The History and Origin of Kobe Beef

The History and Origin of Kobe Beef

 

Maizuru Kitchen serves only Kobe beef.
Maizuru Kitchen is the only restaurant west of Osaka where you can enjoy Kobe beef from this farm.

Kobe beef is world-renowned.
Let me share the secret behind Kobe beef.

 

 

 

The origin of Kobe Beef lies in "Tajima Cattle" (Tajima-ushi), which were originally raised for agricultural work in the mountainous regions of Hyogo Prefecture.

Behind its rise from work cattle to world-renowned luxury beef is the history of the opening of Kobe Port in 1868 and meticulous lineage management.

 

Tajima Cattle as Work Animals

Before the Edo Period

Tajima cattle were raised as work animals (Etsugyu) to transport goods along steep mountain paths and assist with farm labor in the Tajima region of Hyogo Prefecture.

During this era, their small, tight body frame and genetic characteristics—featuring fine intramuscular fat—were naturally formed.

 

The Opening of Kobe Port and the Birth of "Kobe Beef"

1868 (First year of the Meiji era)

Kobe Port opened, and many foreigners began residing in the foreign settlement. At a time when eating meat was not customary in Japan, a foreign resident acquired a Tajima cow from a local farmer and was amazed by its exquisite flavor. This is considered the beginning of "Kobe Beef."

 

Preserving Purity Through Closed Pedigree Management

Mid-Meiji Period to Showa Era

Although crossbreeding with foreign cattle breeds was temporarily attempted, it led to a decline in meat quality. As a result, strict "closed lineage" management was reinstated to preserve purebred Tajima cattle. The lineage of exceptional bulls, such as the legendary sire "Tajiri-go," continues to be strongly passed down to this day.

 

Establishment of Strict Brand Certification Standards

1983 (Showa 58)

To prevent counterfeiting and inconsistent quality, the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association was established. A rigorous grading system was introduced, allowing only purebred Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture that meet extremely strict criteria—such as a Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) rating of 6 or higher and high meat quality grades—to be certified as "Kobe Beef."

 

 

The Difference Between "Tajima Cattle" and "Kobe Beef"

All Kobe Beef is Tajima cattle, but not all Tajima cattle can become Kobe Beef.

Only about half of the cattle shipped as Tajima cattle meet the highest standards required to earn the prestigious title of "Kobe Beef."

 

Kobe Beef at Maizuru Kitchen

Kobe Beef is undoubtedly the most famous beef in the world.
However, few know its true, uncompromised value.
At Maizuru Kitchen, we select Kobe Beef raised at Hyogo Tanaka Livestock.

Hyogo Tanaka Livestock is the only farm that raises its cattle on organic feed.
Each cow is healthy, nurtured with deep affection and time.
The beef features a remarkably low melting point, offering delicate fat with a natural sweetness that vanishes like light snow the moment it enters your mouth.
Because it is held in higher esteem than any other Kobe Beef, existing restaurant partners like us continually reorder, making it impossible for new buyers to secure a contract.
In all of Japan west of Osaka, this extraordinary Kobe Beef can only be experienced at Maizuru Kitchen.
We serve this passion of dedicated farmers who safeguard pure lineages, crafted carefully into every single dish.

 

😊完全予約制です😊Reservations required😊 

Thank you for coming from all over the world! 

 

おまかせコース1万円から各種あります。 

 

神戸ビーフや熊本産最高級うなぎ（二ホンウナギ）や熟成刺身など 

 

素晴らしい生産者様の素晴らしい品質を楽しめます！ 

 

You can enjoy the highest quality in Japan and have the best experience! 

Omakase courses from 10,000 yen to 100,000 yen. 

Reservations required for both lunch and dinner! 

Please make a reservation at your convenient time! 

The best eel in Japan! 

Kobe Beef raised on organic feed Fish treated with patented technology And more! 

Sushi, Wagyu beef steaks, and other course meals are also available! 

 

🚃最寄駅near station가까운 역🚃 

 

地下鉄空港線：天神駅　赤坂駅 

Fukuoka City Subway 　Airport Line：Tenjin , Akasaka 

지하철 공항선：텐진역 　아카사카 역 

福岡市內地下鐵 　機場線：天神、赤坂 

 

西鉄天神大牟田線：福岡（天神）駅 

Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line：Fukuoka(Tenjin) 

니시테츠 텐진 오무타선：후쿠오카(텐진)역 

西鐵天神大牟田線：福岡(天神) 

 

📌 from Hakata Station

13 minutes by subway  10 minutes by car

 

📌 from Fukuoka Airport

18 minutes by subway  12 minutes by car

 

Your best restaurant in Fukuoka! 

 

Japanese Cuisine, Steak & Eel in Tenjin, Fukuoka 🍻 후쿠오카 텐진의 일식・스테이크・장어■福岡天神的日本料理、牛排和鰻魚■天神嘅日本料理，牛排，福岡嘅鰻魚　壽司　餐厅　海鲜　寿司 餐廳　Non-GMO　🍹　No-msg　🍶 No-chemicals 🍷MAIZURU KITCHEN 😊福岡天神の無添加和食店 ランチ・ウナギ・ステーキ・和食と言えば舞鶴キッチン