This is a convenient Chinese steamer, perfect for preparing steamed dishes.
It is a cooking tool used together with your existing pot.

Although it is a “Chinese-style” steamer, it is made in Japan using domestically grown hinoki cypress, and crafted in Gifu Prefecture.

High-quality hinoki cypress from the Tōnō region of Gifu Prefecture (also known as “Ura-Kiso”) is mainly used.
“Ura-Kiso hinoki” is a type of “Kiso hinoki,” whose natural forests are counted among Japan’s three most beautiful forests.

This wood is supple, contains natural oils, and shows a clean, bright white tone with a soft pink hue in the reddish parts.
It is glossy, knot-free, and pleasantly aromatic.

When Ura-Kiso hinoki is not available, other fine-quality cypress such as Kiso hinoki from Nagano or Yoshino hinoki from Nara may also be used.

*The manufacturer has changed the stamp design for stock received from October 2026 onward.
The stamps previously used, such as “ミ,” “フタ,” “21,” and “24,” are no longer applied.
Currently, only the “Kisokoma Mark” (木曽駒印) is stamped in black.
This page also includes photos of the previous specifications, but the item you receive will have the new specifications,
with only the “Kisokoma Mark” stamped on it, as shown in the photo above.
We are unable to accept returns or exchanges due to this change in the stamp design. Please be aware of this before placing your order.

For the steamer, “side boards” are used—
these are the planks left after cutting posts from a hinoki log.
The barked edges are planed smooth, adjusted to a uniform thickness and length,
and prepared as material for the steamer.

The steamer is also a form of “mage-mono,” or bentwood craft.
Bentwood refers to a vessel made by bending thin boards—such as hinoki—
into a circular shape and fastening the ends together.
However, this steamer uses thicker boards, requiring considerable strength to bend.

Several thin boards that have been bent are laminated to add thickness,
then shaped under heat and pressure to form the frame of the steamer.

A highly durable Chinese steamer.

This page introduces two sizes—21 cm (8.27″) and 24 cm (9.45″)—and two types: body and lid.

Now, let us look at each size.

Pumpkin, lotus root, shimeji mushrooms, mizuna greens, and salmon—
even with just a touch of soy sauce and a squeeze of lemon, they taste wonderfully flavorful.

A bit of salt and olive oil is also lovely.
Each ingredient retains its natural flavor, and the warmth of the steam seems to sink gently into the body.

Broccoli, bell peppers, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms—just steam any vegetables.
Add a bit of butter, or place meat or fish on top of the vegetables, and you have a complete, satisfying dish.

The steaming time, the natural moisture of the ingredients, and small adjustments—
such as using a damp steaming cloth—can all change the texture of the finished dish, so it’s fun to experiment.

It is pleasing that, unlike boiling or deep-frying, steaming does not get too hot and nutrients are not lost,
and that you can enjoy vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients with their natural flavors intact.

Steamed shumai and pork buns have skins that absorb just the right amount of moisture,
resulting in a pleasantly chewy texture rather than a fluffy one.

Because steam escapes through the bamboo weave of the lid,
moisture doesn’t collect inside the steamer, keeping the food perfectly cooked without becoming soggy.

Freshly steamed shumai, xiaolongbao, and buns—piping hot from the steamer—
are incomparable in warmth, taste, and texture compared to when reheated in a microwave.

And even after cooling, the food remains delicious—a unique advantage of steamer cooking.

Simple yet profound, the Chinese steamer draws out the natural flavor, texture,
and aroma of the ingredients using only heat and moisture.

It’s a trusted kitchen tool not only for the cold winter months but year-round—
a dependable companion for busy days, letting you steam multiple dishes at once.

Once fully dried, store it in an airy place like an open shelf.
If you won’t be using it for a while, wrap it in paper or keep it in a paper bag.

Because this steamer is made from hinoki cypress, it has a pleasant fragrance when first delivered.
In the beginning, some of that scent may transfer to the food, but it will gradually fade with use.

This photo shows a steamer that has been used for about three years—it has developed a beautiful, rich color.

If you use a pot without an inner step or ridge,
we recommend using it together with a “Steaming Plate (811109)”.

If the outer diameters of your pot and steamer fit neatly together and remain stable when placed,
you can use them as they are.
However, if the steamer extends beyond the pot, the bottom may burn and become unsafe.
When using a pot that covers the steamer from below, choose a deeper, straight-sided pot whenever possible.

Even if the steamer fits snugly inside the pot,
the wooden frame may expand slightly from the steam after cooking,
making it difficult to remove—so please take care.

*The manufacturer has changed the stamp design for stock received from October 2026 onward.
The stamps previously used, such as “ミ,” “フタ,” “21,” and “24,” are no longer applied.
Currently, only the “Kisokoma Mark” (木曽駒印) is stamped in black.
This page also includes photos of the previous specifications, but the item you receive will have the new specifications,
with only the “Kisokoma Mark” stamped on it, as shown in the photo above.
We are unable to accept returns or exchanges due to this change in the stamp design. Please be aware of this before placing your order.

Please note that the body and lid are sold separately and cannot be used alone.
If you don’t already own a steamer, be sure to purchase both together, and add more bodies as needed.

If you’re new to using a steamer or have limited kitchen space,
we recommend starting with the 21 cm (8.27″) body and lid.

Enjoy the comfort and joy of cooking with steam.

Related products:
– “Steaming Plate (811109)”

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.