japan: a guide to wagyu beef in japan and where to get it for cheap;

This article was originally published April 12, 2019. It has been updated for clarity and robustness.

Guys, eating wagyu beef at Otsuka in Kyoto, Japan was one of the highlights of our trip. The whole trip was so many amazing experiences, really. Even though we’re still on this trip, I wanted to do some research before we dined. So I figured I’d share this with you early! I fully intend to write up full travel guides for Japan, but wanted to do this one while it was still fresh! So let’s get to it:

What is Wagyu beef? What’s Kobe beef? What’s the difference?

Wagyu beef comes from four strains of cows: Japanese black, Japanese brown, Japanese shorthorn, and Japanese polled. Each breed has a distinct flavor and texture, but the majority of Wagyu beef comes from the Japanese Black variety. The world prizes Wagyu beef for its unparalleled marbling and taste. And as such, a lot of effort goes into feeding, raising, selecting, and care by breeders.

Kobe beef is a specific variety of Wagyu beef of the Tajima-Gyu strain. These cows are raised according to strict standards. The meat must be processed in the Hyogo prefecture capital: Kobe, hence Kobe beef. Because of the strict standards, only an average of 30,000 heads of cattle qualifies as authentic Kobe beef. So Kobe beef is a particularly prized strain of Wagyu beef. Kobe beef often has the highest price per pound at the market, which is why you hear about it. Creme de la creme if you will.

For more in-depth information check out this link here.

So what did you eat in Japan? And how much did it cost?

On a recommendation from a friend (shout out to Peggy!) we tried Otsuka in Arashiyama, Japan. It’s a small restaurant known for amazing Wagyu beef at reasonable prices.

We did the fat tourist thing and ordered three things even though there were only two of us:

• Roast Beef Set A – this was about $17USD and was thinly sliced roast beef atop a mound of rice. This was delicious, especially paired with the sauce. It was probably better than anything we could get in the States but was by no means the star of the show in this trifecta.
• Chuck Flap Steak – this cost about $27 for 100g and was actually my favorite. A beautifully marbled cut from the chuck, it was barely seared but literally gave a whole new meaning to ‘melt in your mouth’. I did not have to use teeth at all, just my tongue to tear bite-sized pieces from the slices and the fat made it delicious.
• Hirai Sirloin Steak – grade A5 and the highest-priced menu item available to us (as the Murasawa beef was unavailable) and cost about $57 for 150g. This is a local Kyoto beef according to their menu, and has a balance of rich flavor, and sweetness from the rich fat. It was also amazing, and in Tyler’s words “has ruined filet mignon for me forever.” I think the chuck flap steak stood out to me as a different experience whereas this sirloin steak was “just” an amazing steak experience. So it was still worth the price in my book.

Total cost clocked in around $120USD for all of the above beef, 3 bowls of rice, two salads, and a small bottle of sake.

How do I eat at the restaurant you went to in Japan?

Otsuka is located in Arashiyama, Kyoto. If you are unfamiliar, this is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is accessible via bus and rail.
Full address:
20 – 10 Sagatenryūji Setogawachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8376, Japan

To make a reservation, you can check out their website (English available). They only accept 3 reservation slots per day and are often booked up at least 1-2 months in advance. If, like us, you did not plan that far ahead, your next best bet is to show up early and write your name on the waiting list. They put the waiting list out by 9:00 AM according to their website. We got there around 8:30 AM and it was already out with two parties signed up before us. The restaurant does not open until 11:00 AM, so I recommend wandering around the area to fill your time.

There are so many great attractions: the bamboo grove; various temples, shrines, and gardens; Iwatayama monkey park; jinrikisha rides; and so much shopping. Make sure to arrive back at Otsuka before 11:00 AM so that you don’t miss your name, otherwise you go to the end of the list! There are stools available for sitting/waiting, but we arrived 5-10 minutes prior to 11:00 AM and they were mostly full.

Since I’m not in Japan and it’s expensive to get there, how do I find this experience in the US?

p until 2012 the answer was “you don’t”. Lucky for you, the USDA ban that prevented you from finding Kobe and other Wagyu beef in America is no longer in effect. Still, you should be careful when approaching the experience from the US. The term “Kobe” is trademarked only in Japan, so pretty much anyone can use the term internationally without infringement. And a lot of people do so inaccurately. If you want more information on the nuances of buying and confirming Kobe and Wagyu beef, check out this article. I found it helpful and it seems reputable given what else I know and have experienced here in Japan.

If, despite these cautions, you’re set on having Kobe beef in America, know it’ll cost you a pretty penny. Kobe beef is only served by about 25 restaurants in the US (as of my search in April 2019). On top of the expensive, quality beef, you’re also paying for the shipping and transport to get it here fresh. To find a restaurant, check out the official organization that certifies Kobe beef. If you do try one of these restaurants, let me know about your experience! I’d love to learn more about prices and what you thought and add it here as a reference.

Was it worth it?

A thousand times, yes. Otsuka prices make the experience well worth it. A meal requires planning and timing, but Arashiyama is a wonderful place to visit anyway. Getting to experience Wagyu beef in Japan is a delicious, and authentic experience. It’s not cheap, but Otsuka offers a range of prices and meals, so you can find something within your budget.

But really I just recommend a trip to Japan. Go! You won’t regret it. And keep an eye out for other Best With Chocolate travel posts to help plan your trip, like this japan: ultimate travel guide!