---
slug: which_sake_set_to_buy_first
category_path: home_kitchen/kitchen_dining/dining_entertaining/glassware_drinkware/sake_sets
title: "Which Sake Set Should You Buy First?"
lead: "Start with a plain porcelain tokkuri (carafe) and two ochoko cups. One set covers warm and room-temperature sake, and the carafe warms right in a hot-water bath. If you mostly drink chilled ginjo, pick thin glass cups instead."
recommendation:
  name: "A plain porcelain tokkuri with two ochoko"
  reason: "It covers sake's two basic servings — warm and room temperature — and porcelain keeps no odor or stain. Two cups handle both solo evenings and a guest. If chilled sake turns out to be your style, add a pair of thin glass cups then."
published: 2026-07-06
updated: 2026-07-07
---


<ComparisonTable
  columns={["Type", "Best for", "Strength", "Downside"]}
  rows={[
    ["Tokkuri + ochoko (porcelain)", "Warm and room-temperature sake", "The classic; warms in a water bath, holds no odors", "Small pours mean frequent refills"],
    ["Guinomi (larger cup)", "Sipping at room temperature", "Generous pour, substantial in the hand", "Warm sake cools before you finish it"],
    ["Thin glass sake cups", "Chilled ginjo and daiginjo", "Thin rim flatters aroma and clarity", "Useless for warm sake; fragile"],
    ["Hinoki (cypress) masu (box)", "Celebrations", "The hinoki scent sets a festive mood", "Wood scent covers the sake's own aroma; a chore to wash and dry"],
  ]}
/>