Masu

The “masu” is perhaps the most fascinating sake vessel. It’s a traditional, box-shaped sake cup typically made out of cypress or cedar. The masu has been in use for centuries; its original purpose was as a measuring cup for rice. A single masu measures 1 “go,” or a volume of 180 milliliters.

Because it’s made of wood, it imparts a forest-like aroma and flavor to the sake inside, which enhances the drinking experience. People often use it to drink “taru sake” (sake stored in wooden vats) to amplify the cedar flavor even more.

You’ll often see masu used to drink “mokkiri” style. This is when a glass sake cup is placed inside the masu. To show generosity, the server intentionally overflows the glass cup so the sake gathers in the masu.
At Tippsy, we have the standard 180-milliliter size, as well as a larger size that can be filled with ice to keep glasses and mini-bottles chilled. There is also the design award-winning “Omoeraku” Nikko Cedar Masu. Finally, you can even get a masu sake set with a large carafe and small cup! Prices for our masu range from $15 to $190.

The “masu” is perhaps the most fascinating sake vessel. It’s a traditional, box-shaped sake cup typically made out of cypress or cedar. The masu has been in use for centuries; its original purpose was as a measuring cup for rice. A single masu measures 1 “go,” or a volume of 180 milliliters.

Because it’s made of wood, it imparts a forest-like aroma and flavor to the sake inside, which enhances the drinking experience. People often use it to drink “taru sake” (sake stored in wooden vats) to amplify the cedar flavor even more.

You’ll often see masu used to drink “mokkiri” style. This is when a glass sake cup is placed inside the masu. To show generosity, the server intentionally overflows the glass cup so the sake gathers in the masu.

At Tippsy, we have the standard 180-milliliter size, as well as a larger size that can be filled with ice to keep glasses and mini-bottles chilled. There is also the design award-winning “Omoeraku” Nikko Cedar Masu. Finally, you can even get a masu sake set with a large carafe and small cup! Prices for our masu range from $15 to $190.