Hinoki Wood (Japanese Cypress)

Hinoki Wood (Japanese Cypress) is a revered woody note treasured for its elegant serenity, subtle mysticism, and clean, meditative depth. Derived from the Chamaecyparis obtusa tree native to Japan, Hinoki has been used for centuries in Shinto shrines, traditional baths (onsen), and sacred architecture due to its durability, antimicrobial properties, and soul-soothing scent. In perfumery, Hinoki offers a dry, smooth, and gently smoky profile, combining notes of cedar shavings, citrus peel, soft incense, and a faint camphorous breeze. It radiates a sense of calm clarity, making it ideal for fragrances aiming to evoke ritual purity, nature’s tranquility, or refined minimalism.

History & Production: Sourced sustainably from Japan, Hinoki essential oil is typically extracted from heartwood, bark, or twigs through steam distillation. The resulting oil is highly prized in both aromatherapy and fine perfumery for its woody-fresh complexity. While sharing tonalities with cedarwood and cypress, Hinoki is lighter, drier, and more ethereal, making it a staple in zen-inspired, woody-aromatic, and modern niche compositions. It pairs beautifully with incense, moss, citrus, tea, and soft musks, lending a clean, contemplative anchor to fragrances that whisper rather than shout.