What is Hida Beef? — Gifu’s Pride: Exquisite Wagyu
Hida beef (Hida-gyu), a signature branded beef from Gifu Prefecture, captivates many people with its tenderness and rich flavor.
Known for top-grade marbling and juicy taste, it can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as steak, yakiniku (grilled meat), sushi, and shabu-shabu.
Raised with the clear air and pure water of the Hida region, this wagyu is highly regarded not only in Japan but also by gourmets overseas.
History and Characteristics of Hida Beef
1. History of Hida Beef
The roots of Hida beef go back to the Showa 40s (the 1960s).
Cattle of the Tajima lineage, introduced from Hyogo Prefecture, were carefully raised by fattening farmers in Gifu Prefecture and improved over many years, resulting in this exceptional wagyu.
In 1988 the beef was branded as “Hida Beef,” and it now receives top-class recognition nationwide.
2. Hida Beef Certification Standards
To be certified as Hida Beef, strict standards must be met.
- It must be a black-haired Wagyu raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months.
- On the carcass grading by the Japan Meat Grading Association, it must have a meat quality grade of 3–5 and a yield grade of A or B.
- Among these, A4 and A5 ranks are especially popular as “top-grade Hida Beef.”
These strict standards ensure Hida Beef is consistently offered as high-quality wagyu.
3. Flavor Characteristics of Hida Beef
The greatest appeal of Hida Beef is its fine marbling and the sweet flavor of the fat.
With each bite, a melt-in-your-mouth texture spreads across the palate and the savory meat flavor gently unfolds.
It also features a refined, mild aroma without strong off-notes, and the fat is light and easy to enjoy.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy Hida Beef
Hida Beef can be enjoyed with many cooking methods.
Check out the popular ways to eat it below for the best Hida Beef experience in Gifu!
1. Hida Beef Steak
A simple preparation that allows you to fully savor the meat’s flavor.
Recommended doneness is medium-rare; eating it with salt and wasabi highlights the beef’s natural taste.
2. Hida Beef Yakiniku
Enjoy grilling slowly over charcoal.
The fat of Hida Beef sizzles and melts, enhancing its savory aroma and sweetness.
3. Hida Beef Sushi
In Takayama and Gifu restaurants, “Hida beef nigiri sushi” is very popular!
Sushi topped with seared Hida Beef, seasoned with salt or sauce, is superb.
4. Hida Beef Shabu-Shabu
Thinly sliced Hida Beef briefly dipped in kombu dashi becomes an exquisite bite.
It’s classic to eat it with ponzu or sesame sauce.
5. Hida Beef Croquettes
Croquettes with a crispy coating and concentrated Hida Beef flavor inside are also popular.
They’re recommended as a Takayama street-food treat!
Recommended Restaurants to Eat Hida Beef
1. Maruaki (Maruaki) (Takayama City)
A yakiniku restaurant specializing in Hida Beef. Enjoy high-quality Hida Beef at reasonable prices.
2. Kotte-gyu (Takayama City)
A famous shop in the old town area known for “Hida beef nigiri sushi.” The seared sushi is outstanding!
3. Hida Takayama Teppanyaki Rindenbaum (Takayama City)
A popular restaurant where you can enjoy Hida Beef steak as teppanyaki (iron-grill).
4. Kitchen Hida (Takayama City)
An eatery where you can enjoy Hida Beef in Western-style dishes like hamburg steak and beef stew.
Buying Hida Beef — Great as a Souvenir!
Hida Beef is available at butcher shops in Gifu Prefecture and through online stores.
If you want to bring Hida Beef home while traveling, choose vacuum-packed or frozen products.
Recommended Places to Buy
- Hida beef specialty shop “Maruaki” (Takayama City, Gifu City)
- Michi-no-Eki “Hida Kaido Nagisa” (Hida City)
- JA Hida direct sales shop (Takayama City)
Practical Information for Travelers
1. Access to Hida Takayama
- From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen via Nagoya, then the Takayama Main Line — about 4 hours
- From Osaka: Use JR rapid services and the Limited Express Hida — about 3.5 hours
- From Nagoya: Take the Limited Express Hida — about 2 hours
2. Best Season
Hida Beef can be enjoyed year-round, but shabu-shabu and sukiyaki in the cold autumn and winter months are especially delicious!
3. Enjoy It Alongside Takayama Sightseeing!
After trying Hida Beef, be sure to enjoy other Gifu attractions such as Takayama’s old town, Shirakawa-go, and Gero Onsen!
FAQ and Summary
Summary
- Hida Beef is a branded wagyu from Gifu Prefecture; among meat quality grades 3–5, A4 and A5 ranks are especially prized as top-grade.
- It can be enjoyed in many dishes: steak, yakiniku, sushi, shabu-shabu, and more.
- You can taste authentic Hida Beef in Takayama and Gifu City!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between Hida Beef and other wagyu?
A: Hida Beef is characterized by its fine marbling and the sweet flavor of its fat. It is said to have a smoother melt-in-the-mouth texture than other wagyu.
Q: Can I take Hida Beef home while traveling?
A: You can bring it home if it’s vacuum-packed or frozen. Use an insulated cooler bag.
Q: Is Hida Beef available overseas?
A: Some high-end wagyu retailers abroad may carry it, but eating it locally is highly recommended!
Finally
Hida Beef is one of Japan’s most celebrated premium wagyu.
If you visit Gifu, be sure to savor authentic Hida Beef and enjoy a blissful culinary experience!
