Kiso Hinoki (Cypress) [Powerswood]

Kiso Hinoki (Cypress)

Kiso cypress is a high-quality wood used for some of Japan's most famous buildings, Buddhist statues, and traditional crafts, such as Horyuji Temple and Yakushiji Temple in Nara, the Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle, and the keep of Ozu Castle.
The most famous example is the wood used in the Shikinen Sengu ceremony at Ise Shrine.
The only cypress known as Kiso cypress is the natural cypress that grows in the Kiso Valley, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
In the steep, natural environment, Kiso cypress takes two to three times as long to grow as cypress trees growing in other places.
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period when Toyotomi Hideyoshi ruled Japan, the Owari clan established strict rules to protect forests, such as "one head per tree" and "one arm per branch." The five trees that were subject to these rules - Hinoki (Cypress), Sawara (Cypress), Asunaro (Aspergillus arborescens), Nezuko (Nezuko), and Koyama (Cucumber serrata) - were collectively called the "Kiso Goboku."

Kiso Cypress wood is a high-grade material used in prominent Japanese traditional craft. Buddhist statues, and buildings such as Honryu Temple and Yakushi Temple in Nara, the Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle, and the tower of Ozu Castle.
The most famous instance of It use is at Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jinhu.
The only tree that are called Kiso cypress are the cypresses that naturally grow in Kiso valley between Nagano and Gifu prefecture.
In this natural environment of steep slopes, Kiso cypress trees need 2 to 3 times longest to grow than cypress growing in another placed do.