The ochoko are small and cylindrical and there are variations depending on the usage. The sakezaki is a flat cup that looks like a saucer and is used used in special events like weddings. Sometimes sake is drunk out of a masu which is a wooden box. While the masu should be wooden, the cups are usually ceramic but sometimes glass. However, while the traditional masu is wooden, some people prefer a lacquer masu because the wood affects the taste of the sake.

When serving sake hold the tokkuri with both hands and your palms facing down and fill the guest’s cup but not your own. Let a guest fill yours. Technically you can pour the sake with one hand if your other hand is touching the pouring hand as this is the same as pouring with both hands. There is an exception. If the pourer is of higher status than the guest, it is not necessary to pour with both hands or even with one hand touching the other as you pour.