Where Is My Wagyu Beef!?

If there’s one culinary experience in Japan that deserves a top spot on your bucket list, it’s got to be Wagyu beef.

Wagyu is the collective name for Japan’s native beef breeds—and it’s gained a well-earned reputation across the globe for being incredibly tender, beautifully marbled, and full of rich, buttery flavor. It’s one of those unforgettable dishes that food lovers like you dream about tasting in its homeland at least once in your life.

And here’s the thing—Wagyu isn’t just one type of beef. There are over 300 Wagyu brands across Japan, each with its producers’ pride and dedication. The beef is graded by the Japan Meat Grading Association, using a detailed system that considers:

・Yield grade (A, B, or C)

・Meat quality grade (1–5)

・Beef Marbling Standard (BMS) ranging from 1 to 12

The gold standard? “A5” ranked Wagyu with a BMS of 8 to 12. That’s the real-deal, premium stuff that practically melts on your tongue.

Of course, you’ve heard of Kobe beef—one of the most famous Wagyu brands. But there’s also Matsuzaka, Omi, and Yonezawa beef—all lovingly raised by producers who go the extra mile to create the best meat possible. We’re talking about cattle raised with classical music, gentle brush massages, and even beer lees in their feed to keep stress levels low and flavor levels high.

Now, here’s where things get a little heartbreaking…

Too many travel vloggers come to Japan and only nibble on Wagyu from a street stall at Tsukiji Market—the same way they eat konbini snacks like egg sandwiches, chicken nuggets, or onigiri rice balls that went viral on social media. Don’t get me wrong, convenience store food in Japan is next-level—but they’re barely scratching the surface.

They’re missing out on the real Wagyu experience. As food lovers, we know: if you’re going to indulge, go all in. Enjoy Wagyu the way it is meant to be savored—in traditional Japanese restaurants, cooked with care and served with finesse. You can try it in:

・Sukiyaki – simmered in sweet soy broth

・Shabu Shabu – lightly swished in broth and dipped in ponzu or sesame sauce

・Yakiniku BBQ – grilled to perfection right at your table

・Teppanyaki – cooked hot and fresh in front of you

・Kushikatsu – crispy, golden deep-fried skewers

Photo: Wagyu Sukiyaki

Go Big or Be Adventurous

You’ve already traveled all this way to Japan. You’ve invested in the trip of a lifetime—so spending a little extra on a truly incredible Wagyu meal is totally worth it. 🍷🥩

But hey—if your food budget’s a bit tight, here’s a tip: There are Japanese YouTubers actively looking for visitors to join them for Wagyu-tasting videos—and they often cover the cost of the meal in exchange for your honest reactions and foodie insights! It’s a win-win: you get to enjoy premium Wagyu beef, and they get your authentic excitement on camera.

Here are a few YouTubers to watch for:

In Tokyo:

・Taro (Foreigners Reaction from Japan) – Usually finds guests around the Hachiko dog statue near Shibuya Station. Just tell him you’re after Wagyu, and he’ll take you to the good stuff—sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, yakiniku BBQ, teppanyaki, you name it.

・Daisuke (Tokyo Food Adventures) – Active in Ginza, Asakusa, and Shibuya. He prefers to shoot on the same day, so be ready to eat Wagyu!

・Momoka (Momoka Japan) – Loves introducing visitors to Wagyu and other popular dishes in izakaya-style restaurants around Shibuya.

・Jukiya (Ichimaruku Free Ride) – Finds travelers at Haneda Airport, offers a free ride to your hotel, and treats you to a sightseeing stop and Wagyu meal along the way.

In Osaka & Kyoto:

・Atsushi (JP Food Channel Kansai) – Often near Dotonbori, Osaka. If he has a reservation at a Wagyu beef restaurant, you might be the lucky guest who gets to join him.

・Bruno (Hounichi Arigato Channel) – Based in Kyoto, and he’s all about sharing the cozy izakaya experience, with Wagyu as the star.

So, if you’re headed to Japan and love Japanese food as much as I do, promise me one thing: don’t leave without experiencing Wagyu in all its glory. Whether you splurge on a full-course meal or score a spot in a foodie YouTube video, it’s a flavor journey you’ll never forget.

Happy eating, and enjoy every bite of Wagyu!