Discover Okan: Japan's Best-Kept Secret for Winter Warmth

As the chill of winter settles in, there’s a simple yet profound way to embrace the season in Japan: a cup of hot sake, known as okan (“o” is an honorific, and “kan” means “warm sake”) or kanzake “warm sake.” This timeless tradition isn’t just about chasing away the cold—it’s about savoring the season, connecting with culture, and finding joy in life's small, shared pleasures. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or a curious beginner, the world of okan offers a comforting and flavorful way to experience Japanese winters, even without a plane ticket!

To delve into the world of okan, we spoke with Miyagi Sachiko, a renowned sake specialist, who shared insights into its cultural significance, artful preparation, and enduring appeal.

To delve into the world of okan, we spoke with Miyagi Sachiko, a renowned sake specialist, who shared insights into its cultural significance, artful preparation, and enduring appeal.

Okan refers to the practice of heating sake to enhance its flavor and aroma, transforming a simple drink into a soul-warming experience.

What’s unique about sake compared to other alcoholic beverages is its wide range of drinking temperatures. You can enjoy sake chilled reishu, at room temperature shitsu-on, or warm okan; each method highlights different aspects of its character.

Says Miyagi, “I like to think of warming sake like taking a warm bath. Everything relaxes, and the edges are taken off. Flavor-wise, acidity is relaxed, sweetness is enhanced, and the underlying umami shines through.”

By warming sake, the delicate flavors and aromas that are less noticeable at room temperature or when chilled are enhanced, allowing you to enjoy the umami, richness, and unique character of the sake. This is the charm of warmed sake.

There are records dating back to the Heian period (796–1185 CE) of the nobility heating sake in small copper pots over direct heat. Warm sake was consumed warm from the Chōyō no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival) on September 9 to the Momo no Sekku (Peach Festival) on March 3, while it was enjoyed at room temperature for the rest of the year.

The practice of warming sake was popularized by the commoners by the mid-Edo period (1603–1868 CE) when sake cups and decanters made of Japanese ceramics became widespread. This allowed diners to warm sake in the vessel rather than indirect heat, allowing better temperature control.

When preparing okan, Miyagi reminds drinkers not to overthink the process and to keep it light.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are no rules in warming up sake; the most important is having fun.

I’ve met [sake] makers who say, please enjoy it in a coffee mug! Okan can be experienced as an exquisite omotenashi in a formal setting or a personal treat at home. But the power of sake is that once you experience it, it becomes personal.”

Japanese culture uses colorful expressions to describe specific temperature ranges. These nuanced categories reflect the care and intention behind okan, demonstrating how even tiny adjustments can shape your experience.

Heating sake to specific temperatures will bring out or mellow different characteristics of the sake, such as the rice, koji, sharpness, acidity, and umami. Even a 5°C difference can change its flavor profile!

Warming sake at home is a straightforward process that doesn’t require elaborate tools or skills. Here are the simple steps to prepare it at home, empowering you to enjoy this tradition in your own space.

Ceramic or porcelain tokkuri, a type of sake carafe, helps retain heat evenly. If you want to go the authentic route, use a chirori/tanpo. These flasks, made of tin or copper, have high thermal conductivity, which helps to heat sake quickly without losing flavor.

Fill a small pot with water until the neck of the tokkuri. Bring it to a boil and turn off the heat.

Submerge a tokkuri filled with sake, about 90% full in the pot. Leave it for one to three minutes.

Once your sake reaches the desired warmth, pour it into sake cups and enjoy! It's best to drink it in small cups so it won’t cool down quickly.

We have meticulously selected two sake cups to elevate your warm sake experience to new heights.

The first cup is a stoneware sakazuki sake cup adorned with a delicate golden mesh pattern. Set against a rich, deep brown backdrop, it features hand-painted gilded lines that lend a rustic elegance to its overall design. The textured surface provides a tactile sensation, allowing you to appreciate the clay's gentle warmth and unique character. This makes it a functional sake cup and a stylish addition to your collection.

The second sake cup is a slightly larger guinomi sake cup. It boasts a smooth surface and is adorned with a sophisticated kannyu pattern. Its design features intricate patterns that mimic ice cracks, while the meticulously applied red paint adds an extra touch of elegance and refinement. This meticulous craftsmanship enhances its visual appeal while providing a more refined experience when enjoying warm sake.

Note: It’s advised not to microwave a tokkuri filled with sake, as this unevenly heats the sake and may cause it to explode or the precious sake to evaporate.

What makes okan so unique, particularly in the cold months? For one, the warmth of the drink mirrors the season’s emphasis on coziness and connection. Sharing a hot cup of sake is a way to unwind, relax, and bond with others.

According to Miyagi, while honjozo and junmai sake varieties are typical choices, she encourages people to explore.

“There are many exceptions to the general rules in sake these days, but junmai and honjozo types typically warm up well. Umami rich and rustic styles such as Kimoto and Yamahai also are great candidates.

But don’t be afraid to experiment with higher polish ginjo styles. Sake has many surprises and is generally forgiving, so I personally have not found sake that is completely ruined for warming up. It’s just about finding the sweet spot for the moment, and for that sake,” she says.

When pairing foods with sake, a general rule of thumb is to pair the sake temperature with the food. Hearty or strongly seasoned foods, such as spicy dishes, also work well compared to lightly flavored foods.

As winter deepens, relax with a warm cup of sake. It’s more than a way to stay warm—it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and togetherness. Whether enjoyed alone or shared among family and friends, okan offers a uniquely Japanese comfort.

Feel adventurous to experiment with different sake varieties and temperature ranges, and let this beloved tradition become a part of your seasonal rituals. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy warm sake, so experiment to find what you prefer. You’ll find a world of warmth, connection, and delight in the simple act of heating sake.