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San San Ku Do: What is it?

The Meaning and Symbolism of Japan’s Traditional Wedding Ritual


A shinto shrine maiden pouring sake into a red saucer as part of the san san ku do ritual in a Japanese wedding ceremony. Embroidered crane visible on clothing.

When couples think about eloping in Japan, one of the most memorable ways to connect with the culture is through its timeless wedding traditions. Among these, the San San Ku Do (三三九度) ritual stands out as one of the most meaningful. Rooted in history and symbolism, this sake-sharing ceremony goes beyond aesthetics, offering a powerful expression of unity, family, and commitment.


At Elope in Japan, we believe your wedding should be more than beautiful photographs or video. It should be an experience you cannot find anywhere else. That’s why we offer couples the opportunity to include San San Ku Do in their ceremony, bringing a touch of authenticity and cultural depth that makes your day truly unforgettable. But, what is it?


What is San San Ku Do?

San San Ku Do, which translates to “three, three, nine times”, is a ritual performed during traditional Japanese weddings. Using three stacked sake cups (sakazuki), the couple takes three sips from each cup - first the groom, then the bride - until nine sips are shared in total.


The name reflects this exact sequence:

  • San (三) = three

  • Ku (九) = nine

  • Do (度) = times


Simple in action, yet profound in meaning, San San Ku Do is one of the most iconic and cherished Japanese wedding traditions.


The Symbolism Behind San San Ku Do

Each element of the ritual carries deep symbolism:


  • Unity of Two FamiliesDrinking from the same cup signifies trust, respect, and the joining of two families.

  • Three Cups, Three SipsTraditionally, the three cups represent:

    1. Heaven, Earth, and Humanity

    2. Past, Present, and Future

    3. The Couple and Their Families

  • The Number NineConsidered auspicious in Japan, nine symbolizes eternity and lasting happiness; a wish for a marriage built to endure.


In this way, San San Ku Do is not just a performance; it is a spiritual promise, sip by sip.


Historical Roots

The act of sharing sake has long been used in Japan to seal alliances and agreements. Over time, this practice became woven into wedding rituals, particularly Shinto ceremonies, where it symbolizes the sacred union of two people and their families.


Today, even in modern settings such as villas, gardens, or intimate elopements, the ritual retains its power to connect couples with centuries of cultural meaning.


Red lacquer san san ku do set on a red mat, with decorative card, against a backdrop of bright green and orange autumn foliage creating a serene mood.
At Elope in Japan, we like to bring the San San Ku Do out of the shrine setting and into our secular wedding ceremonies as a way of sharing Japanese culture with our couples.

San San Ku Do in Modern Weddings

While traditionally guided by Shinto priests, San San Ku Do has evolved to suit contemporary and international weddings:


  • Self-led Rituals: Couples may perform it themselves with the guidance of an officiant.

  • Alternative Drinks: For those who don’t drink sake, wine, champagne, or tea can be used while maintaining the symbolism.

  • Family Participation: Parents may be invited to take part, symbolizing the blending of families.

  • Personalized Cups: Some couples choose specially designed cups as keepsakes.

  • Simplified Versions: Instead of nine sips, couples may adapt the sequence to fit their ceremony flow.


These adaptations show how San San Ku Do remains a living tradition: flexible yet deeply rooted in meaning.



Why Couples Choose It

For couples eloping in Japan, San San Ku Do offers a moment of reflection and intimacy within the ceremony. It is a reminder that marriage is not only about celebration, but about promises, respect, and unity.


By including this ritual, couples can feel connected not only to each other but also to Japan’s cultural spirit, making their wedding day all the more memorable.


Experiencing San San Ku Do with Elope in Japan

Ayako Harrison, founder of Serendipity Flower & Wedding and the creative force behind Elope in Japan, built the service on a simple vision: to create uniquely Japanese experiences that couples won’t find anywhere else. One way we bring this to life is by weaving meaningful Japanese wedding traditions directly into your ceremony. San San Ku Do is a perfect example: an elegant, authentic ritual that many international planners may overlook, but one we are proud to offer our couples.


Whether performed in a traditional villa, a serene garden, or against the backdrop of a Shinto shrine, we ensure that this centuries-old practice feels natural, personal, and memorable. We believe that it’s the small details like these that make your elopement with us truly unique.


Conclusion

San San Ku Do is more than a ritual; it is a symbolic promise shared sip by sip. Rooted in centuries of tradition, it weaves together family bonds, spiritual balance, and a couple’s journey into one elegant act. For couples eloping in Japan, incorporating San San Ku Do adds depth and authenticity to the ceremony, transforming it into a meaningful experience that connects the past, the present, and the future.


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