Hiba

Characteristics of this kind of wood can be easily distinguished from others because of its unique fragrance. It is also highly durable and resistant to water and moisture, so it is often used for such as sill. As in Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi, where there were no good Hinoki in the surroundings, it is known that Hiba had been often used for buildings such as temples. Specific gravity in air-dry ranges from 0.37 to 0.55 (0.45 in average). Because of its toughness and durability, there is a demand as sills in wooden houses, even outside the growing area. Not a small number of houses use posts of Hiba. As the color of heartwood is pale yellow and the sapwood is yellowish white, the difference in color is little. There are not much differences in shapes of the cells within the annual ring, and the texture of the surface is fine.

Hiba is mainly used for building. In particular, sills and joist of Hiba are popular. Others are tools, bathtub and lacquerware base (Wajima graining in the Noto district), etc. for its preservative quality and strength.