Iga Beef in Iga City

Iga beef is a brand wagyu raised mainly in Iga City in Mie Prefecture, known as the home of the ninja. The cattle are fattened slowly in an environment blessed with the basins large day to night temperature swings, clean water, and quality feed. With fine marbling, deep richness, and tender meat, and with limited production much of which is consumed locally, it is a rare delicacy sometimes called phantom beef.

Highlights

Throughout Iga City you will find sukiyaki, grilled meat, and steak restaurants serving Iga beef. In sukiyaki, the sweetness of the fine fat melds with the rich broth for a melting flavor in the mouth. Grilled cuts and steak let you enjoy the savory meat directly, seared until fragrant. Butcher shops also sell Iga beef to take home.

Enjoying the Seasons

Iga beef is enjoyable all year, but in the cold months a warming pot of sukiyaki or shabu shabu is especially fine. Iga is also attractive for ninja sights and its castle town, so a trip combining a town walk with Iga beef cuisine is recommended.

Access and Basic Information

Iga City centers on Uenoshi Station on the Iga Railway and Iga Ueno Station on the JR line, and car access via the Meihan national route is convenient. It suits a visit combined with Iga Ueno Castle and ninja related facilities.

A Quick Tip

Since production is limited, booking ahead at popular restaurants brings peace of mind. Some shops offer more affordable menus at lunchtime.