Savoring Japan's Top Three Wagyu Brands: "Yonezawa Beef" at the Century-Old Restaurant Tokiwabo.

When visiting Yamagata Prefecture, you simply cannot miss Yonezawa Beef! Alongside Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef, Yonezawa Beef is one of Japan's top three Wagyu brands. This time, we made a special trip to Tokiwabo, the oldest Yonezawa Beef specialty restaurant in Yonezawa City. Established in the 27th year of the Meiji era, the restaurant has been passed down through five generations. The interior is adorned with detailed certifications and breeding information about Yonezawa Beef. Only cows that meet strict standards in terms of fattening days, meat quality, marbling, and fat content can be classified as "Tokiwabo Beef" within the Yonezawa Beef category—truly a premium selection! The best way to enjoy Wagyu is undoubtedly through sukiyaki. Just look at the glistening marbled beef—it's absolutely irresistible! A quick dip in a cast iron pot, followed by a coating of egg yolk, and one bite sends you straight to heaven. This is hands down the most astonishing Wagyu experience ever! It melts in your mouth and leaves a lingering aroma. As for the price, it is understandably steep. The 100-year sukiyaki or hot pot set featuring 120g of specially selected Yonezawa Beef sirloin costs ¥9,900, but it's well worth it—you won't regret it.