Omi Beef

All of Shiga

Omi beef has a 400 year history and is one of Japan’s Top Three Wagyu

Japan has three types of beef that have become brands in themselves, and these are Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, and Omi beef. Types of beef are distinguished by where they are produced, bearing the name of the area, and purchased at a high price. Among the many types of wagyu (Japanese beef), Omi beef has the longest history. It is said that Omi beef was originally used over 400 years ago to show hospitality to the warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Later, in the Edo period it was presented as a gift to the Shogun, and the average person began to eat it after the country was reopened in the Meiji period.

This fine, fatty meat has a melt-in-your-mouth texture

The lineage of Japanese cows, or wagyu, is carefully managed, and the cows are painstakingly raised so that the meat is especially delicious. Although a lean red meat is considered the best in Europe and the United States, marbled fatty meat is popular in Japan. Omi beef is popular for the clean aftertaste of its fatty meat. Try Omi beef to understand one aspect of Japanese food aesthetics.

Matsukiya is a veteran restaurant that helped spread the word about Omi beef to the rest of the world.

To fully enjoy the luxury of Omi beef, try Matsukiya. This restaurant was originally a store that opened in the Meiji period, making it a shop with a long history. The Omi beef steak course and sukiyaki course are popular. The lively atmosphere as your steak is grilled before your eyes by a chef is a feast not just for the mouth, but for all five senses. Try the melting foam salt on top of your grilled steak. Sukiyaki can be enjoyed in private rooms where the flavor of the Omi beef brings out the taste of the other ingredients. Although Omi beef is fatty, it is easy to eat, making it the ultimate luxurious meal that can only be found in Shiga. Come enjoy this treat to your heart’s content.

For reference

Matsukiya

Address

14-17 Karahashicho, Otsu-shi, Shiga-ken
Telephone

077-534-2901
Hours

Lunch time: 11:30 A.M to 2:00 P.M.
Dinner time: 5:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. (last order), closed at 10:00 P.M.
Website

http://www.matsukiya.net/

Access

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour, 50 minute flight from New Chitose Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour flight from Haneda Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour, 10 minute flight from Fukuoka Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 1 hour, 10 minute flight from Kagoshima Airport.

Osaka International Airport is a 2 hour flight from Naha Airport.

Kyoto is a 55 minute ride by airport bus, and Karahashimae Station is a 21 minute train ride from JR Kyoto Station. The restaurant is adjacent to the station.