Miran Gyu: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Yamaguchi)

The "Mishima cattle" that have long remained on Mishima Island off the coast of Hagi were designated a National Natural Monument in 1928 as a precious native breed. Miran gyu carries on that bloodline, raised by crossbreeding with imported breeds. It is known as a rare and richly flavored brand of beef.

Highlights

Fine marbling coexists with the deep savoriness of the lean meat, and its charm is a richness that unfolds as you chew. Popular not only as steak and yakiniku but also as hamburg steak and croquettes, it has a breadth that satisfies both lovers of lean meat and those who seek the sweetness of fat.

Seasonal Enjoyment

It can be enjoyed year-round, but the travel table pairing it with Hagi's seafood changes its character with the seasons. To cap off a stroll through the castle town, savoring the flavor of the meat slowly is recommended.

Access and Basic Information

It can be tasted at directly managed shops a few minutes by car from JR Higashi-Hagi Station. It is also served at restaurants in Hagi City, and you can choose retail meat or processed goods such as hamburg steaks as souvenirs.

A Little Advice

Start simply with salt and take your time sensing the natural sweetness and aroma of the lean meat. Hamburg steak or croquettes let you enjoy the savoriness of miran gyu more casually.

Practical Travel Notes

Mishima cattle, the root of miran gyu, were designated a National Natural Monument in 1928 as a Japanese native breed untouched by Western breeds, and miran gyu inherits that rare bloodline. Because the number of head raised is limited it is scarce, and directly managed shops offer, besides steak and yakiniku, more affordable items such as croquettes and hamburg steak. While steak is on the pricier side, hamburg steak and croquettes let you enjoy it relatively casually, which is part of the appeal. It pairs easily with sightseeing in Hagi's castle town, and the retail corner sells meat and processed goods as souvenirs. Popular shops can be crowded at lunchtime, so visiting with time to spare is reassuring.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Origins: The Mishima Ushi Breeding Ground (Mishima, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture), home of the bloodline, was designated a National Natural Monument on 20 September 1928 (Showa 3) (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Cultural Heritage Online).
• Public facility where you can try it: Kenran-gyu Dining Gen inside Roadside Station Hagi Okan (1258 Kasegasaka, Tsubaki, Hagi City / TEL 0838-25-1113) / 11:00-15:00, until 17:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (last orders 30 minutes before closing). Closed on Tuesdays (the following day when Tuesday is a public holiday).
• Opening hours of the roadside station: Roadside Station Hagi Okan is open 9:00-18:00 and does not close for holidays (TEL 0838-22-9889).
• Points to note: Gen officially states that reservations are not accepted and credit cards cannot be used. The takeaway counter also sells croquettes and beef skewers.

* Opening hours and prices at individual restaurants vary from shop to shop.

(Sources: Midoriya Farm official website page for Kenran-gyu Dining Gen; Roadside Station Hagi Okan official website; Agency for Cultural Affairs, Cultural Heritage Online, Mishima Ushi Breeding Ground)

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourist information for Yamaguchi Prefecture together with information published by the individual establishments. Prices, menus and seasons are subject to change, so please check the official information of each establishment for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From several thousand yen for steak or sukiyaki
• Where to eat it: Directly managed shops and restaurants in Hagi City
• Recommended time of day: Both lunch and dinner. Ideal for a celebratory meal
• Avoiding the crowds: Reservations are reassuring at popular restaurants. Shift your timing
• Enjoy it together with: Mail order direct from the producing area, the Hagi castle town, Shoin Shrine and Hagi-yaki pottery