Hida Beef, the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Wagyu of the Mountains

Hida beef is a brand of Japanese Black cattle raised with great care amid the lush mountains, pure water, and sharp seasonal temperature changes of Gifu Prefecture. The finely marbled meat seems to dissolve the moment it touches your tongue, releasing a refined sweetness and deep richness. If you visit Takayama, this is the star of Gifu cuisine you will want to try first.

Highlights

The charm of Hida beef lies above all in the beauty of its marbling and its tenderness. You can enjoy the pure flavor of the meat grilled or as a steak, or savor the sweetness of the fat in shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. Around the old townscape of Takayama you will also find plenty of casual Hida beef treats such as beef sushi, croquettes, and grilled skewers perfect for snacking as you stroll.

Enjoying the Seasons

Hida beef is wonderful all year round, but in the harsh cold of winter it pairs beautifully with warm sukiyaki or hoba miso grilling. In summer, grilled beef with a cold beer is a delight, and in autumn it goes well with freshly harvested local rice. Being able to choose how you eat it according to your mood, no matter the season, is one of the joys of Hida beef.

Access and Basic Information

Many of the best Hida beef restaurants are clustered within walking distance of JR Takayama Station. The area around the old Sanmachi streets has many snacking spots, so you can combine sightseeing with a meal. Popular specialty shops can form lines at lunchtime, so booking ahead is reassuring if you want to take your time over a steak or shabu-shabu.

A Quick Tip

For strolling and snacking, start with Hida beef sushi or grilled skewers, and for a proper meal head to a steak or tabletop-grill restaurant. Comparing the grade ratings as you search for your favorite dish is part of the fun of the trip.