This large coniferous tree has a buttress trunk with thick soft reddish-brown bark that peels away in long strips.The branches persist to the ground level and form a dense narrow conical habit with yellow-green leathery needle-like leaves. 

Hardiness zones 7 to 10

Cryptomeria japonica is naturally found in Japan growing in forests on the coast an in the mountains. It prefers a well drained deep fertile moist fibrous soil that is tending acid and grows in a open sunny to semi shaded position and is drought and frost tolerant but prefers wind protection.

Japanese cedar is a large and long-lived conifer that is planted parks or large gardens as a specimen tree. It is commonly used in Japanese gardens around temples and is planted in woodland settings. It is suitable for coastal and mountainous regions and establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. It is also grown in pots or tubs when young and is used as a bonsai subject. ID 228

Note:
In the forests of Japan the tree grows tall and narrow with a few lower limbs but under cultivation the tree tends to be smaller. It is an important timber tree with red-brown hart wood and pale yellow sapwood. The timber is used for construction, furniture and joinery where it is proves to be very durable. 

Cryptomeria (krip-to-ME-ree-a) japonica (ja-PON-ee-ka)

“Cryptomeria”, from Greek kryptos, “hidden”, + meros, “a part”; “japonica”, the Latin name for Japan.

Cupressaceae (kew-press-AY-see-ee)
Coniferous Trees