Tono Hinoki — Japan’s Finest Hinoki Cypress
A story of nature, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
What Is Tono Hinoki?
A rare premium Japanese cypress grown in the heart of Japan.
Tono Hinoki is a special variety of Japanese cypress (Hinoki) that grows naturally along the border of Gifu and Nagano prefectures.
The region’s steep mountains, abundant rainfall, and harsh snowy winters create the ideal environment for slow, steady growth—two to three times slower than ordinary hinoki.
This patience in nature produces densely packed annual rings, resulting in strong, aromatic, and beautiful wood.
Centuries of Forest Stewardship
Sustainably grown and carefully protected by generations.
For hundreds of years, local foresters have planted, thinned, and managed Tono Hinoki forests with deep respect for the land.
Through a balance of natural blessings and human craftsmanship, hinoki forests over 300 years old continue to thrive—an enduring example of sustainable forestry in Japan.
The Premium Wood of Japan’s Most Sacred Architecture
Chosen for temples, castles, and national treasures.
Tono Hinoki has been used in some of Japan’s most iconic wooden structures:
Horyuji Temple and Yakushiji Temple in Nara
The Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle
The castle tower of Ozu Castle
Its fine texture, durability, and natural antibacterial properties make it one of Japan’s most luxurious and high-quality timbers.
The Sacred Tradition of Ise Jingu
The wood of rebirth — 1,300 years of faith and renewal.
Every 20 years, the Shikinen Sengu festival at Ise Jingu Shrine rebuilds the entire shrine using 300-year-old Tono Hinoki.
This ritual represents renewal, purity, and the rebirth of trees, passing on traditional carpentry skills and spiritual values to the next generation.
Recognized by Japan’s most sacred shrine, Tono Hinoki stands as a symbol of longevity and divine craftsmanship.
A Legacy of Natural Beauty and Craftsmanship
Tono Hinoki – Japan’s national treasure in wood.
From its slow, graceful growth to its use in sacred temples, Tono Hinoki embodies the essence of Japanese harmony with nature.
Each piece of this premium hinoki wood carries the warmth, scent, and strength of centuries of care.
Tono Hinoki is more than timber—it is a living expression of Japan’s culture, beauty, and craftsmanship.
The Story of GETALS and Tono Hinoki
The Birth of GETALS – A Fusion of Tradition, Beauty, and Craftsmanship
GETALS was first developed in 2013 at the request of a customer.
She wished to achieve a beautiful standing posture for women wearing kimonos.
She believed that maintaining a graceful posture comes from keeping the toes firmly on the ground and strengthening the body’s core.
To realize this, she sought footwear that would allow the toes to open naturally.
Inspired by this idea, we turned to geta — Japan’s traditional wooden sandals — and began designing a completely new style of footwear.
After much research, testing, and collaboration with expert clog craftsmen, the first GETALS were completed and launched in 2014.
Their unique design and natural health benefits immediately caught the attention of our customers.
Over the years, we continued to refine GETALS based on customer feedback — improving the durability of the sole, balance, and comfort.
In pursuit of the ultimate material, we discovered Tono Hinoki, a premium Japanese cypress from the Gifu region, known for its strength, fragrance, and smooth texture.
By combining this exceptional wood with our craftsmanship, the modern GETALS were born in 2019 — more comfortable, durable, and elegant than ever before.
GETALS are not just footwear.
They are a harmony of Japanese tradition, natural beauty, and thoughtful innovation, created from the finest Tono Hinoki wood and crafted to bring health, balance, and beauty to your every step.
