Shiga Prefecture is a region rich in nature, spreading out around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. With over 400 rivers flowing into Lake Biwa and fertile soil, it has long been known as a rice-growing region. Omi beef, which is raised stress-free in this blessed environment, is loved by people from overseas as well.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Omi beef.

Characteristics of Omi Beef

Omi beef is special due to its rarity, with only 6,000 head shipped throughout Shiga Prefecture each year. The producers pour their dedication and skill into each and every cow, raising the highest quality Omi beef. Raised with the bounty of nature and the love of producers, Omi beef is widely known as a Japanese brand of wagyu beef.

Omi beef is very tender, with a rich aroma and a delicious melt-in-your-mouth flavor. The fat, which is high in oleic acid, melts at low temperatures, so simply grilling it and sprinkling some rock salt on it will bring out the rich flavor.

Omi beef can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as sukiyaki, which uses a subtle seasoning to bring out the flavor of the meat, or sirloin steak, which has a unique aroma and tenderness.

It goes well with Japanese cuisine as well as French cuisine, and is served in many Michelin-starred restaurants.

The history of Omi beef

The history of Omi beef dates back to the early Edo period. In 1687, Hanaki Den'emon of the Hikone domain is said to have invented beef marinated in miso, referring to the Ming Dynasty book "Honsho Gangmoku" written by Li Shizhen, and called it "Han-Honmaru." He sold it as a health remedy and there are records of it being presented to the shogunate in Edo, and Omi beef has been treated as a luxury item since then.

During the Meiji period, the development of logistics networks led to the beef becoming known nationwide, but it was still known as "Kobe Beef" because it was a time when a brand name was determined by the shipping port. Before the railway was built, Omi Beef was shipped to Tokyo via Kobe Port.

When the Tokaido Main Line opened in 1889, freight transport began from Omihachiman Station and the beef began to be shipped under the name "Omi Beef."

The Omi Beef brand was established in the 2000s, and in 2007 it was recognized as a regional collective trademark by the Japan Patent Office.

Omi Beef that is of particularly high quality is issued a certificate as Certified Omi Beef. The requirements for certification are that the carcass grade must be A4 or B4 or higher, that the producer must be a member of the association's constituent organizations, and that the carcass grade must be given by the Shiga Meat Center or the Tokyo Metropolitan Shibaura Slaughterhouse.

"Omi beef" was once shipped as "Kobe beef," but has now become so famous that it is known nationwide.

Shiga sightseeing spots and how to access them

Shiga, where you can eat Omi beef, has a variety of tourist attractions. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Shiga.

Lake Biwa Valley

Located at the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 1,100m, Biwako Valley is a spectacular spot that can be accessed by ropeway. From the Biwako Terrace at the summit, you can get a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, and feel as if you are floating in the sky. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery especially on a clear day.

The wooden deck at Biwako Terrace offers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere, and the cafe and restaurant serve dishes made with ingredients from Shiga Prefecture and original sweets.

There are also plenty of activities for families and pets to enjoy, such as zip lines, athletics, and a dog run. In winter, it operates as a ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding while looking out over the spectacular view of Lake Biwa.

Metasequoia Avenue

The Metasequoia Avenue stretches for about 2.4 km and is a spectacular spot made up of about 500 Metasequoia trees. You will be enchanted by the beautiful scenery of each season, from the fresh green of early summer, the deep green of summer, the red leaves of autumn, and the snow-covered winter. In particular, in the autumn foliage season, the straight road is dyed orange, creating a photogenic landscape.

At the adjacent agricultural park, Makino Pickland, you can enjoy fruit picking and local cuisine, and free parking is available.

The Metasequoia Avenue has become a hot topic on social media and is known as one of the most scenic spots in the Kansai region. With its romantic atmosphere, this place is also popular as a date spot.

Omi Shrine

Omi Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Tenchi, is also known as the birthplace of Japan's time system. Every year on June 10th, the shrine celebrates the "Time Memorial Day" and holds the "Water Clock Festival," where people involved with clocks from all over the country gather. In addition, the shrine grounds house the "Omi Shrine Clock Museum Treasure House," where clocks and treasures from Japan and abroad are on display.

Omi Shrine is also known as the "Karuta Hall of Fame" because Emperor Tenchi composed the opening poem of the "Ogura Hyakunin Isshu." In addition to hosting competitive karuta tournaments, the shrine is also popular as the holy land of the movie "Chihayafuru."

This shrine, where you can experience history and culture, is a popular tourist spot visited by many people.

Shiga is an attractive place for both gourmet food and sightseeing, and there are various ways to access it.

It is also easily accessible from Japan's three largest cities, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. If you go by train from Tokyo, it takes about two hours to get there. If you come from Osaka or Nagoya, it takes about an hour by train.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Shiga. Find the best way to get there.

summary

Omi beef is a high-quality Wagyu beef that Japan is proud of, raised in the rich natural environment of Shiga Prefecture and with the love of the producers. Due to its rarity and high quality, it is loved by many people as a taste that you will never forget once you have tried it.

If you visit Shiga Prefecture, be sure to try Omi beef.

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