2 September 2024

8 Sake Gifts for Beginners

Sake is no longer confined to Japanese restaurants; it’s becoming a staple in diverse dining settings around the world, and even new breweries are popping up overseas. This means you can enjoy sake’s unique flavors no matter where you are.

Like a fine bottle of wine, premium sake offers a subtle, refined taste and aroma best savored with the right drinkware. While you can certainly drink sake in wine or shot glasses, having a sake cup or a sake set can significantly enhance its enjoyment.

If you have friends or family who have just discovered the finery of sake with their weekly sushi meal or occasional Japanese-style grilled fish dinner, why not boost their dining experience by introducing them to the world of traditional sake items?

Here, we’ve curated some fantastic pieces perfect for those new to this delightful beverage.

Contents

• Types of Sake Ware 
  
• Seiju Kiln Golden Hanazume Kutani Ochoko Sake Cup Set
• Hirota Four Seasons Color Edo Glass Ochoko Sake Cups
• Blue Ko-Kutani Bird and Branch Kutani Guinomi Sake Cup
• Kiyohide Glass Blue Flower Petals Edo Kiriko Cut Glass Guinomi Sake Cup
• Myousen Toubou Auspicious Flower and Bird Kutani Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup
• Hirota White Fubuki 3-Piece Edo Glass Sake Set
• Hozan Kiln Hidasuki Gourd-shaped Bizen Ware Sake Set
• Black Crystalline Glaze Mino Ware Sake Warmer

Types of Sake Ware

Sake ware encompasses various items used for serving and enjoying sake, each with its own unique design and purpose.

Sake cups come in various types, each suited for different occasions and drinking experiences.

ochoko sake cups: Small, cylindrical cups perfect for casual sake drinking, often used with a tokkuri (sake carafe). Their capacity allows for savoring the delicate flavors of warm sake in two or three sips.

guinomi sake cups: Slightly larger than an ochoko, providing a more robust drinking experience. Ideal for those who appreciate a more generous pour and a relaxed sake moment.

sakazuki flat sake cups: Shallow, saucer-like cups traditionally used in ceremonies. Characterized by their shallow shape and soft curvature, they are suitable for celebratory occasions like weddings and New Year celebrations. 

For those looking to begin their sake journey with a complete set, sake sets typically include a tokkuri sake carafe and ochoko sake cups. These sets provide an authentic sake experience with beautifully coordinated designs.

A sake warmer is a versatile item for heating or cooling sake. It is ideal for creating an izakaya-style setting at home, enhancing the enjoyment of sake by allowing it to be served at the perfect temperature.

Seiju Kiln Golden Hanazume Kutani Ochoko Sake Cup Set

Enjoy the beauty of the hanazume style with this ochoko sake cup set. Hanazume, a classic painting style of Kutani ware, is cherished for its intricate floral patterns. Genuine gold outlines add to its graceful designs. Ideal for celebratory occasions, this set makes a wonderful gift for those who cherish drinking sake with friends and family.

Hirota Four Seasons Color Edo Glass Ochoko Sake Cups

These ochoko sake cups beautifully capture the essence of the changing seasons in four colors that represent spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Gift one in your friend's favorite color or all four as a set. Perfect for newcomers to sake, they add a touch of seasonal charm to the table. Made of durable glass, they are resistant to easy breakage.

Blue Ko-Kutani Bird and Branch Kutani Guinomi Sake Cup

With a more serene atmosphere, this guinomi sake cup showcases the enchanting ko-Kutani style overglaze. Featuring fine geometric patterns and realistic portrayals, ko-Kutani holds a prestigious position as one of the oldest styles of Kutani ware artistry.

Light and easy to hold, this sake cup invites to appreciate the remarkable beauty of Kutani ware while enjoying the rich flavors of sake. Presented in a crafted wooden box, it stands as a wonderful gift for lovers of sake and of traditional crafts.

Kiyohide Glass Blue Flower Petals Edo Kiriko Cut Glass Guinomi Sake Cup

This stunning glass guinomi sake cup captivates with its meticulous cuts and dazzling blue color, fitting for the warmer season. Crafted using the Edo Kiriko technique, precise incisions are made with a cutting wheel to create geometric shapes and lines that catch the light from every angle.

The textured surface ensures a secure grip, while the rounded form and moderate weight make it comfortable to hold. The shimmer of Edo Kiriko makes this sake cup an exquisite choice for a summer birthday or anniversary gift.

Myousen Toubou Auspicious Flower and Bird Kutani Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup

This sakazuki sake cup features strikingly detailed sometsuke designs, hand-painted with auspicious patterns and motifs of flowers and birds. The thin porcelain base allows you to taste the subtle flavors of sake.

This sake cup is a true work of art. It can be gifted as special sake item for those beginning their journey into the world of sake, offering an opportunity to appreciate the finer details of this traditional Japanese drink.

Hirota White Fubuki 3-Piece Edo Glass Sake Set

As the name fubuki, snowstorm, suggests, this stunning sake set by Hirota Glass, including one tokkuri and two ochoko sake cups, mirrors the image of swirling snow.

The soft silhouette of the hand-formed glass, combined with its frosted finish, heightens the crisp and refreshing experience of drinking cold sake. Ideal for both daily use and special celebratory occasions, this sake set complements other tableware beautifully.

Hozan Kiln Hidasuki Gourd-shaped Bizen Ware Sake Set

For the art enthusiasts, this Bizen ware sake set includes a unique gourd-shaped tokkuri and ochoko sake cups featuring the striking hidasuki pattern. The coarse texture and colors, created by the kiln's flames, are hallmarks of Bizen ware, celebrated as "The Art of Clay and Fire." The microscopic pores in Bizen ware enhance the flavor and aroma of sake, elevating the tasting experience. This sake set expresses a balanced blend of tradition and artistry, making it an exceptional gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Black Crystalline Glaze Mino Ware Sake Warmer

This Japanese sake warmer is the perfect item to heat up sake at the table. Pour hot water into the outer pot and then sake into the tokkuri. Place the tokkuri into the pot and wait until the sake reaches the desired temperature. This item can also be used to cool sake with ice water. Unlike other alcoholic beverages, sake can be served cold, warm, or at room temperature.

The sleek black design matches well with other Japanese tableware and its compact size makes it a great addition to recreate an izakaya-style setting at home. Unique yet practical, this sake warmer will help novice sake drinkers enjoy warm sake with ease.

All the items we have suggested are meticulously crafted in various regions of Japan. Whether you choose one or a combination of items, they make a thoughtful gift for a friend or someone special. Share the delicate and sophisticated flavors and fragrances of sake, and let them embark on a delightful journey into the world of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship.