Frequently Asked Questions

If your item is in stock, we typically assemble and ship it within one week. (Hamon models may take up to three weeks). Once shipped, we will send you a tracking number so you can see exactly when it will arrive.
Note: If an item is out of stock, we handcraft it to order, which takes 3 to 4 months. Please order early if you have a specific deadline.

Yes, we ship worldwide.

We can ship anywhere our delivery carriers go. If you need international shipping, please provide your address, name, and phone number.

If the item is in stock, we usually ship within one week. Some items may take 2 to 3 weeks. If we need to manufacture the item, it takes 3 to 4 months.

Yes. We will send you a tracking number after shipping so you can check the status on the delivery company’s website.

Yes. We use durable packaging designed specifically for long-distance travel. Each chain is carefully cushioned to prevent movement or damage. We have shipped our work overseas for years with a strong safety record.

We accept credit cards and PayPal. We plan to add local payment methods for different countries soon.

You can change your address if we have not shipped your order yet.

Since we make items to order, we generally cannot change quantities. However, if you contact us quickly, we might be able to help.

Because our products are made to order, we usually cannot accept cancellations. If production has not started yet, we might be able to help; please reach out immediately.

If an item is out of stock, it takes about 3 to 4 months to restock.

Please contact us via our inquiry form within one week of delivery. We will check the issue and arrange an exchange.

We do not offer discounts based on the number of items purchased at this time.

We do not accept returns if you simply change your mind. If the item is broken or defective, please contact us within one week of arrival.

Yes. Please contact us, and we will issue a PDF receipt or invoice.

Working at heights on a roof can be dangerous, so we recommend hiring a professional roofer. However, some models are easier to install if you feel comfortable doing so yourself.

Please review our How To Install page to decide. If you are replacing a pipe downspout, you will need to remove or cut the pipe, so we recommend a professional for that task.

Install it at the lowest point of the horizontal gutter. Usually, this is where the existing vertical downspout is located.

Install it where you can enjoy the beautiful water flow, like near an entrance or a window. Try to avoid areas with many falling leaves, as they require more cleaning.

For more details, please read:
Where Should Rainwater Chains Be Installed To Maximize Their Advantages.

Yes, we can make the chain to your desired length. Lengthening it yourself is difficult and may cause it to detach, so we suggest ordering a slightly longer chain and cutting it on-site.

If you are unsure about the length (especially when converting from feet), please contact us for advice.

To learn more about extending chains, see:
Connecting Method for Extending Toh, Ta-ke, and Tama.

Please note that the price changes based on length.

We include basic connection hardware. If your building needs special parts, please ask us beforehand. We also offer optional parts for purchase here:
Optional Metal Fittings.

Yes, but the installation method depends on your building's structure. We recommend consulting a professional.

Please check your local regulations regarding rainwater. Typically, you can guide the water into a drain or let it soak into the ground. Choose the method that works best for your area.

We offer a dedicated basin (weight) to keep the chain stable in the wind. Alternatively, you can bury an anchor and secure the chain with a wire. We can suggest the best method based on your ground type (soil, concrete, gravel).

See details at How To Install.

The main difference lies in drainage capacity and design. Cup types hold more water, while ring types are more open.

Learn more at:
Ring Type and Cup Type Rainwater Chains—Which One Is Right for You.

Aluminum is very light and usually silver. Bronze is a copper alloy, often colored deep brown or green. Our copper chains use pure copper, which is unpainted. It naturally changes to dark brown and then green (patina) over time.

Yes. It is a natural reaction where the color shifts to brown and eventually develops a green patina.

A rain chain (known as kusari-toi in Japan) is a decorative downspout. It lets you enjoy the sound and sight of flowing water.

Copper and stainless steel are very weather-resistant and do not rust easily.

Please check our Drainage Capacities page for details.

If the rain volume is too high for the chain, we recommend installing a standard downspout as a backup or creating an emergency overflow path.

Please see this example for a solution:
What to Do When the Rain Volume Exceeds the Drainage Capacity.

We have no reports of damage in cold regions. However, ice can build up and add weight, so please reinforce the connection point and the gutter if necessary.

A standard 2.7 m (approx. 9 ft) chain weighs about 2 kg (4.4 lbs). The shipping weight is about 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).

Cup-style chains guide water down effectively, though heavy rain or wind can cause splashing. Ring-style chains (like Hamon) are more affected by wind and may splash more, so they may not be suitable for areas where splashing is a concern.

Yes, in most homes, they can replace standard downspouts. They guide water to the ground just like a pipe, but with beautiful water flow. In areas with very heavy rain or strong wind, you may need to adjust the installation or use more chains.

The roof area a single chain can handle depends on local rainfall and the product's drainage capacity. Please use the calculator on our Drainage Capacities page to find the right number of chains for your roof.

The number of chains you need depends on your roof size and local rainfall. Please visit Drainage Capacities to calculate the necessary number and size (such as L-size) for your home.

If the water flow and installation are correct, the water flows down cleanly. However, strong winds or heavy rain can cause some splashing.

Although the chains are metal and heavy, you must secure the bottom. Without anchoring, strong winds can swing the chain and damage your building. Please use our weighted basin or anchor the chain to the ground with a wire.

We have not had any issues with noise. We test these products on our own buildings and have never experienced bothersome noise from wind.

It creates a soothing, gentle sound of flowing water. It is not loud or annoying.

Yes, many homes in the US use our chains, especially on porches. However, please check your local building codes and rainfall conditions.

Our chains come with a Gutter Outlet attachment. For standard chains, you need a 1-3/4" hole. For L-size chains, you need a 2-1/4" hole. If using a round gutter, you may need to cut and bend the hole to ensure good flow.

Please see our installation guides:
Rain Chain Installation Guide for Toh / Toh L / Tama / Tama L / Ta-ke
Rain Chain Installation Guide for Hamon / Migumo / Migumo L / Ajiro

We are currently preparing detailed durability data.

We sell to businesses under the same terms and conditions as individual customers.

We do not have a separate wholesale price; all products are sold at the same price.

Yes, it is possible if we reach an agreement. Please contact us via our inquiry form.

Yes, we support English. We handle questions from overseas customers primarily through email, so please feel free to contact us.