Hiba, sometimes Hiba Arborvitae, is an important commercial forest species in Japan, where it also has cultural significance. Introduced to Britain in 1853 by Thomas Lobb (1817–1894), brother to William is better known for his explorations of North America.

Native to Japan (south Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku), while the variety (T. dolabrata var. hondai) is found on Hokkaido and north Honshu. Widely introduced elsewhere and commonly cultivated as an ornamental.

Monoecious.

Moderately tall (20m) where introduced, taller (30-40m) in its native range. Crown pyramidal, branches mostly ascending except low down, where they may touch ground and layer like Western Red Cedar. Bark thin, pale grey-brown, peeling in strips. Foliage in flattened sprays; scale-leaves resemble overlapping reptile scales, glossy dark or emerald green above with conspicuous pale undersides, each scale white fringed with green. Female cones small (1-2cm), woody, with 6-8 wide-opening scales and 3-5 seeds.

Hailing from cool, damp forests in Japan, Hiba thrives in moister areas of north-west Europe. Cold-hardy to -20°C. Grows in most soil types but prefers a sheltered position. Quite slow-growing. Tolerates some shade.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally this is a healthy species, free from pests and pathogens.

Considered an attractive ornamental in Europe; in Japan it is a productive species. Its timber resists termites and fungi, used in construction and wood carving. In feudal times its timber was reserved for the imperial family, and today trees are often found outside Japanese shrines and temples.