Hida Wagyu
(JDT Recommend)

Available on Select Takayama Festival Japan Tours.

Although many are aware of Kobe Beef from the Hyogo Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture's Hida Beef is another popular, high-quality variant of Japanese Beef. Grown in the Hida region of the Gifu Prefecture, top quality Hida Beef and Wagyu are considered some of the best breeds of beef in all Japan. The rich marbling of the fat results in tender, delectable cuts of beef that can be enjoyed m any ways. In Takayama City, home to the lavish Takayama Festival, travelers can enjoy delicious Hida beef in different ways, such as a Hida Beef nikuman (beef bun) or grilled Hida beef skewers. Hida beef comes in two forms, either has regular Hida beef (standard) or as the more premium Hida Wagyu. Japanese Wagyu beef refers to premium beef rated A4 or A5, two of the highest ratings possible on the beef marbling grade scale. When the beef marbling is rated between A1 and A3, it is classified as Hida Beef. If the beef marbling is rated between A4 and A5, it is then considered premium Hida Wagyu.

The cultivation of Hida beef began in 1982, after the prefecture was introduced to a single bull called Anfuku from the Hyogo Prefecture. Hyogo, home to Kobe Beef, is well-known for producing delicious wagyu beef loved in all Japan and around the world. Since bull's introduction in 1982, farmers, distributors, and related organizations made great strides in establishing Hida Beef as one of the best brands in Japan. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Japanese people, Hida beef was able to receive the Prime Minister's award, at the 2002 Wagyu Olympics (National Wagyu Competency Meeting) held every five years. The recognition established Hida Beef as one of the top wagyu in the world, next to Hyogo Prefecture's mouthwatering Kobe Beef.

There are countless ways to enjoy hida beef, similar to the endless recipes using Kobe wagyu beef. When visiting the morning market of Takayama, Japan Deluxe Tours highly recommends ordering a nikuman (beef bun) stuffed with Hida Beef. This delicious morsel is perfect on a crisp spring day while the cherry blossoms bloom, or to enjoy before boarding your tour bus during an autumn tour. You can always pick up a couple wagyu korokke before the bus leaves as well. If you plan to stop in a restaurant at Takayama, wagyu Sukiyaki or Hida Beef Sushi is a must.
List of Hida Beef Dishes to try in Takayama

1. Hida Wagyu Steak
2. Hida Beef Bun
3. Wagyu Yakiniku
4. Wagyu Sukiyaki
5. Wagyu Korokke (croquette)
6. Kushiyaki
7. Hida Beef Sushi