Buying Guide
Where to Buy Masu
— and How to Order a Custom One from Japan
Authentic masu are hard to find outside Japan. Here is where to get one, what to check, and how ordering an engraved masu works.
The short answer
You can order authentic hinoki masu online from MASU-STORE (masu.fomus.jp), a masu specialist in Japan that ships worldwide. Engraving starts from a single piece (plain masu from 10), no design file is needed, and you receive a free preview image with your quote before you order. We made the commemorative masu for the 10th anniversary of Kura Master, the sake competition in Paris.
Your options
Shops and makers in Japan. Japan has masu makers and specialty shops, but many sell plain masu in bulk, and their sites and order forms are often in Japanese only.
Large online marketplaces. You can find “masu cups” on international marketplaces. Quality varies, the material is not always hinoki, and custom engraving is usually limited to fixed templates.
A specialist that ships abroad. MASU-STORE makes hinoki masu in Japan, takes orders and questions in English, designs the engraving for you, and ships worldwide. It is the simplest way to get a custom masu if you live outside Japan.
What to check before you buy
1. The wood: hinoki cypress
A traditional masu is made from hinoki (Japanese cypress). Its aroma is part of the experience — it blends into sake in a way glass and ceramic cannot. Many low-cost “wooden cups” are made from other woods or plastic with a wood finish. Ask what the cup is made of.
2. The size
Masu come in traditional volume units. The 180 ml Ichigo (one gō) is the classic sake masu; the 144 ml Hasshaku is the izakaya size for overflowing “mokkiri” service; larger sizes are used for Setsubun beans or display.
3. The engraving method
Yakiin (branding iron) gives a warm, traditional burnt look and suits repeating the same logo. Laser engraving carves fine detail, photos and QR codes, and can change the text on every piece.
4. Seeing the design before you pay
For a custom piece, make sure you can see a preview of the finished engraving before you commit. We send one with every quote, free of charge.
5. Shipping and duties
Masu are light and travel well when packed properly. Check that the seller ships to your country, and remember that import duties are paid by the receiver in most countries.
The seven masu sizes
| Size | Volume | Outer size |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjaku 三勺枡 | 54ml | 56×56×39mm |
| Goshaku 五勺枡 | 100ml | 67×67×47mm |
| Hasshaku 八勺枡 | 144ml | 76×76×51mm |
| Ichigo 一合枡 | 180ml | 85×85×56mm |
| Nigohan 二合半枡 | 450ml | 117×117×75mm |
| Gogo 五合枡 | 900ml | 135×135×92mm |
| Issho 一升枡 | 1800ml | 170×170×92mm |
Not sure? Start with the 180 ml Ichigo — the classic sake masu and the most popular size for gifts and engraving.
How ordering works
- 1
Tell us what you want
Size, quantity, and the text or logo to engrave. Rough ideas are fine.
- 2
Get a quote and a preview
We email a quote together with a preview image of the finished masu, usually within 1–2 business days.
- 3
Confirm and pay
Credit card or bank transfer. Companies can ask about invoicing.
- 4
We make it and ship it
Made in Japan and dispatched in about 2–3 weeks, packed in hinoki shavings for the trip.
Engraved orders start from ¥4,400 per order (tax included, shipping extra), including design and the preview image. Shipping is quoted for your country together with the order.
FEATURED WORK — PARIS 2026
Kura Master 2026 — 10th Anniversary Commemorative Masu
We made the commemorative masu for the 10th anniversary of Kura Master, the sake competition held in Paris, France. They were displayed at the awards ceremony held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan in France on 30 September 2026, and given to the award-winning sake breweries as a keepsake. Kura Master is a Japanese sake competition founded in Paris in 2017. Its judges are French food and beverage professionals, including holders of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) title and sommeliers from five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. The 2026 edition marked the competition’s 10th anniversary.
See our work →FAQ
Where can I buy an authentic masu outside Japan?+
You can order directly from MASU-STORE (masu.fomus.jp), a masu specialist in Japan that ships worldwide. Our masu are made from Japanese hinoki cypress in seven traditional sizes. Engraved masu start from a single piece, plain masu from 10 pieces.
Can I buy just one custom engraved masu?+
Yes. Engraving starts from one piece. An engraved order starts from ¥4,400 per order (tax included, shipping extra), including the design work and a preview image. Additional pieces with the same design cost less.
Do I need a design file?+
No. Send the text you want — names, dates, a message — or a photo of your logo, and we lay it out for you. We email you the quote together with a preview image of the finished masu before you order.
How long does it take to arrive?+
Engraved masu are usually made and dispatched within 2–3 weeks (3–4 weeks for 100 pieces or more). Transit time depends on the destination and the shipping method. If you have a fixed date, tell us and we will plan back from it.
Will I pay import duties?+
Duties and import taxes are set by the destination country and are charged to the receiver on arrival. They are not included in our quote.
Order your masu from Japan
Tell us the size, quantity and what to engrave. We reply with a quote and a free preview image.