Kikichoko (sake tasting cup)

Kikichoko (also read kikichoku) is a dedicated vessel used for sake tasting and professional sake evaluation (kikizake). It is typically a large white porcelain cup with a blue concentric double-ring pattern, known as janome (snake's eye), painted on the bottom to make it easier to observe the color and clarity of the sake. This design helps the taster judge how cloudy the sake is and how it reflects light, making the kikichoko an important tool for appreciating sake more deeply. Its shape and size are also designed so that the taster can clearly perceive the aroma and flavor during tasting.