Tsunoda Seibei Kishu Hinoki Bento Box, Type S-4

A one-tier bento box carved from fragrant Kishu hinoki, hand-finished in Wakayama with only about ten made a day; dishwasher safe.

Tsunoda Seibei makes this bento box from Kishu hinoki, the cypress of Wakayama and one of Japan’s three great cypress varieties. Each box is hollowed out by machine and then finished by hand by skilled craftsmen, about ten a day. Hinoki absorbs moisture, which keeps rice and food fresh and helps it taste good even after it cools, and the wood has natural antibacterial properties. A divider keeps dishes neatly apart so flavors do not mix, and a special nano coating makes the box dishwasher safe. At 7.7 × 3.3 × 2.3 in, it is slim enough for a work bag, and it doubles as a handsome desk organizer.

Specifications

• Brand: Tsunoda Seibei (Wakayama, Japan)
• Model: Bento box Type S-4
• Type: One-tier bento box with divider
• Wood: Kishu hinoki (Japanese cypress)
• Dimensions: 7.7 × 3.3 × 2.3 in
• Finish: Special nano coating; dishwasher safe
• Making: Hollowed by machine and finished by hand in Wakayama; about ten made per day
• Note: Natural wood: color may vary from the photos
• Capacity: About 520 ml (17.6 fl oz), per the maker
• Microwave: Not microwave safe
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): TA-Bento-S4

Features

• Kishu hinoki, one of Japan’s three great cypress varieties
• Hand-finished in Wakayama, about ten a day
• Divider keeps foods and flavors apart
• Absorbs moisture to keep food fresh
• Nano coating: dishwasher safe
• Also works as a desk organizer

Best for

Packed lunches of rice, pickles and grilled fish or salads; picnic snacks; or pens, clips and cards on a desk. A distinctive gift for anyone who brings lunch to work.

Who this is not for

• Soups or very liquid dishes: it is a wooden box, not a sealed container.
• Microwave reheating: it is natural wood (our advice).
• Anyone who needs a large family-size container: it is a single-portion box.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and Japanese craft objects like this one earn their place by being used every day. Tsunoda Seibei works with Kishu hinoki, the cypress of Wakayama Prefecture and one of Japan’s three great cypress varieties. Each bento box is hollowed by machine and then finished by hand by craftsmen in Wakayama, and only about ten are made a day.

Buy once: durability and care

It is dishwasher safe thanks to its nano coating, but for the longest life wash it gently with a soft sponge. Avoid water or detergents hotter than 80 °C (176 °F), alkaline detergents and strong abrasives, which can damage the coating.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Tsunoda Seibei bento box S-4?

7.7 × 3.3 × 2.3 in, a slim single-tier box with a divider.

Is the hinoki bento box dishwasher safe?

Yes, thanks to a special nano coating; gentle hand washing with a soft sponge extends its life.

Why use hinoki wood for a bento box?

Hinoki absorbs moisture, keeping food fresh and tasting good even after it cools, and it has natural antibacterial properties.

Can I put soup in the hinoki bento box?

It is not a sealed container, so pack solid foods rather than soups or sauces (our advice).

Can I microwave the Tsunoda Seibei bento box?

We advise against it: it is natural wood with a protective coating.

Can the hinoki bento box be used for anything else?

Yes, it also makes an elegant desk organizer for pens and small items.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, stylists and hospitality buyers can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Tsunoda Seibei and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and help sourcing in quantity. Applying takes about three minutes, and our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.