おひつ

おひつ (also written 御櫃(おひつ)) is a traditional wooden container for storing cooked rice after it leaves the 炊飯器(すいはんき) or pot. The wood absorbs excess moisture, keeping rice at an ideal texture — neither too wet nor too dry.

Cultural note

Traditionally made from 檜(ひのき) (Japanese cypress) or 杉(すぎ) (cedar). Still used in traditional 料亭(りょうてい) (high-end Japanese restaurants) and 寿司屋(すしや) (sushi shops). Some households use them for everyday rice storage.

Common collocations

• おひつに移(うつ)す: to transfer (rice) to the ohitsu
• おひつで出(だ)す: to serve in an ohitsu

Related words

• 寿司桶(すしおけ): sushi rice tub (wider, shallower)
• 飯台(はんだい): wooden rice tub