absorbs moisture and has a more subdued scent compared to hinoki. Its mild character makes it well suited for use with food, and it has long been favored for items like rice tubs and drop lids.
We introduce an ohitsu fitted with a bamboo hoop, known as a “taga”, which is placed around the body of the tub.
This ohitsu is available in four sizes: 18cm, 21cm, 24cm, and 27cm in diameter (approx. 7.09″ to 10.63″).
This is the body of the ohitsu. It is made by arranging strips of sawara wood around a round base, then securing them with a hoop woven from bamboo.Bentwood items such as lunch boxes or steamers are made by gently bending a single thin board into a circular shape. In contrast, tub-style containers like this ohitsu are constructed by lining up separate staves and tightening them with a bamboo hoop tapped into place using a wooden mallet.Some wooden tubs are reinforced with copper hoops instead of bamboo. Copper hoops are typically tightened using specialized machinery, whereas bamboo hoops are entirely handcrafted—including the hoop fitting itself—making the tub more elaborate and refined.Each of these ohitsu is crafted entirely by a single artisan—from shaving the wooden staves, to selecting the bamboo, to weaving the hoop.The bamboo hoop is woven first and then fitted onto the ohitsu. Because of this, crafting a hoop that fits each size precisely requires a high level of skill and experience. The tightness of the hoop is determined by the maker’s judgment, based on their understanding of how the wood will expand or contract after assembly.You may notice marks or small dents on the wooden tub or bamboo hoop—these are traces from the wooden mallet used during assembly and are a natural result of the handmade process. We intentionally leave these hammer marks as sanding them down would roughen the surrounding surface of the wood. Please understand that they are not defects.As shown in the photo, you may also notice a small mark in the center of the base—this is created when the wood is cut into a circular shape, and it is part of the normal finish. Because this product is made from natural wood, knots may appear, along with occasional dents or recesses around them. These do not affect the use and are not regarded as defects.Each ohitsu comes with a matching lid sized accordingly. Like the body, the lid is made in the form of a shallow tub, secured with a bamboo hoop.The lid is designed to gently rest on top, with a slightly wider diameter than the body for easy placement.This is the edge of the tub. It has been smoothly polished for a comfortable feel in the hand.Sawara wood does not easily conduct heat, so even when freshly cooked rice is inside, you can hold the tub with bare hands.This is the underside of the ohitsu. It has a raised base.A small cutout in the base makes it easier to lift the tub by giving your fingers a place to grip—and the detail also adds a pleasing touch to the design.The grain of the wood is beautiful, almost as if it draws you in.Here you can see the inner side of the tub wall. The sawara surface has been carefully polished.This is the top view of the lid. Its surface is smooth, with a beautifully even grain.
Let us introduce the sizes one by one.
When using an ohitsu to store cooked rice, we recommend choosing a size with room for about one extra cup beyond the amount you wish to store.
In Japan, one cup (gō) of rice is equivalent to approximately 180ml of uncooked rice.
For example, if you usually cook 3 cups of rice, eat 1, and store the remaining 2 cups, the 18cm (7.09″) size would be suitable. If you typically cook 5 cups, eat 2, and store 3, the 21cm (8.27″) size would be a good choice.
We hope this helps you find the size that suits your needs.
This is the 18cm (7.09″) size. It holds up to 3 cups (gō) of rice.It’s well suited for storing 1 to 2 cups of cooked rice.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size. It holds up to 4 cups of rice.A good size for storing 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice.This is the 24cm (9.45″) size. It holds up to 5 cups of rice.It’s ideal for storing 3 to 4 cups of cooked rice.This is the 27cm (10.63″) size. It holds up to 6 cups of rice.It’s just right for storing 4 to 5 cups of cooked rice.
Now let us show you how the ohitsu is used in everyday life.
Before use, gently wipe the inside with a damp cloth. We don’t recommend running it directly under the tap, as the wood may absorb too much moisture and make the rice soggy. A well-wrung cloth is just right.Here, we’ve placed 3 cups (gō) of freshly cooked rice into a 21cm (8.27″) ohitsu. The sawara gently absorbs excess moisture, keeping the rice in ideal condition.Rice stored in this way takes on a subtle aroma from the wood—and when shaped into rice balls, the flavor is something truly special.In summer, the rice can be kept at room temperature for about one day, and in winter, up to two days. However, this depends on the storage environment. We recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later, while finding the timing that works best for you.
Even after the rice cools and time passes, it won’t become dry or crumbly like rice stored in the refrigerator. Instead, it stays soft and moist, with a gentle scent of sawara—still delicious to eat.
You can also make rice balls and keep them in the ohitsu until ready to eat.
Or, place the rice in a steamer to reheat it before serving—another way to enjoy its gentle texture.
Wooden tubs like this may no longer be a familiar part of daily life, but when you see an ohitsu finished with a bamboo hoop, there’s something comforting—something that feels quietly familiar.
When newly made, the bamboo still retains a slight green tint, creating a beautiful contrast with the pale wood.
Please store the ohitsu in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Rice cookers and refrigerators are essential tools in modern life, but there is a kind of quiet value that only an ohitsu can offer.
Lightweight yet sturdy, this ohitsu is a simple, functional vessel— designed by leaving only what’s necessary and removing the rest. There is always a reason why certain things have been passed down through generations.
You may discover a new and delicious relationship with rice. Please check the size and choose the one that suits you best.
Care Instructions
Before use, gently wipe the inside of the tub with a damp cloth.
After each use, avoid synthetic detergents. Instead, clean both the inside and outside with salt or a powder cleanser. Do not leave standing water in the tub, as this can accelerate the deterioration of the wood.
After washing and drying, spraying the inside with sanitizing alcohol (ethanol) can help prevent mold and discoloration.
Allow the tub to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area—such as near a window or ventilation fan. Avoid direct sunlight, as rapid drying may cause the wood to shrink, leading to the hoop coming loose, cracking, or warping.
Do not use a dishwasher or dish dryer.
If the ohitsu will not be used for over a month, wrap the body and lid separately in paper or cloth. Store them in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature. Leave the lid open during storage. Keeping it closed or storing it in a plastic bag may cause sap or resin to form.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is an ohitsu—a rice container made from sawara cypress.
An ohitsu is traditionally used to store freshly cooked rice. In Japan, it has long been a part of daily life: lacquered versions were used for ceremonial occasions, while plain wooden ones like this have been favored for everyday use.
This product uses Kiso sawara, a type of sawara cypress grown in the Kiso region of Nagano.
The standing trees resemble hinoki in appearance, but the wood is softer, lighter, more water-resistant, and easier to work with than hinoki.
Sawara gently absorbs moisture and has a more subdued scent compared to hinoki. Its mild character makes it well suited for use with food, and it has long been favored for items like rice tubs and drop lids.
We introduce an ohitsu fitted with a bamboo hoop, known as a “taga”, which is placed around the body of the tub.
This ohitsu is available in four sizes: 18cm, 21cm, 24cm, and 27cm in diameter (approx. 7.09″ to 10.63″).
This is the body of the ohitsu. It is made by arranging strips of sawara wood around a round base, then securing them with a hoop woven from bamboo.Bentwood items such as lunch boxes or steamers are made by gently bending a single thin board into a circular shape. In contrast, tub-style containers like this ohitsu are constructed by lining up separate staves and tightening them with a bamboo hoop tapped into place using a wooden mallet.Some wooden tubs are reinforced with copper hoops instead of bamboo. Copper hoops are typically tightened using specialized machinery, whereas bamboo hoops are entirely handcrafted—including the hoop fitting itself—making the tub more elaborate and refined.Each of these ohitsu is crafted entirely by a single artisan—from shaving the wooden staves, to selecting the bamboo, to weaving the hoop.The bamboo hoop is woven first and then fitted onto the ohitsu. Because of this, crafting a hoop that fits each size precisely requires a high level of skill and experience. The tightness of the hoop is determined by the maker’s judgment, based on their understanding of how the wood will expand or contract after assembly.You may notice marks or small dents on the wooden tub or bamboo hoop—these are traces from the wooden mallet used during assembly and are a natural result of the handmade process. We intentionally leave these hammer marks as sanding them down would roughen the surrounding surface of the wood. Please understand that they are not defects.As shown in the photo, you may also notice a small mark in the center of the base—this is created when the wood is cut into a circular shape, and it is part of the normal finish. Because this product is made from natural wood, knots may appear, along with occasional dents or recesses around them. These do not affect the use and are not regarded as defects.Each ohitsu comes with a matching lid sized accordingly. Like the body, the lid is made in the form of a shallow tub, secured with a bamboo hoop.The lid is designed to gently rest on top, with a slightly wider diameter than the body for easy placement.This is the edge of the tub. It has been smoothly polished for a comfortable feel in the hand.Sawara wood does not easily conduct heat, so even when freshly cooked rice is inside, you can hold the tub with bare hands.This is the underside of the ohitsu. It has a raised base.A small cutout in the base makes it easier to lift the tub by giving your fingers a place to grip—and the detail also adds a pleasing touch to the design.The grain of the wood is beautiful, almost as if it draws you in.Here you can see the inner side of the tub wall. The sawara surface has been carefully polished.This is the top view of the lid. Its surface is smooth, with a beautifully even grain.
Let us introduce the sizes one by one.
When using an ohitsu to store cooked rice, we recommend choosing a size with room for about one extra cup beyond the amount you wish to store.
In Japan, one cup (gō) of rice is equivalent to approximately 180ml of uncooked rice.
For example, if you usually cook 3 cups of rice, eat 1, and store the remaining 2 cups, the 18cm (7.09″) size would be suitable. If you typically cook 5 cups, eat 2, and store 3, the 21cm (8.27″) size would be a good choice.
We hope this helps you find the size that suits your needs.
This is the 18cm (7.09″) size. It holds up to 3 cups (gō) of rice.It’s well suited for storing 1 to 2 cups of cooked rice.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size. It holds up to 4 cups of rice.A good size for storing 2 to 3 cups of cooked rice.This is the 24cm (9.45″) size. It holds up to 5 cups of rice.It’s ideal for storing 3 to 4 cups of cooked rice.This is the 27cm (10.63″) size. It holds up to 6 cups of rice.It’s just right for storing 4 to 5 cups of cooked rice.
Now let us show you how the ohitsu is used in everyday life.
Before use, gently wipe the inside with a damp cloth. We don’t recommend running it directly under the tap, as the wood may absorb too much moisture and make the rice soggy. A well-wrung cloth is just right.Here, we’ve placed 3 cups (gō) of freshly cooked rice into a 21cm (8.27″) ohitsu. The sawara gently absorbs excess moisture, keeping the rice in ideal condition.Rice stored in this way takes on a subtle aroma from the wood—and when shaped into rice balls, the flavor is something truly special.In summer, the rice can be kept at room temperature for about one day, and in winter, up to two days. However, this depends on the storage environment. We recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later, while finding the timing that works best for you.
Even after the rice cools and time passes, it won’t become dry or crumbly like rice stored in the refrigerator. Instead, it stays soft and moist, with a gentle scent of sawara—still delicious to eat.
You can also make rice balls and keep them in the ohitsu until ready to eat.
Or, place the rice in a steamer to reheat it before serving—another way to enjoy its gentle texture.
Wooden tubs like this may no longer be a familiar part of daily life, but when you see an ohitsu finished with a bamboo hoop, there’s something comforting—something that feels quietly familiar.
When newly made, the bamboo still retains a slight green tint, creating a beautiful contrast with the pale wood.
Please store the ohitsu in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Rice cookers and refrigerators are essential tools in modern life, but there is a kind of quiet value that only an ohitsu can offer.
Lightweight yet sturdy, this ohitsu is a simple, functional vessel— designed by leaving only what’s necessary and removing the rest. There is always a reason why certain things have been passed down through generations.
You may discover a new and delicious relationship with rice. Please check the size and choose the one that suits you best.
Care Instructions
Before use, gently wipe the inside of the tub with a damp cloth.
After each use, avoid synthetic detergents. Instead, clean both the inside and outside with salt or a powder cleanser. Do not leave standing water in the tub, as this can accelerate the deterioration of the wood.
After washing and drying, spraying the inside with sanitizing alcohol (ethanol) can help prevent mold and discoloration.
Allow the tub to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area—such as near a window or ventilation fan. Avoid direct sunlight, as rapid drying may cause the wood to shrink, leading to the hoop coming loose, cracking, or warping.
Do not use a dishwasher or dish dryer.
If the ohitsu will not be used for over a month, wrap the body and lid separately in paper or cloth. Store them in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature. Leave the lid open during storage. Keeping it closed or storing it in a plastic bag may cause sap or resin to form.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
