Araragi Hinokigasa is a cypress bark hat made in Araragi area in Nagiso-machi, Kiso County, Nagano Pref. The origin of this craft dates back to the early Edo period, when cypress hats were in brisk demand. In those days travelers going back and forth along the Kiso-Kaido Road favored Kiso cypress bark hats, which were light, durable and good-looking, and smelled fresh. The hats could be used for protection from both the sun and the rain. When a cypress bark hat gets wet, it absorbs water and gets swollen, which makes the meshes closer and waterproof. When it is dried, the meshes are constricted again and get airy. This moisture resistance, moth proofing and hard-wearing hat was an indispensable item for a long journey. In the present days, Araragi cypress bark hats are popular as interior ornaments. The technique is also utilized to make new items sole inserts and eyeshades.