Traditional Japanese Trick opening puzzle boxes as we know them were first made in the Hakone region from about 1870's by master woodworker Ryugoro Okawa. They were known as Himitsu-Bako (Personal Secret Box) and were originally used to store tools, documents or other secrets inside but soon became common as souveniers for people visiting the hot springs in the area.
Although first made more than 100 years ago they remain highly sought after, with puzzlers from around the world collecting puzzle boxes that may take as many as 122 moves or more to open. These puzzle boxes are still made in the region by craftsman like Akio Kamei who was trained as an apprentice before becoming a Master craftsman himself, now with his own apprentices.
In this photo Brian is seen trying his hand using a traditional Japanese plane under the watchful eye of Hiroshi Iwahara, himself trained by Akio Kamei.
In May of 1984 these puzzle boxes were designated a National Traditional Handicraft by the International Trade & Industry Minister.
To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved.
Yosegi is a traditional Japanese art of mosaic woodwork applied to many items including puzzle boxes. The Hakone Mountains are noted for their great variety of trees with different natural colours and textures which craftman in the area use to make their elaborate geometric patterns.
Even though some people refer to them as Chinese boxes these are traditional Japanese trick opening boxes. We have travelled to Hakone in Japan every few years for the past 20 years of being in the puzzle business. We have met many craftsmen there and this has enabled us to import directly from Japan good quality puzzle boxes at a reasonable price.
This very beautifully made puzzle box is in the shape of a house. There are 7 well disguised moves to open this puzzle box. It was only after 1870 that Mr Ohkawa started to develop more complex "tricks" to open the boxes; the first Himitsu-Bako made in Hakone. Himitsu-Bako means Secret Box in Japanese and these boxes are commonly known as a "Personal Secret Box".
These boxes are sourced directly from Japan. They intricately designed and handmade by Japanese Craftsmen; a very high quality work of art. Packaged in a lovely gift box with a brochure explaining the history of Himitsu-Bako. A solution is provided.
Size of base 120mm x 75mm Height: 93mm Space inside: 43mm x 45mm and the height at the apex of the roof is 57mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. Once you know the solution you can open it in just three moves. But one of them is quite a unique movement compared to other Japanese puzzles boxes and so it's hard to open it without being shown. A very tricky little puzzle box!
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Walnut wood.
Size outside: 47mm x 47mm x 47mm Space inside: 22mm x 19mm x 33mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. Once you know the solution you can open it in just two moves. But one of them is quite a unique movement so don't be fooled that that makes it easy to open!
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Katura wood (a type of Cherry tree).
Size outside: 42mm x 42mm x 60mm Space inside: 31mm x 17mm x 24mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle group is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. Once you know the solution you can open it in four moves. One of them is quite unconventional which makes the overall solution very interesting.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Oak.
Size outside: 42mm x 47mm x 60mm Space inside: 30mm x 26mm x 25mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle series is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. The box has an obviously separate bottom so you seem to have a clue about where to start but that just makes it more intriguing.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Rengas wood.
Size outside: 47mm x 47mm x 47mm Space inside: 25mm x 25mm x 20mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this group of puzzles is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. First, it has a very obvious separate base. Second, when you rattle it you can hear an object rolling around inside. No force is required, no tapping, or hitting the puzzle, none what so ever.
Maybe you can take some clue from the words of the Japanese designers "Even though you try to open it 'in your hands', it isn’t easy to open. You may not think you need a desk, but it sincerely is helpful to solve the puzzle." Or maybe that will only confuse you more.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Maple wood.
Size outside: 48mm x 34mm x 42mm Space inside: 25mm x 25mm x 25mm
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group. The top of the box is obviously separate from the bottom and the bottom, it can move in and out slightly, and when you shake the puzzle it rattles. Not like other Japanese puzzle box designs that's for sure.
This very special puzzle box is crafted in Walnut wood.
Size outside: 47mm x 47mm x 47mm Space inside: 27mm x 27mm x 15mm A great space for a ring!
Designed & made by the Karakuri Creation Group this puzzle is unlike other more traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. It is not the hardest puzzle box in this series but its a very interesting play on the idea of a traditional Japanese puzzle box with a very elegant solution.
The designers words about this puzzle are: "I believe you can find the first step easily. The second moves in unexpected way that is different from standard Secret Boxes. And the third step is the solution. The first and second steps are the keys of the third step. But, add to this, the first and second steps are useful for how to move the third step."
This very special puzzle box is crafted in teak wood.
Size outside: 50mm x 50mm x 40mm Space inside: 18mm x 20mm x 25mm
Not very big but a challenging 7 moves to open. To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Perfect gift box for that very special small gift. Imagine if someone has to find these moves before they can receive their gift? Perhaps you're giving a very special piece of jewellery, perhaps a ring, maybe even a diamond? This will certainly prolong the suspense.
Size: 2 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) Actual size outside: 60mm x 46mm x 37mm Space inside: 35mm x 32mm x 25mm Gift boxed as shown in this photo with a solution inside. Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding panels hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. There are 10 separate moves or 10 steps to open this box. A fantastic way to prolong the excitement of giving a gift. Imagine Dad on Father's Day or you brother at Christmas trying to open this trick opening puzzle box.
Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) Actual size outside: 120mm x 83mm x 52mm Space inside: 80mm x 63mm x 38mm Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Even the bottom and top panels move with this one. There are 21 separate moves or 21 steps to open this trick opening puzzle box. Just the thing if you really want a challenge. Or what a way to prolong the gift giving if the person has to find all these moves to get their present.
Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) Actual size outside: 119mm x 83mm x 52mm Space inside: 73mm x 60mm x 32mm Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
This is a new type Secret Opening Japanese Puzzle Box. To open this Japanese puzzle box and reveal the secret compartment you must make 18 moves in the correct order. Unlike the traditional secret box, like the Koyosegi 2 and 4 sun boxes we also sell, where only 4 faces of the box move, all 6 surfaces of this box must slide in a set combination to allow this box to be opened. Even if you've solved Japanese puzzle boxes before this one can be a little tricky!
This very special puzzle box is made of walnut with decorative strips of contrasting coloured woods on all six sides beautifully inlaid. The box is made from Walnut and the inlaid woods are: White - Maple Red/Purple - Purple Heart Black - Wenge Size outside: 80mm x 80mm x 80mm Space inside: 35mm x 30mm x 30mm
This very beautifully made puzzle box is in the shape of a house. There are 12 well disguised moves to open this puzzle box. It was only after 1870 that Mr Ohkawa started to develop more complex "tricks" to open the boxes; the first Himitsu-Bako made in Hakone. Himitsu-Bako means Secret Box in Japanese and these boxes are commonly known as a "Personal Secret Box".
These boxes are sourced directly from Japan. They intricately designed and handmade by Japanese Craftsmen; a very high quality work of art. Packaged in a lovely gift box with a brochure explaining the history of Himitsu-Bako. A solution is provided.
Size of base 150mm x 77mm Height: 105mm Space inside: 84mm x 46mm and the height at the apex of the roof is 67mm
To open this Japanese puzzle box you must slide hidden panels in order. There are 21 moves to make in the correct order and still this box holds one more secret. One more move is required to find the second secret compartment. Can you find the yen coin as well?
This very special puzzle box is made of walnut with decorative strips of contrasting coloured woods on both top and bottom. There are 4 different designs to choose from - pick the desired design code from the drop down box. The finish on all aspects of this box is amazing; even other sliding panels on the walnut face are well matched so that they are almost impossible to see.
Size: 5 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length - 3.03cm to be exact) Actual size outside: 150mm x 100mm x 68mm Space inside: 100mm x 76mm x 42mm Space inside extra compartment is really only for paper or coins or something like that. Size: 3mm x 30mm x 75mm Gift boxed as shown in this photo with a solution inside.
Mr Puzzle - We've got puzzles! 
Traditional Japanese Trick opening puzzle boxes as we know them were first made in the Hakone region from about 1870's by master woodworker Ryugoro Okawa. They were known as Himitsu-Bako (Personal Secret Box) and were originally used to store tools, documents or other secrets inside but soon became common as souveniers for people visiting the hot springs in the area. 
In this photo Brian is seen trying his hand using a traditional Japanese plane under the watchful eye of Hiroshi Iwahara, himself trained by Akio Kamei.
