Ochoko - Sake Cup

We have collected wonderful Ochoko sake cups from all over Japan that will make your blissful time of savoring your favorite sake even richer.
Ochoko is a relatively small sake cup. It usually has a larger capacity than a Sakazuki and can contains 2-3 sips. Ochoko was originally used as a small Kobachi bowl to hold Sunomono, etc., but it is said that it began to be used at sake parties in the middle of the Edo period.
People started drinking with Sakazuki, and then switched to Ochoko as the mood grew. There is no clear definition of the material or shape of Ochoko, and there are many different types. Most of the sake cups included in sake sets are classified as ochoko.

3 basic sake cup categories

Sakazuki

The word "Sakazuki" is a general term for a cup used for drinking sake, but it most often indicates a flat, plate-like shape. It is the most ancient style, and the way people hold the sides and bottom of the cup with both hands symbolizes the Japanese sake culture.
Usually, the Sakuzaki contains only a few sips within it. The wonderfully decorated ones are beautiful to look at and there are many collectors.
If you use a wonderful Sakazuki when you get a special sake, celebrate a special occasion, or invite guests, it will be unforgettable moment.

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Ochoko

Ochoko is a relatively small sake cup. It usually has a larger capacity than a Sakazuki and can contains 2-3 sips. Ochoko was originally used as a small Kobachi bowl to hold Sunomono, etc., but it is said that it began to be used at sake parties in the middle of the Edo period. People started drinking with Sakazuki, and then switched to Ochoko as the mood grew.
There is no clear definition of the material or shape of Ochoko, and there are many different types. Most of the sake cups included in sake sets are classified as ochoko.

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Guinomi

Usually the size of Guinomi is slightly smaller than teacups, so it is a larger cup for sake. It is common that people pour sake directly from the bottle into the Guinomi instead of using a Carafe.
Originally, Guinomi was a tableware used to hold delicacies during Japanese tea ceremonies. After eating the delicacies, people began to pour sake into it and drink it, which is believed to be the beginning of the Ginomi. Hence, Guinomi has a history of growing up with the tea culture. It incorporated the aesthetic sense of "Wabi-Sabi" and evolved into a tool for enjoying sake, rather than simply for drinking it.

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For those who want to enjoy sake cup more

Sake cups come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Personally, the best way to enjoy them is to collect the ones of your favorite design, but here is a brief introduction to the characteristics of the different main shapes.

Trumpet Shape

The trumpet-shaped cup looks like an inverted triangle. With a widely open lip of the cup, you can instantly feel the aroma as pouring Sake. The aroma can be enjoyed in the mouth for a long time, so sake with a lighter taste and higher aroma will be best enjoyed in this cup.

Bowl Shape

The bowl-shaped cup has a wide diameter like a trumpet shaped cup, so the sake spreads in your mouth. The bowl-shaped cup is well suitable to enjoy a richer flavor and a more subdued aroma. Unlike the trumpet type, it takes less time to reach the throat, so you can enjoy the taste more than the aroma.

Bud Shape

The bud-shaped cup has a small diameter and it is not easy to drink sake in one gulp. So it is perfect for drinking and enjoying the flavors little by little. You can also enjoy the aroma at the same time, as you are covering the cup with your nose when you drink it. This type of cup is suitable for enjoying sake with a strong taste and aroma.

Flat Shape

The most authentic sake cup shape. The wide frontage allows you to feel the aroma of sake well. As you can see, it can only hold a small amount of sake, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy sake slowly.

Sakazuki

Ochoko

Guinomi

Sake All