Start local sourcing tomorrow
You do not need to begin with travel preparations. Share what you are looking for, and our team in Japan can begin the local search tomorrow.
JAPAN TIMBER SOURCING
Premium Timber & Slab Sourcing
We find and source the premium timber and slabs you want from across Japan.
Based on your use, dimensions and preferences for grain and shape, we search timber shops and markets throughout Japan. We handle the process from local search through purchase, processing and export.
We can begin before you travel to Japan, or arrange an in-person visit to view and buy the material.
WHY ALTO
Why work with ALTO
Make more of your buying trip
We search and inspect materials in advance, confirming location, condition and terms so your limited time in Japan can focus on viewing and purchasing the pieces you want.
Access timber shops and markets across Japan
We search multiple shops and markets, including markets with participation requirements and suppliers that can be difficult to approach directly from overseas.
SERVICE
Services
The service proceeds from search and on-site inspection to site visits and purchasing, then packing and export. We confirm the scope and cost at each step so you can place orders in stages. You decide at each point whether to proceed to the next step.
Search & on-site inspection
Define requirements, compare candidates, narrow the selection, confirm material details and sourcing terms, and prepare an on-site photo report
Initial plan from JPY 100,000Site visits & purchasing
Visit reservations and itinerary, accompaniment and interpretation, negotiation, purchase arrangements and procedures
Quoted separatelyPacking & export
Coordinate processing, collection, packing, export documents and shipping
Quoted separately
INITIAL PLAN
Initial Search & Inspection Plan
From JPY 100,000
The two deliverables identify specific material that meets your requirements and the terms to obtain it, so you can move forward with a purchase decision.
DELIVERABLE 01
Deliverable 1: Comparison of 5–10 initial candidates
Compare candidates against your intended use and requirements.
- Photos, species & ID
- Candidate photos, wood species and identification details
- Dimensions & shape
- Length, width, thickness and slab shape
- Grain, color & condition
- Known grain and color, knots, cracks and other observed condition
- Price & fit
- Prices confirmed at the time, and points that meet, differ from or remain unconfirmed against your preferences
- Photo and information status
- Distinguish actual material photos from reference images, and confirmed specifications from unverified information
How we prepare this comparison
In a requirements meeting, we discuss your use, desired result, grain and shape preferences, budget and timing, define the search requirements and research initial candidates.
DELIVERABLE 02
Deliverable 2: Detailed sourcing report for shortlisted material
Details of specific material under consideration and the conditions needed to obtain it.
- Material details
- Candidate ID, species, origin, dimensions, condition, drying, moisture content, possible surface processing and verified age or background
- Requirements, price & purchase
- Fit with required conditions, price and costs included or charged separately, supplier, purchase method and payment terms
- Stock & deadline
- Availability, reservation terms, other interested buyers and decision or purchase deadline
- Processing & handover
- Processing feasibility, cost and lead time, handover or shipping availability
- On-site photos & video
- Full piece, grain close-ups, end grain, sides, dimensions and decision-relevant cracks or knots
How we prepare this report
After your feedback, we narrow the materials for detailed research, inspect and photograph them on site, and confirm purchase terms with suppliers. The report records when and how details were checked, distinguishing supplier statements, facts confirmed on site and unverified items.
The two deliverables identify specific material that meets your requirements and the terms to obtain it, so you can move forward with a purchase decision.
The initial fee covers search and on-site inspection. Site visits and purchasing, processing, packing and export are quoted separately. Scope and price are quoted in advance based on search requirements, region and detailed research. You make the final material selection and approve the purchase.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the service without traveling to Japan?
Yes. ALTO searches, inspects and photographs materials locally, then shares candidate details and sourcing terms. We can also handle purchasing, processing and export.
Can I visit Japan and choose material in person?
Yes. We search and inspect candidates, then arrange visits and a buying itinerary, including reservations, accompaniment, interpretation and post-purchase arrangements.
Can I ask before all my requirements are decided?
Yes. We clarify requirements from your intended use, reference images and desired result, then refine preferences after you review candidates.
Can you handle purchase, processing and export after the search?
Yes. We can arrange purchase of identified material and coordinate processing, collection, packing and export. Scope and costs are provided for your request.
CONTACT
Tell us about the material you are looking for
Share your intended use, ideas and preferences. You can talk with us even if some requirements are still open.
- Intended use and material ideas
- Species, dimensions and quantity
- Preferences for grain, color and shape
- Budget and timing
- Destination country or region
- On-site inspection, processing and export needs