Hinoki is grown for its very high-quality timber in Japan where it is used as a material for building temples, shrines, traditional Noh theatres, and ritual baths. It is also used in traditional Japanese stick incense for its light, earthy aroma. A single batch of Hinoki Essential Oil requires 300 kilos of branches and young growth placed in a speically designed distillation unit, producing only 6 kilos of oil in one production run.
Hinoki Essential Oil has been used historically for refreshing the soul and is used to create a calm ambiance that can help increase intuitive awareness. It has also been embraced by perfumers and is a central ingredient in several noteworthy perfumes, includes Comme des Garçons, and Antoine Maisondieu.