[Hyogo] A thorough explanation of the secret behind the deliciousness of Kobe beef! What is “Tajima Beef” in its roots?

• Table of Contents
• 1. The roots of "Kobe Beef", which is attracting attention from around the world
• 2. Characteristics and commitment of Tajima beef, the originator of Japanese beef
• 3. “Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Farm Park” where you can touch and learn about Tajima cows
• 4. A restaurant that takes pride in its Tajima beef, which is produced entirely on its own farm.
• [Official] Hyogo tourism site HYOGO! navigation

1. The roots of "Kobe Beef", which is attracting attention from around the world

"Kobe beef" is one of Japan's representative gourmet foods. It has passed what is said to be the most stringent standard among branded Wagyu beef, and is characterized by its smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth mellowness. It has attracted attention from all over the world, so much so that it is listed as a must-try gourmet dish when visiting Japan. The roots of ``Kobe Beef'' lie in ``Tajima Beef'' grown in Tajima, Hyogo Prefecture. In this article, we will introduce the secrets and specialties behind the deliciousness of Tajima Beef, as well as recommended restaurants.

2. Characteristics and commitment of Tajima beef, the originator of Japanese beef

Tajima is a vast area that occupies about a quarter of Hyogo Prefecture, and is home to many Tajima beef farms, butcher shops, and restaurants. This time, we asked Mr. Toshinari Shira, the ranch manager of the livestock farm ``Mikata Farm'' in Muraoka, Kami Town, to teach us about ``Tajima Beef.''

▲Mr. Toshinari Koki, the ranch manager of “Mikata Farm”

“Top-class Wagyu beef such as Kobe Beef and Specially Selected Matsusaka Beef are usually Tajima Beef, as they are calves purchased in Tajima and raised elsewhere.In fact, 99.99% of Japanese Kuroge beef in Japan is Tajima Beef. "Tajima beef is the originator of the Japanese beef world ."

``Tajima cows have very good meat quality, but because they are small, the amount of meat they can yield is only around 700 kg.They are delicate cows, so careful attention must be paid to the breeding environment and feed.``Tajima cows'' Due to its rarity and the need for careful breeding, the competition is based on taste rather than price. The marbling is exquisite and the flavor is melt-in-your-mouth."

``In order to improve the taste, it is necessary to raise the beef for a longer period of time. Because of this, it requires more effort and cost.However, I believe that "Tajima Beef" is worth it. I think if people who have never tasted real Tajima beef can try it, they will understand it."

Basic information (Mikata Farm “Mikata Tajima Beef Direct Sales Store”)

At Mikata Farm, where Mr. Future, who taught us about Tajima Beef, is the farm manager, all production is done in-house, from insemination to shipping. The carefully raised ``Tajima Beef'' can be purchased at the ``Mikata Farm Direct Sales Store'' near the roadside station in Muraoka, Kami Town, as well as ``Roadside Station Tajima no Mahoroba'' in Asago City.

TEL: 0796-98-1522

Business hours: 10:00-17:30

Business days: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

3. “Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Farm Park” where you can touch and learn about Tajima cows

▲ “Tajima Cow Museum” located in the park

If you want to learn more about Tajima beef, please visit the Tajima Cattle Museum located in Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Farm Park. In addition to life-size models of Tajima cows and panel displays introducing their history, there is also an entire recreation of the old farmhouse where Tajima cows lived under the same roof. Admission is free, so feel free to stop by.

Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Farm Park has a total area of ​​36.2 ha. The grassland that leads to the summit observation deck, which can be accessed by lift, is used as a grazing ground for Tajima cattle in the summer and as a ski resort in the winter.

▲Touch Tajima cows at the “Exhibition Cow Shed”

There is also a livestock area within the park, and you can see and touch Tajima cows in the "Cow Exhibition Shed".

Basic information (Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Farm Park)

Tel:0796-92-2641 (Park Management Office)

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 *Admission and parking are free

Closed: Every Thursday (if it is a holiday, the following Friday)

[Official] Hyogo Prefectural Tajima Farm Park

▲ “Restaurant Furusato” in the park

At Restaurant Furusato, you can enjoy Tajima beef dishes at reasonable prices. The inside of the store is spacious and there are many seats. It's a self-service restaurant that uses meal tickets, so you can feel free to enter.

▲The most popular is the “Tajima Beef Goju” set menu that comes with salad and miso soup

The meat is coated with a sukiyaki-style sweet and salty sauce, and the meat is sweet and fatty and very tender! The rice grown in-house is also delicious. It has a filling and filling feel.

Basic information (Restaurant Furusato)

TEL: 0796-92-1005

Business hours: 9:00-17:00

Regular holiday: Every Thursday (if it is a holiday, the following Friday)

[Official] Restaurant Furusato (inside Tajima Farm Park)

4. A restaurant that takes pride in its Tajima beef, which is produced entirely on its own farm.

▲“Tajima Beef Cuisine Hamada”

``Tajima Beef Cuisine Hamada'' is a steak and yakiniku restaurant that is popular among locals and is located near Tajima Farm Park. We also recommend stopping by during your hot spring trip.

▲Popular lunch “Kalbi set meal”

The meat at this restaurant is made from high-quality Tajima beef that is bred and fattened on their own farm and aged to the right degree. It has a folk atmosphere, but the taste is authentic. Tajima beef steaks start at around 4,000 yen, and grilled meat sets start at 3,300 yen per person. The lunch menu, available only on weekdays (11:30 AM to 2:00 PM), is also popular with locals.

Basic information (Tajima Beef Cuisine Hamada)

TEL: 0796-92-2233

Business hours: Lunch 12:00-15:00, Dinner 16:30-21:00 (LO.20:30)

Closed: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month

[Official] Tajima Beef Cuisine Hamada

[Official] Hyogo tourism site HYOGO! navigation

The official website of Hyogo Tourism Headquarters, which provides tourist information for Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe, Himeji, Kinosaki, Awajishima, etc.). There is a lot of recommended travel information, including special sightseeing spots such as Hyogo Prefecture's Japanese heritage sites and cycling, as well as model courses where you can enjoy hot spring culture and Japanese sake, so be sure to check it out!

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