Sake vessels (shuki, 酒器) are the vessels used for pouring and drinking sake. This page introduces the main sake vessels you will see at restaurants and sake breweries.
Vessels for drinking
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ochoko (猪口) | A small cup for drinking sake. It is used together with a tokkuri |
| Guinomi (ぐい呑み) | A cup a size larger than an ochoko, with a wider rim |
| Sakazuki (盃) | A cup often used at ceremonies and events such as weddings and the New Year |
| Masu (升) | A square wooden box. It was originally a tool for measuring amounts of sake. People drink directly from the masu, and a glass is also sometimes placed inside the masu |
Some restaurants serve sake in wine glasses.
Vessels for pouring
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| Tokkuri (徳利) | A small container that holds sake for pouring into an ochoko or other cup |
| Katakuchi (片口) | A vessel with a spout on one side only. The spout is larger than that of a tokkuri |
| Chirori (ちろり) | A vessel used for “yukan (湯燗)”, warming sake in hot water. Many are made of materials that conduct heat well (Kanzake and reishu) |
Kiki-choko
A kiki-choko (利き猪口) is a cup used for “kikizake (きき酒)”, checking the quality of sake. It is made of white porcelain, with two indigo circles drawn on the bottom. These circles are called “janome (蛇の目)”. The pattern makes it easier to see the color and clarity of the sake.