Why not enjoy beef while traveling? Top 10 exquisite brand beef from all over Japan, from north to south

*Prices include tax.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as of 2021, there are more than 320 types of branded beef nationwide. Many of them are named after regions, and many of them are the envy of others.

These are all Wagyu beef, but Wagyu beef itself has four varieties: Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Polled. Even the same beef can have different meat qualities depending on the variety, and even the same variety can have different fat content and flavor depending on the breeding and upbringing. In other words, different places taste differently. Let's go on a journey through branded beef.

Branded beef No. 1
Fat and lean meat. Hokkaido's "Starry Sky Black Beef" has the appeal of two opposing sides

This is a brand of beef that is carefully raised on pasture and carefully selected feed in Shibecha Town, Hokkaido, where dairy farming is thriving. It is characterized by the delicious combination of the best of both worlds, with the elegant sweetness of the fat that is unique to Japanese Black beef and the wild, juicy red meat. It is an up-and-coming brand that was raised in the midst of vast nature and under the beautiful starry sky.

If you're going to eat it, try the sirloin steak at Camaro Steak Diner.

This steak dining restaurant uses ingredients from Hokkaido and grills them in a kiln. In addition to branded beef, the restaurant also offers a la carte dishes using Ezo deer, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. The sirloin steak (300g) made with "Starry Sky Black Beef" is priced at 11,000 to 12,000 yen (price may change depending on the season). It is also fun to pair it with the wide selection of Hokkaido wines.

Camaro Steak Diner

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Click here to see the "Starry Sky Black Cow" products that you can exchange for your accumulated miles.

Branded beef No. 2
Hokkaido's "Erimo Tankaku Beef" - Enjoy the delicious flavor of lean meat

Shorthorn cattle are the offspring of Nanbu cattle, which have long been kept in the Tohoku region, and foreign breeds such as the Shorthorn. Erimo Shorthorn cattle, which have a distinctive red meat quality and are free-range raised from the time they are calves, grow healthy by eating grass rich in minerals carried by the sea breeze and roaming the wide pastures. During the fattening period, they are fed a combination of home-grown grass, silage, and grain feed, which allows them to store fat and produce red meat that tastes delicious with every bite.

If you're going to eat it, try the tankaku beef special bowl at "Maburitto"

This restaurant is attached to Takahashi Farm, which raises Tankaku cattle. The dishes are appealing, as they allow you to enjoy the charm of meat in a simple way. One of their dishes, the Tankaku Yokubari Gyudon (968 yen), is a masterpiece of rice topped with onions seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce and topped with three types of grilled meat - tongue, hanging tenderloin, and kalbi - all seasoned with salt and pepper. You can enjoy the charms of each cut of Tankaku beef in one bowl.

Maburitto

Branded beef No. 3
Yamagata Prefecture's "Yamagata Beef" is characterized by its exquisite meat quality, which is the result of the region's large temperature differences.

Yamagata Prefecture is proud of its Japanese Black cattle, known for their deep flavor and mild fat content. Yamagata has a clear contrast between the four seasons. The cattle are carefully raised over a long period of time in a natural environment characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with large temperature differences between day and night, which allows them to develop a unique deliciousness.

If you're going to eat... Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu at "Sagoro"

This is a historic Yamagata beef specialty restaurant founded in 1910. The Tsubaki course (11,275 yen) allows you to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth loin in sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. The "Sagoro-zuke," Yamagata beef marinated in sake lees, is also served with the course, and is a unique dish that you should definitely try.

Sagoro

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Click here for Yamagata Beef products that can be exchanged with your accumulated miles

Branded beef No. 4
"Maezawa Beef" from Iwate Prefecture: Raised by the Community as a Whole

This is one of the representative brand beef of Tohoku, raised in the Maesawa region of Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. It has vibrant marbling, a melting texture, and a rich flavor without being heavy. Farmers in the Maesawa region are very close-knit, and producers hold tea drinking parties almost every day. These became a place for information exchange and interaction, and a fattening system was built with the whole region in mind. Thanks to research and hard work, delicious meat that is known nationwide was born.

If you're going to, try Sasachu's Sukiyaki

This restaurant is run by a store that handles carefully selected meats such as Maezawa beef. They can accommodate small lunches to banquets of up to 56 people. We recommend the "Sukiyaki Course" (from 4,200 yen), which is served in a unique style with a secret sauce and soup separate. Shabu-shabu and great value lunches are also recommended.

Sasachu

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Click here for "Maezawa Beef" products that can be exchanged with your accumulated miles

Branded beef No. 5
Near the center of Japan. Gifu Prefecture's "Hida Beef" is raised in the mountains

Hida city in Gifu prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, and most of the land is covered by forests. The city has plenty of water, and the climate with large temperature differences is suitable for fattening beef cattle. Hida beef is not that old, having been around for about 40 years, but thanks to the united efforts of the local government and producers to improve the quality of the beef and the brand, it has now become a world-famous brand of beef. The tender, fragrant meat is well worth a meal.

If you're going to eat it, try the "Yamayu Beef Ikkan" Teppanyaki Steak

A teppanyaki-style restaurant operated by Yamayu Chikusan, located in Sugo Plateau in Hida City. As the name "Ikkan" (continuous) suggests, they provide a consistent service from breeding (seed) to raising the cattle and then serving them as dishes. In the evening, courses start from 7,000 yen. The steaks, which have been wet-aged for around 45 days and have condensed the umami ingredients, are truly exquisite.

Yamayu beef

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Click here to see "Hida Beef" products that you can exchange your accumulated miles for.

Branded beef No.6
"Omi Beef" from Shiga Prefecture has a long history of about 400 years

It is said that the history of "Omi Beef" began in 1687 during the Edo period, when eating meat was taboo, when beef was marinated in miso in the Hikone domain and invented as a health remedy called "Henpongan." Of all the famous branded beef, it has the longest history of 400 years, and spread throughout the country after the Meiji period. It has a high content of oleic acid, which is related to flavor, and is characterized by its melt-in-the-mouth texture and pleasant aroma.

If you're going to eat it... try Omi beef hitsumabushi from "Omi beef specialty restaurant Okaki Honten"

This specialty restaurant has its main store in Ryuo-cho, Shiga Prefecture, the birthplace of Omi beef. From small lunches to large banquets, you can enjoy meals tailored to your needs in a spacious restaurant. Among the extensive menu, a rare dish is the "Omi Beef Hitsumabushi" (regular 2,900 yen). In addition to being served as a rice bowl, it is also served in a variety of ways, such as sprinkling condiments or as ochazuke, bringing out the charm of Omi beef in various ways.

Omi Beef Specialty Okaki Main Store

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Click here for "Omi Beef" products that can be exchanged with your accumulated miles

Branded beef No. 7
Kobe beef from Hyogo Prefecture stands out among the world-famous Wagyu beef.

Also known as Kobe Beef, it is known worldwide as a synonym for high-quality Wagyu beef. This title is given only to beef that meets high standards among the Tajima beef produced in Hyogo Prefecture, which is produced in small quantities, making it a highly prized and rare beef. In addition to its tenderness due to its exquisite marbling, it is also characterized by its refined aroma and sweetness due to its high quality. With a low melting point that means it melts at body temperature, the impressive eating experience has captivated celebrities from all over the world.

If you're going to eat...try Steak at "Setsugetsufuuka Kitanozaka"

This steak restaurant is particular about purchasing the whole cow from Nakanishi Farm, which is highly sought after for its Kobe beef. They use a custom-made oven to carefully grill the beef over Kishu Binchotan charcoal. The full course of eight dishes using sirloin is priced at 13,200 yen. The course menu, served in a stylish and atmospheric space, is perfect for special dates.

Snow, Moon, Wind and Flowers Kitanozaka

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Click here for "Kobe Beef" products that you can exchange your accumulated miles for.

Branded beef #8
Matsusaka beef from Mie Prefecture is a top-quality brand with a melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness.

Matsusaka beef is one of the three major wagyu beef brands in Japan, alongside Kobe beef and Omi beef. Only virgin female Japanese black cattle raised in 22 former municipalities in Mie Prefecture, centered around Matsusaka, that meet certain conditions can bear this name. Its characteristics are its fine marbling and deep, sweet, and refined aroma. The meat is so tender that it can be easily cut with chopsticks, and is described as "melting in the mouth."

If you're going to , try the Sukiyaki at "Wadakin, the Original Matsusaka Meat Restaurant"

This is a long-established restaurant founded in 1878. The first owner, who had trained in Tokyo, returned home and opened a beef restaurant serving sukiyaki. The signature dish, which has continued since then, is "Sukiyaki" (course meal from 14,000 yen), made from thickly sliced high-quality Matsusaka beef. The beef is seasoned with a little sugar, tamari soy sauce, and kelp stock to bring out its flavor. The waitresses will grill everything for you, so you can enjoy it cooked to perfection.

Wadakin, the original Matsusaka beef

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Check out the Matsusaka beef products you can exchange your miles for here

Branded beef No. 9
A rare breed of Wagyu beef. Healthy and full of flavor, Kumamoto Prefecture's "Kumamoto Akagyu"

Of the four types of Wagyu beef, only 0.9% are Japanese Brown. The majority of these are "Kumamoto Akagyu" produced in Kumamoto. They are raised on the Aso plateau, grazing on grass and other foods. The defining feature is the deliciousness of the red meat. It is full of the natural flavor of beef, with just the right amount of fat and tenderness that is hard to put into words. It also has the health benefits that only red meat can offer.

If you're going to eat it... "Traditional-style Restaurant Aso Hanabishi"'s "Grilled Akagyu Beef Cutlet Rice Bowl"

This local cuisine restaurant in the town in front of Aso Shrine is popular for its "Akagyu (grilled) beef cutlet rice bowl" (regular size from 2,475 yen), which uses healthy red meat from Kumamoto Akagyu beef cooked rare. The beef is covered in a light batter and deep-fried for about 30 seconds, then seared over a burner and served on top of rice. Enjoy the delicious flavor that only red meat can offer. Be sure to also try a variety of traditional Aso local dishes.

Traditional Japanese Restaurant Aso Hanabishi

Branded beef No. 10
Miyazaki Prefecture's "Miyazaki Beef" is one of the most delicious beef produced in Japan.

Miyazaki Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of Japanese Black Beef. Only Japanese Black Beef born and raised in Miyazaki, with a designated breeding bull as its sire, and with a meat quality grade of 4 or higher can bear the name "Miyazaki Beef." At the National Wagyu Ability Exhibition held in 2022, it won the Prime Minister's Award for the fourth consecutive tournament. It has also been included in the official menu for the Academy Awards after-party in the United States four times in total, and has won numerous domestic awards, making it a truly "glorious history." Needless to say, the background to this is the exquisite meat quality and rich flavor.

If you're going to eat... try eppanyaki loin steak lunch at "Yakiniku/Teppanyaki Steak Tachibana-dori Miyachiku APAS"

This restaurant is run by Miyachiku, a major livestock company that wholesales Miyazaki beef and other products nationwide. Of the three stores outside the prefecture (Okinawa, Osaka, Fukuoka) and four within the prefecture (Miyazaki City), this restaurant offers authentic yakiniku and teppanyaki for both small and large groups. The recommended dish is the "Teppanyaki Loin Steak Lunch" (100g from 6,000 yen). As they handle everything from distribution to sales, the quality of the meat they serve is outstanding. You can enjoy selected Miyazaki beef to your heart's content.

Yakiniku/Teppanyaki Steak Tachibana-dori Miyachiku APAS

Exchange for 10,000 miles! Check out the "Miyazaki Beef" products you can exchange your accumulated miles for here

Why not enjoy a delicious dining experience and make it a memorable memory of your trip?

Travel and food are inseparably linked. Encountering delicious food on a trip will vividly color your memories of the trip and leave a lasting impression. Why not include the experience of eating brand beef from all over the country in your next travel plans? There is no doubt that the excitement you will get from visiting and eating the beef in its producing areas will be great.

Enjoy delicious Wagyu beef from all over Japan on the 29th (Meat)!
3-day limited gift campaign for 29 people

*This campaign has ended.

You can enjoy it at home before choosing your travel destination. Three of the brand beef introduced this time will be given away to 29 lucky winners by lottery. This is a limited-time offer until March 2nd to commemorate Meat Day, which occurs once every four years (※) on February 29th in the leap year of 2024.
*However, years that are divisible by 100 are considered "common years." Please check for details.

▼Prize details

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"JAL Special Products" is a service that allows you to exchange your miles for products selected by Japan Airlines. We have a wide variety of products, including gourmet food from all over Japan and the world, and items useful for travel and business.

Why not use the miles you've earned on flights and in every aspect of your life to treat yourself or buy gifts for your loved ones?

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