The deciduous broad-leaved forest spreads in the Hikimi area, which is loicated in the bosom of the Chugoku Mountains.

The area prospered with its forestry and woodturning during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). With the Takatsu River carrying logs down, timber was main trading goods of Masuda.

It was recorded that large number of Hikimi timber were used to build Munakata Taisha Shrine of Fukuoka in the late-16C.

Adjacent to Hiroshima and located in the upper reaches of the Hikimi River. Hikimi was a strategically important area therefore the area has many ruins of forts and residents of powerful families.

Many pieces of ceramics made in China were found in those ruins in mountainous area; they are believed to be brought by boats from port towns in the river mouth.