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.

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. 

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.  

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

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