You’ll Surely Do A Double Take! 5 of the Cutest Japanese Cup Sake

1. Shidaizumi Nyan Cup

This cup of Japanese sake comes with an eye-catching illustration of a cute cat. The Japanese sake is junmai ginjo (a Japanese sake made only from rice and malted rice), which is known for its refreshing aroma and the rich inherent taste of rice. It’s even more delicious when you drink it chilled in the summer!

This is a cup’s worth of Japanese sake, so it is usually my go-to drink when I feel like drinking alone at home! It is also recommended as a gift for cat lovers and as a souvenir.

Reference price: 320 JPY (incl. tax)

2. Kitaro Jungin

This cup of Japanese sake bears an illustration of the popular Japanese manga "GeGeGe no Kitaro." It is made by Chiyomusubi Sake Brewery, a long-established Japanese sake brewery that was founded in 1865. The unique illustration by Shigeru Mizuki, a famous Japanese manga artist, on this Japanese sake cup is the kind of design that will surely captivate not only Kitaro fans, but also those who see it for the first time. This Japanese sake is characterized by its fragrant scent and pleasant flavor.

Price: 385 JPY (incl. tax)

3. Seishu Suwahime Figure Set Kigurumi Version

This cup of Japanese sake comes from Reijin Shuzo Brewery which is located in Suwa City, Nagano. Suwahime (Princess Suwahime) is the beloved local character of Suwa City. When you buy this particular Japanese sake, you will get a mini figure of Suwahime, too! Characterized by a robust flavor and satisfying taste, you can drink this Japanese sake as an aperitif or during a meal.

It is delicious when drunk cold or warm, so I enjoy it in many different ways according to my mood and the food I’m eating.

Price: 1,540 JPY (incl. tax)

4. Denkyu no Sake Tenkyu

This Japanese sake is made and sold by the Wakayama-based Takagaki Shuzo brewery. Coming in a rather playful container that is shaped like a light bulb, a homage to the name of the Japanese sake which means "Light Bulb Japanese Sake," it is so cute that you will surely make you look twice! This Japanese sake has a distinctly refreshing taste and smooth texture, so it is recommended for people who are not that familiar with Japanese sake.

It has an impressive container, so I often buy this Japanese sake to give as a small gift or souvenir. When you’re done drinking its contents, you can turn its bulb-shaped container into a fashionable decoration for your room.

Price: 792 yen (incl. tax)

5. Kizakura night swim

This Japanese sake is brewed and sold by Kizakura, a major Japanese brewery. The vividly colorful illustration of a nishikigoi, a kind of carp that is also famous abroad as an ornamental fish, is quite a fancy touch. This Japanese sake has a slightly sweet taste and a fruity scent.

Given its mild taste, I drink a cup of this Japanese sake to soothe my tired body after work. Note that this Japanese sake is also sold overseas, so you can enjoy it even when you are in your own country.

Price: 284 yen (incl. tax)

Did any Japanese sake on the list pique your interest? If you have trouble choosing Japanese sake or if you are interested in Japanese sake but don’t know it well, then what you can do is choose the one with the packaging you like best!