This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Hida beef, a local B-class gourmet food from Gifu Prefecture.

Gifu Prefecture is located in the Tokai region of Japan, and is an area rich in nature surrounded by the Hida Mountains. It is also known as a gourmet town, with many local specialties, including Hida beef, which we will introduce here.

This time, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of Hida Beef, a charming local B-class gourmet food from Gifu Prefecture!

What is Hida beef?

Hida beef is a brand of beef from Gifu Prefecture, and refers to Japanese black cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture for more than 14 months.

Hida beef is beef that has a meat quality grade of 5, 4, or 3 in the carcass grading carried out by the Japan Meat Grading Association, and due to the strictness of the grading, the quality of meat selected for these grades is exceptional.

Another appeal of Hida beef is that, despite being cheaper than other wagyu beef such as Matsusaka beef, its quality is comparable to that of a grade 1 beef. This is a must-try for those who want to enjoy delicious wagyu beef easily.

The history of Hida beef

The history of Hida beef has developed alongside the livestock industry in Gifu Prefecture.

The history of Hida beef is not that long, dating back to the 1960s. Prior to that, cattle were mainly raised for farming in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. However, as agriculture became more mechanized, the demand for farming cattle decreased, and cattle breeding shifted to meat production.

From the late 1960s to the 1970s, Hida beef began to be bred in earnest as a beef cattle, and around this time, particularly superior Japanese Black breeds began to be introduced to the Hida region in order to produce quality Wagyu beef.

In 1975, the Gifu Prefectural Livestock Research Institute took the lead in introducing the "Yanpuku" breed, which is given to black-haired Japanese bulls with excellent meat quality.

Later, around 1980, the name "Hida Beef" was recognized as a registered trademark of Gifu Prefecture and became known nationwide as a brand of beef.

Characteristics of Hida beef

Hida beef is characterized by its marbled, fine texture.

Hida beef has fine, evenly distributed fat that gives it a unique sweetness and flavor. It is sinew-free and so tender that it melts in your mouth the moment you put it in.

Hida beef dishes

Here we will introduce some representative dishes that use Hida beef.

Hida beef steak

The most basic dish made with Hida beef is Hida beef steak.

A simple Hida beef steak cooked on a grill or teppanyaki grill allows you to fully enjoy the flavor of Hida beef. It is generally served simply with salt, wasabi, or soy sauce.

Hida beef shabu-shabu

Shabu-shabu, which is made by quickly dipping thinly sliced Hida beef in soup, is popular for its tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

It's delicious to eat it with just the broth, but we also recommend eating it with ponzu sauce or sesame sauce, depending on your preference.

Hida beef sushi

Hida beef sushi is sushi made with seared or raw sliced Hida beef served on top of vinegared rice.

In particular, the grilled Hida beef sushi is delicious with an exquisite combination of aroma and sweetness. Also, since it is difficult to eat raw Hida beef unless it is as fresh as Hida beef, raw Hida beef sushi is also recommended for those who want to enjoy a unique texture and taste.

Tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture.

Gero Hot Springs

Gero Onsen, located in Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts and boasts a history of over 1,000 years.

It has long been counted as one of the "Three Most Famous Hot Springs of Japan," and its waters, which feel smooth on the skin, are also famous as "beauty baths."

This hot spring town blends traditional style with modern comfort, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season from the footbaths and open-air baths along the river. It is bustling with people taking photos of the cherry blossoms in spring, the fresh greenery in summer, the autumn leaves in fall, and the snowy scenery in winter.

Its historical buildings and local cuisine are also attractive, and it is loved by many tourists as a relaxing place where they can refresh both body and mind.

Yoro Falls

Yoro Falls is a famous waterfall located in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture, and has long been known for its beautiful natural scenery and legends.

This waterfall is 32 meters high and 4 meters wide, and the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons attracts many visitors. In autumn, the contrast between the autumn leaves and the waterfall is particularly stunning.

In addition, there is a legend about a filial son who turned water into sake for his aged father, and Yoro Falls is considered a symbol of filial piety. It's a perfect trip for parents and children.

Furthermore, there are many natural areas around Yoro Falls, such as Yoro Park, making it a popular tourist spot for people who enjoy walking and hiking.

Nameless Pond

Unnamed Pond is a beautiful pond located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture.

It is also known as "Monet's Pond." It has become a hot topic on social media for its resemblance to the pond in Monet's "Water Lilies," and many tourists visit the area to see the view.

The water that springs from the bottom of this beautiful pond is surprisingly clear, and the colorful carp swimming gracefully are reflected on the water's surface. If you take a photo, it will create a fantastical picture that looks like a mural.

The surrounding aquatic plants and scenery change with the seasons, so you can see different beauty every time you visit. On sunny days, the beauty is especially striking, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical view.

Access to Gifu Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Gifu Prefecture.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Gifu Prefecture, we recommend taking the express bus. There are express buses from Tokyo Station to Gifu Station, and the journey takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Gifu Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. It takes about an hour and a half from Shin-Osaka Station to Gifu Station, making it an easy and quick way to get there.

Location of Gifu Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Hida beef, a local B-class gourmet food from Gifu Prefecture.

Hida beef is a carefully selected brand of beef, and its taste is incomparable to regular meat, with a fine texture and tenderness.

We also mentioned that, although it is a high-quality beef, it can be enjoyed at a lower price than other Wagyu beef. There are many other ways to eat it besides as a yakiniku steak, and they are all delicious, so please give it a try.

In addition to Hida beef, Gifu Prefecture has many other attractive spots and attractions, so we encourage everyone to visit Gifu Prefecture!

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