This summer of 2025. We invite you to follow us on social media and be the first to know about the opening of Arakuto's online boutique.

Arakuto does not offer made-to-measure altars. The dimensions offered for each altar model reflect our vision of beauty, and are the result of a creative process driven by Thierry Forbois' aesthetic sensibility.

Arakuto culinary altars are handcrafted over a 100-day production cycle. The online boutique provides real-time updates on availability and production timelines for each model. Once your altar reaches maturity, a 7-day preparation period ensures each altar undergoes final touches, including the Kigoroshi ritual, oil application, and packaging. Once shipped, delivery times vary depending on your location.

Yes, Arakuto ships to most international destinations. We offer complimentary delivery to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and select European Union countries. For all other destinations, shipping fees will be calculated during checkout.

For orders shipped outside of Canada, customers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, or fees. These costs are not included in your order total at checkout; you will need to pay these charges before receiving your order. Upon request, we can estimate the customs charges for your location before you place your order.

After placing your order, you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number once your altar has been shipped. Use this number to track your order's progress.

Due to the unique and artisanal nature of our altars, returns and exchanges are not accepted unless the product arrives damaged. If your altar is damaged during delivery, please contact us within 14 days of receipt to arrange a replacement or refund.

If your altar is damaged during transit, contact us within 14 days of delivery. Provide photos of the damage and your proof of purchase. We will arrange for a replacement or refund, and Arakuto will cover return shipping costs.

Arakuto offers a 12-month warranty on all its culinary altars covering manufacturing defects, including structural issues or material anomalies. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper use, or damage from inadequate maintenance.

Yes, Arakuto offers a paid repair service for products that are no longer under warranty. Contact our customer service team for details and pricing.

Orders can be modified or canceled before shipping. Once an altar enters the 7-day final preparation phase, cancellations may no longer be possible. Please contact customer service as soon as possible for assistance.

Detailed care instructions are provided with each altar and on our Preserve Your Altar page. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving its beauty and longevity.

At Arakuto, our respect for the lives of the trees felled to create our culinary altars transcends conventional notions of sustainability. For us, the sacrifice of a tree is a sacred act—one that demands profound reverence and an unwavering sense of responsibility. This deep conviction guides every decision we make.

The hard maple wood (Acer saccharum) that forms the body of each Arakuto altar is of the finest grade and FSC-certified, ensuring it is responsibly sourced from forests in the United States and Canada. This certification guarantees that the wood we select upholds the balance and vitality of these ecosystems. To craft the constellations inlaid upon the altar’s surface, we chose reclaimed American black walnut (Juglans nigra), breathing new life into this noble material.

Each altar is treated with three coats of polymerized linseed oil—solvent-free and zero VOC—and protected with Cure Balm, a blend of 100% organic ingredients. These thoughtful measures not only enhance the durability and beauty of every piece but also minimize its ecological footprint.

By creating altars designed to endure for generations, we honor the life-sacrifice of the tree from which it comes. Each Arakuto altar stands as a testament to the timeless connection between humanity and the natural world, celebrating the sacred beauty of life.