Handcrafted in Japan since the 8th century
A 1,300-Year-Old Sake Ritual,
In Your Hands
Handcrafted hinoki cypress cups from Japan’s oldest masu workshop tradition.
The way sake was meant to be enjoyed.
The Difference
Why Sake Tastes Better in Wood
Pour sake into a hinoki cup and something remarkable happens. The wood’s natural aroma — the same scent that fills Japan’s ancient cypress forests — rises to meet the sake. The flavor softens. The moment slows down. This is how sake has been enjoyed in Japan for over a thousand years.
Unlike glass or ceramic, hinoki actively enhances your sake. The wood contains phytoncide, a natural compound that Japanese scientists have linked to the calming effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku). Every sip becomes a small ritual.
The Collection
Seven Sizes, Seven Purposes
Every size has a story. Find the one that fits yours.
The Classic
Ichigo一合枡
180ml — 85 × 85 × 56 mm
The standard sake cup. One perfect serving — exactly one gō, the traditional measure. The most popular masu in Japan.
The Slow Sip
Goshaku五勺枡
100ml — 67 × 67 × 47 mm
For savoring premium sake, one deliberate pour at a time. The choice when the sake matters more than the volume.
The Bar Style
Hasshaku八勺枡
144ml — 76 × 76 × 51 mm
The traditional izakaya cup for mokkiri — where sake overflows from glass to masu. Generous, theatrical, unforgettable.
The Jewel Box
Sanjaku三勺枡
54ml — 56 × 56 × 39 mm
Tiny enough for a ring, elegant enough for a shelf. A miniature object of beauty.
The Desk Companion
Nigohan二合半枡
450ml — 117 × 117 × 75 mm
Pen holder, plant pot, catch-all. A piece of Japan on your desk, quietly useful, always beautiful.
The Ceremony
Gogo五合枡
900ml — 135 × 135 × 92 mm
For Setsubun — Japan's annual bean-throwing ritual to welcome spring and drive away misfortune.
The Celebration
Issho一升枡
1,800ml — 170 × 170 × 92 mm
Grand openings, weddings, milestones. When the occasion calls for something larger than ordinary.
Personalization
Make It Yours
Your initials. Your company logo. A date that matters. Every masu can be personalized with traditional branding-iron engraving or precision laser carving.
Traditional
Yakiin — Branding Iron
A heated copper plate pressed into the wood at 400°C. The result is a warm, burnt-amber impression with an unmistakably handmade character. The technique used by masu makers for centuries. Ideal for logos, crests, and bold designs.
Modern
Laser Engraving
High-precision laser carving that reproduces photographs, QR codes, gradients, and fine text with perfect accuracy. Each piece can carry a unique design. The choice for personalized gifts, individual names, and intricate detail.
Meaning
A Gift That Means Something
In Japanese, “masu” (枡) sounds identical to the word for “increase” — as in, may your happiness increase. For centuries, masu have been given at weddings, business celebrations, and milestones as a wish for prosperity.
Unlike generic gifts that get forgotten, a masu is a conversation piece — a handcrafted object that carries 1,300 years of meaning. It sits on a desk, holds a pen, catches the light. And every time someone asks about it, the story begins again.
Provenance
From Forest to Cup
Our masu are made in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture — Japan’s hinoki heartland, where cypress forests have supplied woodworkers for generations. Each cup is crafted from Japanese hinoki cypress, joined with a centuries-old interlocking technique called arale-gumi that requires no nails or screws. The result is a seamless box that holds liquid, holds beauty, and holds up — for years.
Questions
Frequently Asked
What makes a wooden sake cup better than glass?+
Hinoki (Japanese cypress) naturally infuses sake with a delicate woody aroma that enhances the flavor — something glass and ceramic cannot do. The wood contains phytoncide, a compound that creates a forest-bathing-like calming effect. Japanese sake connoisseurs have preferred hinoki cups for over a thousand years for this reason.
Are these cups food-safe?+
Yes. Our masu are made from natural, untreated hinoki wood with food-safe adhesive. Optional food-grade coating (tested and certified by the Japan Food Research Laboratories) is available for enhanced durability. Hinoki itself has natural antibacterial properties.
What size should I choose for sake?+
The Ichigo (180ml) is the classic choice — it holds exactly one "gō" (a traditional Japanese sake serving). For a smaller pour, the Goshaku (100ml) is perfect for slow sipping. The Hasshaku (144ml) is the traditional size used in Japanese bars for the iconic "mokkiri" overflow style.
Can I get my logo or name engraved?+
Yes. We offer two methods: traditional branding-iron engraving (yakiin) for a warm, artisanal look, and precision laser engraving for detailed designs, photos, and QR codes. Both work on all sizes. Perfect for corporate gifts, wedding favors, or personalized presents.
Do you ship internationally?+
Yes, we ship worldwide from Japan. Masu are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for international shipping. Contact us for a shipping quote to your country.
How do I care for a wooden sake cup?+
Simply rinse with water after use and air dry upside down. Avoid dishwashers and prolonged soaking. With proper care, your masu will last for years, developing a beautiful patina over time.
Ships Worldwide from Japan
Whether you need one cup
or ten thousand, we’ll help you
find the perfect masu.
Custom engraving. Bulk pricing. Expert guidance on sizes and finishes.