Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup gradation background. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup on lifestyle background. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup on gradation background inside. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup and wood bowl on lifestyle background. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wood sake cup black background. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wooden sake cup black to white background. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wooden sake cup black to white gradation background. Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup on gradation background from back. Tsukushi

Kaji

Kōju Wooden sake cup

€63,00

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Delivery estimated between 6 August and 12 August.
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100% made in Japan, crafted with integrity and ethical labor practices.

Product Details

Box Contents: 1 wooden cup
Material: Japanese bigleaf Magnolia
Color: Natural Wood, beige
Dimensions: Diameter 2.3" × Height 3.0" (58 × 75 mm)
Volume: Approx. 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
Weight: Approx. 1.4 oz (40 g)

Exclusivity Note: Each and every wooden cup is carefully handmade, and due to the wood natural grain they result in slight variations that make each piece unique.

Shaped from Japanese magnolia, Kōju is a graceful sake cup that captures the natural scent of wood and the beauty of simplicity.
Its soft curves invite you to slow down and savor not only Japanese sake, but also whiskey, liquor, or bourbon.
A timeless wooden sake cup made for quiet, intentional moments.

More Information

A Cup That Connects You to the Moment
Carefully shaped from Japanese magnolia, Kōju is a handcrafted wooden cup that feels as good to hold as it looks. Its natural grain and soft curves are a quiet invitation to slow down and enjoy the moment, whether you're sipping alone or sharing a toast.
More Than Sake
While traditionally part of the world of sake cups, Kōju is just as at home cradling a rich pour of whiskey or a warming liqueur. Its shape is perfect for a thoughtful one cup sake moment, or as a small, refined whiskey cup for evenings that deserve something special.
One of a Kind, Always
Every Kōju is made in small batches by the artisans of Kaji, where each piece is finished by hand. No two cups are alike; the grain, the curves, the weight in your palm. These subtle differences make your cup feel personal, timeless, and truly your own.

Care Guide

Caring for Your Kōju
Kōju is a handcrafted wooden cup, made to be enjoyed slowly and treated with the same care used to create it. A thin layer of food-safe polyurethane protects the surface while preserving the natural texture of magnolia.
This gentle finish helps balance beauty and durability, making daily use effortless without losing authenticity.
Cleaning Recommendations
Wash by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid soaking, microwaves, or dishwashers, as they can damage the wood and its protective layer.
After washing, dry it gently with a soft cloth and store in a well-ventilated space.
With just a little care, your cup will age beautifully, growing more personal with time.

The Artist

Naoki Kajihara

Location: Seki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Technique: Woodturning
Signature: Quiet, hand-turned woodwork

Naoki Kajihara handcrafts wood tableware in Seki, Gifu Prefecture, a region known for its deep artisanal heritage.
Working alone, he shapes each bowl, sake cup, and plate slowly on the lathe, blending precise woodturning with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Kajihara uses locally sourced cherry, Japanese magnolia, and Japanese elm, letting the grain and warmth of each wood guide the final form.

His pieces draw from the timeless elegance of Japanese dinnerware, favoring quiet, considered curves over ornament. Rather than fast craft, Kajihara's work is a living tradition — objects made with intention, meant to be used slowly and appreciated over time.

Learn more

Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup background black. Tsukushi

Choose with Intention

Because quality isn’t a luxury, it’s a reflection of you

The choice is yours.
You can settle for something generic, cold, mass-made, easily forgotten.
Or you can choose Kōju, a handcrafted wooden cup shaped with care and meant to be held with presence.
Its warmth, scent, and quiet elegance offer more than utility. They offer meaning.
Because what you hold should reflect what you value.

Japanese Wooden Sake cup on black plate, Tsukushi

Let nature shape your pause

A Moment Worth Savoring

In a world that rarely slows down, we long for something grounding.
Kōju, carved from japanese wood, brings you back to the quiet of the forest.
Shaped in the style of a traditional guinomi, this wood cup adds calm and meaning to your most personal moments.
Whether enjoyed alone as a wooden whiskey glass or as part of a sake cup set, Kōju offers a quiet sense of presence and serenity.

Wood Sake cup on shaded background, Tsukushi

Cultural Notes

The Everyday Grace of a Guinomi

In Japanese tradition, a guinomi (ぐい呑み) is a small, informal cup for drinking sake, slightly larger and more relaxed than an ochoko (お猪口) and less ceremonial than a sakazuki (盃).
People often use these cups in their everyday routines adding a cozy, down-to-earth vibe to the table.
Rooted in this custom, Kōju honors the guinomi form while offering versatility.
Whether used as a Japanese sake cup, for whiskey, or liqueur, it transforms every sip into a quiet moment of reflection.

Japanses wood, cross section of tree, Tsukushi

Each handcrafted cup is carved from solid Japanese magnolia, chosen for its soft grain and warmth. Exclusive to Tsukushi, Kōju offers a quiet moment of beauty. No two wooden cups are ever the same.

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We get it, ordering from overseas can feel uncertain.

That’s why we treat every order with personal care, just like we’re sending it to a friend.
From careful in-house packaging to full tracking and responsive support, Tsukushi's team is here to make sure your experience feels thoughtful, safe, and smooth; from Japan to your doorstep.
You’re not just buying a product, you’re trusting us with something meaningful.

We take that seriously.

In-house Packaging

Packed by hand with multiple protective layers for a safe arrival.

Safe Shipping

100% insured & tracked door to door.
If it breaks, we handle everything.

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A real person, always.
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Learn More About Kōju

Wooden Cups FAQs

Can I use Kōju wooden cups in the microwave or dishwasher?

No, and here’s why.
Kōju, like all finely handcrafted wooden cups, is made from natural materials that respond to heat and moisture.
Microwaves or dishwashers can cause warping, cracks, or damage to the finish.
For best results, wash gently by hand and dry promptly. A little mindful care will keep it beautiful for years to come.

Is the Kōju wooden cup food-safe?

Yes, it is.
Kōju is made from Japanese magnolia and sealed with a food-safe polyurethane coating.
This discreet finish complies with Japanese food safety standards, preserving both the natural beauty of the wood and your peace of mind. Whether you're sipping sake, whiskey, or another drink, you can enjoy it with confidence.

Is Kōju only for sake?

Not at all.
Kōju may have started as a traditional guinomi cup, but it’s really all about your personal taste. Whether you’re sipping sake, whiskey, liqueurs, or even herbal tea, this little wooden cup is made to make the moment feel special, simple, stylish, and totally versatile.

Will the appearance of Kōju change over time?

Yes, and that’s part of its quiet charm.
Over time, your wooden cup may develop a deeper hue, especially if you enjoy it with darker drinks like coffee, whiskey, or Japanese sake.
These shifts reflect the natural life of wood and become a gentle record of your shared moments.
It's aging, not wearing out. It's becoming yours.

Ok…but what makes the Kōju wooden cup truly special?

Each Kōju is handcrafted by Kaji, a trusted artisan partner of Tsukushi, using carefully selected type of Japanese magnolia tree.
The result isn’t just a wooden cup, but a singular piece of quiet refinement.
With its unique grain, gentle form, and natural warmth, Kōju reflects the kind of thoughtful design that speaks to those who appreciate beauty with meaning.

Can I use Kōju every day?

Absolutely, Kōju is crafted to become a natural part of your day-to-day life.
Its lightweight feel, its smooth finish make it a pleasure to hold, while its the subtle elegance turns ordinary sips into something unique.
Whether you're winding down with sake or enjoying it as bourbon cup in the evening, Kōju brings presence to even the simplest moments.

Can I use Kōju in a Western-style table setting?

Yes, and beautifully so.
While Kōju draws from the Japanese tradition of wooden sake cups, its clean lines and soft grain make it equally at home in contemporary or Western interiors.
Whether used for sake or as a refined whisky cup, it adds warmth, elegance, and quiet character to any table, East or West.

Would Kōju make a meaningful gift?

Yes, it really would.
Kōju makes a thoughtful and memorable gift. Each piece is handcrafted with care, great for anyone who loves design, tradition, or just taking things slow.
Want to make it more personal? Try gifting a set of two. Whether they’re used for sake, as liquor cups, or even as cool little coffee cups, these Japanese sake cups are something special you won’t find anywhere else.

Is Kōju crafted sustainably?

Yes, sustainability is at the heart of Kōju.
Each cup is handcrafted in small batches by the artisans at Kaji, using wood from the Japanese magnolia tree. This careful sourcing respects nature and avoids waste, in line with traditional practices.
At Tsukushi, we believe that beauty and responsibility should always go hand in hand.

Why is wood a cherished material for drinkware in Japan?

In Japan, wood has long been favored for soups and warm drinks due to its gentle insulating properties.
Unlike ceramic or metal, it retains heat without becoming too hot to hold.
A wooden cup like Kōju is perfect not only for tea, coffee, or hot sake, but also ideal for chilled drinks and liquors.
It brings a quiet texture to your moments, echoing the forest’s stillness and the grace of slow living.

Japanese handcrafted wooden Sake cup black background. Tsukushi

Featured Focus

Make Moments Worth Treasuring

Shaped by Nature, Rooted in Meaning

Kōju（香樹）means “Fragrant Tree,” a name that gently recalls both the subtle scent of Japanese magnolia and the cup’s graceful form.
Each piece is handcrafted by Kaji, a small family workshop in Gifu where tradition meets care.
With every curve shaped by hand, this wooden cup invites you to pause, reflect, and savor.
Be it sake, tea, or a quiet evening pour of whiskey, Kōju isn’t just drinkware. It’s a way to slow down and reconnect with yourself.