If you enjoy Japanese sake, chances are you've seen or perhaps even tried drinking from a 枡 masu, a wooden cup made of hinoki cypress. Not only is it considered an ideal way of enjoying sake, but they're often offered (with specially printed messages) as wedding gifts and used in various festive occasions.

The subtle aroma of hinoki cypress and the sensation of drinking from a masu create a special experience that is different from drinking sake from a glass.

But if you thought that only sake can be served in a masu, think again!

Here are some unusual coffee and tea sets that can be enjoyed in a masu.

Check out the coffee and tea you can enjoy in a masu sets at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)

Coffee and tea you can enjoy in a masu

We'd like to introduce coffee and tea you can enjoy in a masu, named "Masu Presso Coffee" and "Masu Ka Cha."

Photo by © grape Shop

This is probably the first time you've ever seen coffee or tea enjoyed from a masu.

It's a popular item right now. Those who tried it said: "The aroma of the masu makes you feel relaxed as if you were enjoying your beverage in a forest."

Made by a workshop specialized in hinoki cypress masu

The masu used in this product is made by a renowned masu workshop in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. The inside contours of the lid are rounded to make it easier to drink.

Photo by © grape Shop

The pleasant aroma of the hinoki cypress is sure to provide a relaxing effect when you enjoy your favorite beverage.

Hinoki cypress has been used in Japanese architecture since ancient times, and is said to have antibacterial and relaxing effects.

Maspresso Coffee

"Masu Presso Coffee" is a set of three kinds of drip coffees, each paired with a single masu made of Japanese cypress.

Photo by © grape Shop

You may be asking yourself, "Does the flavor of coffee go well with hinoki cypress? But don't worry!

After three months of trial and error working with a popular coffee shop in Nagoya, the masu workshop selected beans that bring out the best of both coffee and hinoki cypress, and roasted them for this special blend.

This is a new type of coffee, in which you can enjoy the taste and aroma of coffee as well as the aroma of hinoki cypress.

Photo by © grape Shop

  • DARK: It is characterized by a mild taste. It's strong, so how about enjoying a cup to wake up in the morning?
  • MEDIUM: It has a refreshing taste that is perfect for drinking during the daytime. It strikes the perfect balance with the aroma of the hinoki cypress masu, making it a great cuppa to enjoy all day long.
  • MILD: A sake-like flavor that goes well with the aroma of hinoki cypress, recommended for an evening drink.

Photo by © grape Shop

Check out Masu Presso Coffee at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)

Masu Ka Cha

"Masu Ka Cha" is a set that includes a Japanese hinoki cypress masu and Mino Ibi-cha, a tea produced in the foothills of the mountains and known for its good aroma.

Photo by © grape Shop

Two types of tea leaves, "Sencha" and "Hojicha", are included in tea bag format. The tea leaves were selected by a Japanese tea instructor and were made by a tea wholesaler with a long history including offering tea to the famous Meiji Shrine.

Photo by © grape Shop

The masu has not only been improved to be easier to drink from but its four bottom corners have been slightly cut to make it easier to hold while retaining its beautiful form.

Photo by © grape Shop

With Masu Ka Cha, you can enjoy fragrant Sencha and Hojicha tea in a masu box with the subtle aroma of hinoki cypress.

Check out Masu Ka Cha tea at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)

Coffee cups & saucers made by a masu workshop

In addition to coffee and tea sets, wooden coffee cups and saucers are also available.

These coffee cups and saucers are made of Japanese hinoki cypress and have the same grain pattern as a masu cup.

Photo by © grape Shop

Each one is carefully made by skilled craftsmen.

Photo by © grape Shop

The wooden cups are lacquered, so they are resistant to coloring from coffee and other substances.

They are also resistant to heat transfer and have a rounded mouth, so when you put it to your lips, it will feel similar to drinking from conventional coffee cups or mugs.

Photo by © grape Shop

You can use it for your morning coffee, afternoon tea time, or any time you want to take a break.

Check out the coffee cup and saucer made by a masu workshop at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)

Coffee or tea in an unusual masu box makes a great gift!

The recipient is sure to enjoy this new drinking experience combining Western and Japanese designs.

Photo by © grape Shop

Why not relax and feel the warmth of hinoki cypress while you enjoy your favorite beverage?

Check out all the products by a masu workshop at grape SHOP.

(We use WorldShopping Global. The grape SHOP page is in Japanese, but if you see the WorldShopping widget appear at the bottom of the page, that product can be shipped overseas)


By - grape Japan editorial staff.