Sakazuki, sometime "Sakatsuki", is the one of the type of sake cup that most traditional and authentic. They are shaped like flat saucers and range in size from the standard palm-sized to as large as a person's face. Sakazuki is also a prestigious Sake Cup that has been used in Japanese Shinto rituals and ceremonies since ancient times, also used as tableware in old households. Now Sakazuki is an item that is collected by sake lovers, and craft enthusiasts, also has been chosen for prizes and gift.

Sakazuki are made from a variety of materials, including Japanese lacquerware, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal such as tin, and the taste and aroma of sake varies slightly with each material and shape. Therefore, when choosing a sakazuki, it is recommended to match it with your preference for sake type.

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

This way of holding the object originated in the period when samurai warriors existed in Japan. The sake cup was held in one non-dominant hand so that in case of emergency, the sword could be immediately held in the dominant hand.

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

Men may hold it with one hand from samurai culture, while women generally hold it with both hands. After being poured sake, it is traditional manner to take a sip before placing the sake cup on the table.

Sakazuki, made of porcelain, has a smooth texture and neat shape, giving it a more elegant, high-quality look. Decorative paintings range from simple one-color ones to colorful ones such as Kutani Ware's Gosai (five colores painting), which would look beautiful as a small painting that fits in the palm of your hand. Porcelain is often made with thinner edges than ceramics, make the taste of sake is sharper and more delicate.

Japanese lacquerware Sakazuki is the most authentic and prestigious style for Japanese ceremonies. From simple and rustic ones with show off the grain of the wood, to chic ones in shiny black lacquer, to bright ones in vermilion lacquer and those with beautiful Maki-e decorations, the appearence is representative of Japanese craftsmanship. Japanese lacquerware Sakazuki is also lightweight, and its smooth lacquer surface makes the taste of sake soft and mellow in a wondrous way.

Sakazuki, made of glass, brings the most contemporary impression of all. It has an eye-catching presence just by being on the table and will make your sake experience more joyful. Glass is a cool material, making it ideal for serving cold sake.

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.

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.

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.

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.