When people think of Japan, cherry blossoms, tea ceremonies, or tranquil temples may come to mind. But there's another cultural experience not to be missed: slowly sipping sake from beautifully handcrafted sake cups.
At Kyoto Handicraft Center, we invite you to explore the world of traditional guinomi and ochoko—small vessels that enhance the enjoyment of sake through their materials, forms, and artisanal details. Whether you're new to sake or a longtime fan, our Sake Cup Collection offers exceptional pieces made by skilled craftspeople across Japan.
Sake: More Than Just a Drink
In Japan, sake is more than an alcoholic beverage—it's a ritual, a moment of reflection, a celebration, and an art. The vessel you choose to drink from—whether ceramic, wooden, tin, or glass—can greatly influence the aroma, texture, and overall experience.
Explore our full collection of artisan sake cups here.
Materials That Enhance Flavor: Wood, Tin, Ceramic, and Glass
Tin Sake Cups: Elegant and Cool
Tin cups are weighty, luxurious, and excellent for chilled sake. Tin is said to purify and mellow the taste. Explore our tin sake cups crafted in Takaoka, a region with 400 years of metalwork tradition.
We especially love the Tin sake cup, which captures the mountain’s majestic form in shimmering metal.
Ceramic Sake Cups: Tactile Tradition
Ceramic cups are classic and full of character, from the rustic charm of Shigaraki ware to the refined beauty of Kyo-yaki. Slightly absorbent, they keep sake warm and may even enhance its depth.
We especially love the Hasami Ware Sake Cup Set of 8 by Chojuro Kiln, which beautifully showcases Japan’s traditional colors and the timeless elegance of Hasami ceramic artistry."
Mother-of-Pearl Sake Cup: A Touch of Elegance
This sake cup features the exquisite raden technique, where mother-of-pearl inlays create a mesmerizing, shimmering effect. This traditional Japanese craft has been used for centuries, enhancing the beauty of everything it touches. The radiant inlays not only make the cup visually stunning but also elevate the drinking experience, adding an extra layer of elegance to each sip.
Discover the beauty of this raden sake cup set and its timeless design here.
Which Sake Cup Is Right for You?
Choosing a sake cup is a personal journey. Ask yourself:
- Do you prefer hot sake or cold?
- Do you like minimalist design, or intricate patterns?
- Are you looking for everyday use or a special gift?
No matter your style, you’ll find something meaningful in our Sake Cup Collection.
How Sake Compares to Other Drinks
Compared to wine, sake has less acidity and pairs more broadly with food. Unlike beer, it's still and smooth. And while it has a higher ABV than beer or wine, it's gentler than distilled spirits like whiskey.
It’s also gluten-free and often considered easier on the body due to fewer additives—perfect for mindful sipping.
Sake's Surprising Benefits
In moderation, sake can offer some interesting health-friendly properties:
- Rich in amino acids, which may support skin hydration
- Lower in sulfites than wine—less likely to cause headaches
- Warm sake can improve circulation and help you unwind
It’s no wonder sake is often described as a “drinkable beauty elixir.”
Bring a Piece of Japan Into Your Everyday
You don’t need to travel to Japan to enjoy its rituals. A thoughtfully chosen sake cup can bring calm, elegance, and connection to every sip—right at home.