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— A must-know for visitors exploring sake culture in Kobe —

If you’re visiting Kobe, a city famous for its premium Japanese sake (nihonshu) and cultural experiences, you’ll likely come across a small, square wooden box used for drinking. This is called a masu (枡)—a traditional Japanese cup with a fascinating history and cultural meaning.

What Is a Masu?

Originally, the masu was used as a measuring tool for rice and sake, based on Japan’s old units of measurement. The word isshō (一升) refers to 1.8 liters, and ichigō (一合) is one-tenth of that, about 180ml—the standard serving of sake in many restaurants and izakayas today.

You’ll still hear these terms when buying sake in Japan:

Isshō-bin (一升瓶): a big bottle, 1800ml

Yon-gō-bin (四合瓶): a medium-size bottle, 720ml (roughly wine-bottle size)

Even today, the sake you enjoy in Kobe’s sake breweries or sushi restaurants often comes in these traditional quantities.

 

How Did the Masu Become a Sake Cup?

The masu evolved from a measuring container to a sake-drinking vessel in the 1950s–60s, during Japan’s post-war boom. It became a symbol of celebration and tradition, especially in sake-producing regions like Kobe, part of the renowned Nada Gogo sake district.

 

How to Order Sake in Kobe Like a Local

If you’re dining at an izakaya in Kobe or enjoying sushi near the harbor, try ordering like this:

 “Nihonshu ichi-gō kudasai.” 🍶(にほんしゅ いちごう ください) → “One serving of sake, please.”

You’ll usually receive about 180ml, often in a glass or traditional masu.

 

Shopping Tip: Buying Sake Bottles as a Souvenir in Kobe

If you’re visiting sake shops in Kobe’s sake brewery districts or popular shopping streets like Motomachi or Kitano, you may want to buy sake to take home. But be careful with sizes:

 “Isshō-bin kudasai.”🍶 → Means you’ll get a huge 1.8L bottle!

For something closer to a wine bottle in size, ask for:

“Yon-gō-bin kudasai” or “Shi-gō-bin kudasai.” → A 720ml bottle, easy to carry and perfect as a gift.

 

Why You Should Try Sake in Kobe with a Masu

Kobe is home to some of Japan’s most famous sake breweries, and many offer tastings where you can sip sake in a masu. It’s more than just a drinking vessel—it’s a symbol of Japanese hospitality, tradition, and celebration.

You might even receive a custom masu with a brewery’s name engraved—a perfect souvenir!

 

Final Tip: Kobe + Sake + Masu = Unforgettable Experience

Whether you’re strolling through Kobe’s historic sake brewery district, enjoying fresh sushi, or toasting to a night out at a local izakaya, drinking sake from a masu connects you to centuries of Japanese culture—one delicious sip at a time.