This is a Mini Japanese Steamer that’s easy to use for steaming.
It is designed to be used together with a pot, which should be prepared separately.

We introduce three small, easy-to-handle sizes made from Kiso hinoki, a type of Japanese cypress from Gifu Prefecture.

Kiso hinoki is a natural cypress that grows in the southern Hida and Tōnō regions of Gifu.
It has long been valued as a high-quality building material, used in structures such as the central pillar of the five-story pagoda at Hōryū-ji Temple.

Its fine grain, elasticity, and low warping tendency
make it an ideal material for bentwood items such as this steamer.

For these steamers, side boards are taken from the outer portions of hinoki logs
after the central timber is cut.
The rough-cut side boards, still with bark attached,
are trimmed by shaving off the bark, planed to an even thickness,
and cut to uniform lengths for steaming use.

Each piece of hinoki wood is softened in hot water, then carefully bent into a round shape.
Finally, the ends are fastened with cherry bark
—or PVC strips in the case of the Mini Japanese Steamer.
Every steamer is crafted entirely by hand.

The pale, understated tone of hinoki is said to stay white with regular wiping.
This hinoki steamer is durable and well-made, with a strength that makes it suitable for long-term use.

This page introduces three sizes: 15cm, 18cm, and 21cm (approx. 5.91″ to 8.27″).

Watch the video to see how the rice turns out.
＊Please note that the steamer becomes very hot after cooking. Use caution to avoid burns.

Steamed rice becomes soft, fluffy, and evenly rehydrated.
The result is very much like freshly cooked rice, and it was delicious even when shaped into rice balls.

Steaming time, the moisture content of the ingredients,
or whether you use a damp steaming cloth or a layer of parchment paper—
all of these can affect the final texture.
Feel free to explore and discover what works best for you.

Compared to boiling or frying, steaming does not overheat the ingredients,
so it helps retain nutrients and brings out the natural flavors of vegetables, seafood, and more.

The steamer is perfect for reheating white or brown rice,
as well as making chawanmushi, sticky rice, or red rice.

You can also use it for steamed buns or shumai dumplings.

After using both Chinese and Japanese steamers,
our impression is that for quick steaming
—about 5 to 10 minutes—the Chinese steamer works more efficiently.
But for longer steaming (over 10 minutes),
the Japanese steamer excels with its gentle and thorough cooking.

In any case, steaming brings out warmth, flavor, and texture in ways the microwave simply can’t.
The result is always more delicious—and stays delicious, even after it cools.

This Mini Japanese steamer draws out the natural flavor and texture of ingredients
using nothing but heat and moisture. Simple, but surprisingly deep.

It’s especially appreciated in the cold winter months,
but being able to stack multiple layers for batch steaming
makes it a practical cooking tool you’ll want to use all year round.

Once fully dry, store the steamer in a place with good airflow, such as an open shelf.
If not in use for a while, wrap it in paper or place it in a paper bag before storing.

A matching “Small Stepped Pot (811120)” is also available on a separate page
for each of the three Mini Japanese Steamer sizes.

These pots are not too large or too small—just the right fit for your steamer.
They’re ideal for steaming when paired with the steamer,
and also make excellent standalone cooking pots for a variety of dishes.

The combination of the steamer and stepped pot has a clean, poised presence—
something quietly satisfying even when simply sitting on the kitchen counter.

This page introduces the Mini Japanese Steamer set (body + lid + bamboo mat) only.
The matching Stepped Pot can be purchased via the link at the bottom of this page.

Please choose your preferred size combination.

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.