The Cup Edit: Japanese Cups & Mugs Size Guide (in → cm, oz → ml)
The smallest rituals shape the day. A cup’s drinking rim, the way a handle meets your fingers, the balance in your palm, the glaze that catches late-afternoon light—these quiet details change aroma, comfort, and mood. This guide is inch-first (cm in parentheses) with capacities in oz (ml), so you can choose cups that feel effortless at home.
Related: Japanese Tableware Guide｜Quiet Luxury in Handmade Ceramics
Why Cups Matter
A cup frames aroma and temperature as surely as a plate frames composition. The rim manages flow, the handle sets grip and heat isolation, the wall thickness balances delicacy with warmth retention. Choose with intention and even a five-minute break becomes a ritual.
Sizing (in → cm) & Capacity (oz → ml)
| Rim Diameter | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0–3.3 in (7.6–8.4 cm) | 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) | Green tea, espresso-style drinks, focused aroma |
| 3.5–3.9 in (8.9–9.9 cm) | 8–12 oz (240–355 ml) | Everyday coffee & tea |
| 4.0–4.3 in (10.2–10.9 cm) | 12–14 oz (355–415 ml) | Latte/café au lait, open aroma |
Shop by color: White Cups · Black & Dark Cups
Forms & Mouthfeel (rim, handle, thickness)
- Rim (drinking mouth): thinner rims feel silkier; thicker rims feel cozy and forgiving.
- Handle: small loop for a light, nimble hold; larger loop for three fingers and heat clearance; no handle (yunomi) for a traditional, tactile experience.
- Wall thickness: thinner reads refined; thicker retains warmth and suits daily use.
Materials: Arita Porcelain vs Shigaraki Stoneware
Arita porcelain offers luminous whites and a crisp sip, perfect for minimal tables and fine tea service—see the Arita collection. Shigaraki stoneware brings earthy granules and gentle thickness that flatters coffee—see the Shigaraki collection.
Glaze Moods
Oribe (deep greens, lively), Shino (milky white with warm blush), Karatsu (earthy with brushed gesture). Choose mood to complement the beverage’s color and body.
Use Cases
- Daily coffee: rim 3.5–3.9 in; 8–12 oz—balanced aroma and grip.
- Green tea & herbal: rim 3.3–3.7 in; 6–8 oz—yunomi invites warmth through the hands.
- Latte/café au lait: rim 4.0–4.3 in; 12–14 oz—open aroma, room for microfoam.
Styling Tips
- Base & accent: build a calm base in white, add one or two statement glazes (Oribe/Shino).
- Mix materials: crisp porcelain × warm stoneware; add linen or wood for texture.
- Shelf presence: align by rim diameter for order; gradient glazes for depth.
Shop by type: Yunomi · Mugs · Teacups
Shop by color: White Cups · Black & Dark Cups
Care & Longevity
- Hand wash preferred: mild soap, soft sponge.
- Thermal shock: avoid sudden temperature swings, especially with crazed glazes.
- Stacking: place a cloth/felt between rims to protect edges and glazes.
Editor’s Picks & Shop
Build a calm cup set—choose by rim and capacity, then add a glaze that feels like you.
Browse all Japanese cupsFAQ
What size works for everyday coffee?
Rim 3.5–3.9 in and 8–12 oz capacity suit most brews and hands.
Is porcelain always better than stoneware?
No. Porcelain feels crisp and refined; stoneware feels warm and keeps temperatures comfortable longer. Choose by mood and beverage.
Are unglazed cups harder to care for?
They simply prefer gentle hand washing and mindful use. Avoid sudden temperature changes and let them dry fully between uses.