How to Choose a Sake Cup – Tips from a Kyoto Pottery Shop

Is There a “Right” Way to Choose a Sake Cup?

A handmade sake cup with warm, earthy texture, used for serving Japanese sake.

In Kyoto, there are many traditions around sake.

But here at TSURU-IPPUKU, we believe the right cup is the one that feels right to you.

Of course, we have our own favorite cups too!

Sake & Style: From Ritual to Personal Taste

A gold-colored ochoko (sake cup) designed specifically for pouring and drinking Japanese sake.

Yes, certain cups were historically used for specific types of sake.

But today, people use all kinds of styles—from sakazuki to katakuchi (spouted vessels), and even houhin (tea servers)!

In fact, tea ware and sake ware are often used interchangeably.

A collection of hand-painted sake cups featuring traditional Japanese patterns, made for enjoying sake.

What matters most is how you enjoy your moment.

Tradition can guide us, but it doesn’t have to confine us.

 Find the One That Speaks to You

A handmade sake cup showcasing the natural warmth of clay, ideal for savoring Japanese sake.

Do you like delicate porcelain or earthy textures?

Would you prefer something light and minimal, or rich with history and glaze?

A celebratory toso (New Year’s sake) set used for traditional Japanese sake rituals.
Maybe you love a toso set (New Year’s sake set) because it reminds you of a beautiful trip to Kyoto.

 Our Role: Setting the Table for You to Choose

A flat sakazuki cup with a beautifully glazed surface, traditionally used for serving sake.

At TSURU-IPPUKU, our role is to help you find the sake cup that feels just right for you.

We offer a selection of sake ware from all over Japan—quiet, playful, elegant, and rare.

You bring the sake. You bring the story. We help you find the cup.

There’s no right way to enjoy sake—just the way that makes you smile.

We hope you find the perfect match of sake and cup that’s just right for you.

TSURU-IPPUKU(つるのいっぷく)

 

Various Japanese sake cups displayed on a wooden shelf at TSURU-IPPUKU Kyoto shop


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Our Japanese teaware shop in Kyoto! Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, we specialize in traditional and modern Japanese tea sets, handmade matcha bowls, Kyoto teapots, Nambu iron kettles, SAKE set (cup & pot) and tea ceremony accessories. Whether you’re looking for an authentic matcha bowl (chawan) or a high-quality Japanese teapot (kyusu), you’ll find the perfect piece to take home as a Kyoto souvenir. We provide secure packaging to ensure safe transport, and international shipping is available. Visit us and explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship!

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