The History of Japanese Puzzle Boxes Japanese puzzle boxes (Himitsu-Bake) have fascinated people for generation. Also known as trick boxes, lock boxes, and secret boxes amongst other names are well known for their artistic qualities and intricate design. Many; however, do not know the interesting history of Japanese puzzle boxes.  Origins of Japanese Puzzle Boxes The first reference of Himitsu-Bako (translates to personal secret boxes) can be traced back to the journal Onsen Miage Hakone-sou that translates to Hakone Hotspring Souvenirs. Originally, they were called Sikake-Bako (trick box) or Tie-Bako (idea box). As the name of the journal suggest Japanese...

Who doesn't like solving a good wood puzzle box? Escape room players, like the rest of us, love figuring out how to open that tricky secret lock box. Puzzles boxes have a long history of entertaining people for generations and it only makes sense they have found escape rooms a new place to call home. How do you know which puzzle box to include in your room though? There is no tried and true methodology behind picking the best puzzle box for your escape room, but there are a few things to consider. Difficulty Level I think this is where...

Puzzle boxes go by many different names such as trick boxes, secret boxes, stash boxes, and magic boxes. No matter the name; however, they all share the same goal: solve the puzzle to open the box. Unbelievably, modern puzzle boxes can actually trace their roots back to jewelry boxes and furniture that featured secret openings and hidden compartments. The first puzzle boxes produced with entertainment in mind originated in 19th century England, Switzerland, and Japan. The popularity of trick boxes over the years has a great deal to do with travelers wanting to pick up souvenirs.  This is especially true...