Sakazuki Sake Cups

The sakazuki, sometimes called "sakatsuki," is one of the most traditional and authentic types of sake cups. These cups are shaped like flat saucers and vary in size, from the standard palm-sized to as large as a person’s face. Sakazuki holds a prestigious place in Japanese culture, having been used in Shinto rituals and ceremonies since ancient times, as well as in traditional households as tableware.

Today, sakazuki cups are prized by sake enthusiasts and collectors of fine crafts and are often selected as awards or gifts. Sakazuki cups are crafted from a variety of materials, including Japanese stoneware, porcelain, lacquerware, wood, glass, and metals such as tin. The taste and aroma of sake can vary slightly depending on the material and shape of the cup. Therefore, when choosing a sakazuki, it’s recommended to select one that complements your preferred type of sake.

When holding the sake cup, gently clasp the bottom of the cup between the middle and ring fingers of your right hand, while lightly supporting it with your thumb and index finger.

This manner of holding the cup originated during Japan’s samurai era. The sake cup was traditionally held in the non-dominant hand, allowing the dominant hand to remain free to quickly draw a sword in case of emergency.

For a more elegant presentation, hold the sake cup with your right hand as described above, while supporting the bottom of the cup with the fingers of your left hand.

Men may hold the cup with one hand, following the tradition from samurai culture, while women generally use both hands. After being served sake, it is customary to take a sip before placing the cup back on the table.

Sakazuki

Sakazuki refers to the flat, plate-like sake cups, although it can also sometimes mean sake cups in general. The sakazuki is the oldest style of sake cups and typically holds just a few sips.

Often beautifully decorated, sakazuki sake cups have become a favorite among collectors with their distinct forms. For special occasions or when hosting guests, serving sake in these sake cups can make the moment truly memorable.

Ochoko

An ochoko is a small sake cup, usually holding a bit more than a sakazuki and accommodating two to three sips. Originally, ochoko sake cups were used as small kobachi bowls for side dishes. 

However, around the mid-Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), they began to be used at sake gatherings, where people would start with a sakazuki and then switch to an ochoko as the evening went on.

Ochoko sake cups come in various materials and shapes. Sake cups included in sake sets are commonly ochoko sake cups.  

Guinomi

Originally, the guinomi was used to serve delicacies during kaiseki meals before Japanese tea ceremonies. After enjoying these dishes, people began to pour sake into the empty guinomi and drink from it, which is believed to be its origin.

Typically larger than an ochoko, guinomi sake cups provide a more substantial vessel for enjoying sake. Sake can be poured directly from the bottle into a guinomi, rather than using a carafe.