Konnichiwa from THE MACHIYA HOTEL TAKAYAMA!
If there is one food experience that defines a visit to Takayama city, it’s Hida beef. Once you try it, it is not hard to understand why.
Hida beef is counted among Japan’s five great wagyu brands, alongside Kobe, Matsusaka, Omi, and Yonezawa beef. But what exactly does the brand name mean, and what does it take to receive it?
The standards are quite strict. To be certified as Hida beef, the cattle must be purebred Japanese Black, raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months by a certified farmer, and graded by the Japan Meat Grading Association at meat quality grade 3 or above, with a yield grade of A or B. Only beef that meets every one of those conditions can carry the Hida beef name.
The reason Hida beef is famous for its exceptional taste is in the landscape of the region. Hida has cold winters and warm summers, which is what gives Hida beef its signature marbling. The alternating conditions also help the meat develop a satisfying balance of tenderness and texture, rather than simply being soft. Add to that the clean, cold, and mineral-rich water flowing down from the surrounding mountains, which nourishes the feed that the cattle eat, and you begin to understand why the environment here produces something so special.
One of Hida beef’s most celebrated qualities is its fat, which has an exceptionally low melting point. The moment it hits the warmth of your mouth, it melts instantly, releasing a deep, round umami that spreads across your palate. It is a sensation that is genuinely hard to describe and much better experienced firsthand.
There are plenty of different ways to enjoy Hida beef. Whether as a steak, yakiniku, or shabu-shabu, there are many different ways to try it in restaurants. You can also find it as you take a stroll through Takayama Old Town, from grilled beef skewers and beef croquettes to sushi made with Hida beef.
For restaurant recommendations to try Hida beef during your visit or to help with a reservation, please feel free to ask our guest services team!
