Takachiho Beef: Local Food Guide & How to Eat (Miyazaki)

In the land of myth, in the northwest of Miyazaki Prefecture, black wagyu is raised amid pure spring water and rich nature. That is Takachiho beef. Its fine marbling melts in the mouth, and within a clean finish spreads a deep savoriness. It is a supreme brand beef that Miyazaki takes pride in.

Highlights

Takachiho beef is carefully raised at designated farms in the towns of Takachiho, Hinokage, and Gokase, listed at the Takachiho livestock market, and only black wagyu graded A4 or above are permitted to bear the name, making it a rare brand. The famous water welling from the Sobo mountain range and the blessed local environment support its quality. The secret to how well it melts is its abundance of oleic acid, which is also rich in olive oil. At the National Wagyu Ability Competition held in Kagoshima in 2022, known as the Wagyu Olympics, Miyazaki beef, including Takachiho beef, won the Prime Minister Award in the category evaluating the quality of fat. The annual shipment is very small, and its rarity is one of its charms.

Enjoying the Seasons

Takachiho beef can be enjoyed all year, but if you pair it with travel, a season when the cool highland climate is pleasant is recommended. Savoring the meat original flavor as steak or teppanyaki is the classic way. Yakiniku lets you compare various cuts. Enjoyed together with the mythical setting of Takachiho Gorge or the night kagura performance, the memory of the journey grows all the more vivid.

Access and Basic Information

The center of Takachiho has the Takachiho Beef Restaurant Nagomi, operated by JA Takachiho, where you can taste it at quality and prices unique to the production area. Steak is served at lunch, and steak and yakiniku at dinner, with dinner requiring a reservation by the day before. The adjoining meat center also allows the purchase of cut meat, welcome as a souvenir. Because Takachiho lies among the mountains, access by car is convenient.

A Quick Tip

First try the steak simply with only salt and wasabi. Taste the melting texture of the fine marbling and the mellow sweetness of the oleic rich fat with the ingredient just as it is.

Practical Travel Notes

• Takachiho beef is produced in the towns of Takachiho, Hinokage, and Gokase, a rare brand only black wagyu graded A4 or above may bear.
• At the 2022 National Wagyu Ability Competition, the Wagyu Olympics, Miyazaki beef including Takachiho beef won the Prime Minister Award in the fat quality category.
• To taste it, head to the Takachiho Beef Restaurant Nagomi. Operated by JA, its specialties are steak at lunch and yakiniku at dinner, which requires a reservation.
• The adjoining meat center also sells cut meat, welcome as a souvenir. Because Takachiho lies among the mountains, travel by car is convenient.
• The recommendation is steak with salt and wasabi. Savor the mellow, oleic rich sweetness of the fat with the ingredient just as it is.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Definition of the brand: According to the Takachiho district of JA Miyazaki, Takachiho beef is raised and fattened exclusively within the Nishiusuki area (Takachiho Town, Hinokage Town and Gokase Town), and only beef with a meat quality grade of "A4" or above may be called Takachiho beef.
• Takachiho Beef Restaurant Nagomi: 1099-1 Mitai, Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture / TEL 0982-73-1109. Lunch 11:00-14:30, dinner 17:00-21:00, closed every Wednesday. The steak courses (lunch and dinner) do not take reservations and guests are seated in order of arrival. The teppanyaki course (dinner only, limited to one group per day, up to 4 people) and the yakiniku course (dinner only, for 2 or more people) require reservations by the previous day.
• Takachiho Beef Meat Center: 1099-1 Oaza Mitai, Takachiho Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture (inside Gamadase Ichiba) / TEL 0982-73-1129. Open 10:00-18:00, closed on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. You can buy cuts of meat here.
• Access: Takachiho lies among the mountains, so getting around by car is convenient.

* Opening hours, closing days and prices are subject to change. Please check the official information before you set out.

(Sources: JA Miyazaki (Miyazaki Prefecture Agricultural Cooperative) official website "Takachiho Beef Restaurant Nagomi" and "Takachiho Beef Meat Center", official Miyazaki Prefecture website)