Savor exceptional Japanese wagyu, celebrated for its unparalleled quality.
Experience Japanese Wagyu on Awaji Island in Japan — where exceptional quality, centuries of food culture, and limited production create an unforgettable culinary adventure. Only one percent of global cattle is “Wagyu.”
Two restaurants · Lunch and dinner daily · Free shuttle available
~150 cattle certified per year
Same bloodline as Kobe Beef
Awaji Island original
Reservations recommended
What is Wagyu?
The wagyu beef is not only grown using special methods but has distinctive characteristics
Wagyu is a Japanese word meaning “Japanese cattle” (“wa” meaning “Japanese” and “gyu” meaning “cattle”). It is famous around the world for its beautiful marbling, tender texture, and rich flavor. Unlike regular beef, authentic Wagyu must be born and raised in Japan, and come from one of the four officially recognized Japanese cattle breeds.
What makes Wagyu special is not simply the amount of fat, but the balance between marbling, texture, and deep umami flavor. Each region of Japan is proud to present its own brand of Wagyu such as Kobe Beef, Matsusaka Beef and Awaji Beef, shaped by local traditions, environment, rising methods and strict criteria for its certification.
Japanese Wagyu cattle are known for fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which melt at a lower temperature than regular beef fat. This is one reason why authentic Wagyu is famous for its soft texture and melt-in-your-mouth feeling. Instead of feeling heavy, high-quality Wagyu creates a rich, smooth taste that spreads as soon as you take a bite.
Authentic Wagyu is also small in numbers in a global beef market, which is mere one percent. This certainly makes it essential for visitors to savor Wagyu during your stay in Japan.
What is Wagyu?
The wagyu beef is not only grown using special methods but has distinctive characteristics
Wagyu is a Japanese word meaning “Japanese cattle” (“wa” meaning “Japanese” and “gyu” meaning “cattle”). It is famous around the world for its beautiful marbling, tender texture, and rich flavor. Unlike regular beef, authentic Wagyu must be born and raised in Japan, and come from one of the four officially recognized Japanese cattle breeds.
What makes Wagyu special is not simply the amount of fat, but the balance between marbling, texture, and deep umami flavor. Each region of Japan is proud to present its own brand of Wagyu such as Kobe Beef, Matsusaka Beef and Awaji Beef, shaped by local traditions, environment, rising methods and strict criteria for its certification.
Japanese Wagyu cattle are known for fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which melt at a lower temperature than regular beef fat. This is one reason why authentic Wagyu is famous for its soft texture and melt-in-your-mouth feeling. Instead of feeling heavy, high-quality Wagyu creates a rich, smooth taste that spreads as soon as you take a bite.
Authentic Wagyu is also small in numbers in a global beef market, which is mere one percent. This certainly makes it essential for visitors to savor Wagyu during your stay in Japan.
Why is it rare?
It melts before you expect it to
01
Balanced Marbling
Fine marbling creates tenderness and slightly lighter, more balanced richness and melt at a lower temperature than regular beef fat, because fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
02
Rich Umami
High-quality lean meat parts deliver deeper flavor than overly fatty beef.
03
Rare Production
The cattle are raised in carefully managed, low-stress environments with controlled feeding. Because this process takes more time and care, production remains limited.
04
Unique genetics
Wagyu is rare because it comes from a limited number of carefully managed Japanese cattle breeds. Wagyu must come from just four officially recognized breeds, each developed over generations to create the flavor, texture, and marbling that make Wagyu famous.
Why is Awaji Island great for Wagyu?
Why Some of Japan’s Finest Wagyu Begins on Awaji Island
Awaji Island has long been known as “Miketsukuni,” or the Land of Food — a region that supplied seafood and agricultural produce to Japan’s imperial court for around 1,200 years. Surrounded by the sea and supported by rich natural resources and strong farming traditions, the island has developed an environment well suited for raising high-quality cattle.
Today, Awaji Island remains one of Hyogo Prefecture’s important regions for raising Tajima cattle, the bloodline behind one of Japan’s most respected Wagyu brands, Kobe Beef. Combined with generations of farming knowledge and ideal raising conditions, this environment helps create the quality that makes Awaji Beef special. While many people associate premium Wagyu with marbling alone and A5 rating, Awaji Beef is valued for its balance — creating a rich, tender taste with deep flavor that stays with you after every bite.
Here, food is not simply consumed — it has shaped the island’s identity for centuries.
Why is Awaji Island great for Wagyu
Why Some of Japan’s Finest Wagyu Begins on Awaji Island
Awaji Island has long been known as “Miketsukuni,” or the Land of Food — a region that supplied seafood and agricultural produce to Japan’s imperial court for around 1,200 years. Surrounded by the sea and supported by rich natural resources and strong farming traditions, the island has developed an environment well suited for raising high-quality cattle.
Today, Awaji Island remains one of Hyogo Prefecture’s important regions for raising Tajima cattle, the bloodline behind some of Japan’s most respected Wagyu brands. Combined with generations of farming knowledge and ideal raising conditions, this environment helps create the quality that makes Awaji Wagyu special. While many people associate premium Wagyu with marbling alone and A5 rating, Awaji Wagyu is valued for balance — creating a rich, tender taste with deep flavor that stays with you after every bite.
Here, food is not simply consumed — it has shaped the island’s identity for centuries.
~150
cattle certified and sold
each year as Awaji Beef
65%
of Tajima calves from which Kobe Beef is derived
born and raised on Awaji Island
Where to eat wagyu on Awaji?
Same extraordinary beef.
Two completely different meals.
One is a hidden Japanese restaurant tucked into a forested hillside. The other is an open-air grill on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea—different moods. Choose your own style.
Aman no Shokutaku Sajiki
At Aman no Shokutaku Sajiki, you can enjoy succulent Wagyu seared to perfection. Try new steak set meals: the set features generous slices of beautifully marbled Wagyu, cooked to highlight its tender texture and rich, savory flavor. The meal is thoughtfully accompanied by locally inspired side dishes of vegetables and other specialties as well as rice, allowing you to enjoy the harmony of flavors that Awaji Island is known for.
With its welcoming atmosphere and careful attention to detail, Aman no Shokutaku Sajiki offers a delicious and authentic introduction to the island’s celebrated beef, making it a can’t-miss destination for any food lover exploring Awaji.
Free parking on site
Aman no Shokutaku Sajiki
At Aman no Shokutaku Sajiki, you can enjoy succulent Wagyu seared to perfection. Try new steak set meals: the set features generous slices of beautifully marbled Wagyu, cooked to highlight its tender texture and rich, savoury flavour. The meal is thoughtfully accompanied by locally inspired sides, often including fresh vegetables and rice, allowing you to enjoy the harmony of flavours that Awaji Island is known for.
With its welcoming atmosphere and careful attention to detail, Aman no Shokutaku Sajiki offers a delicious and authentic introduction to the island’s celebrated beef, making it a must-visit for any food lover exploring Awaji.
Free parking on site
Ocean Terrace
Ocean Terrace offers a unique dining experience on Awaji Island’s scenic west coast, where guests can enjoy grilling premium Wagyu for themselves while taking in sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. Select your preferred cut of beautifully marbled beef from the menu and cook it just the way you like on the large grills.
Alongside the Wagyu, you’ll find a tempting array of seasonal dishes and fresh local produce, thoughtfully prepared by the chefs to complement the rich flavors of the meat. The bright atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery create a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, making Ocean Terrace an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Dining here is not just a meal, but a memorable experience that highlights the best of Awaji Island’s culinary and natural beauty.
Closed Wednesdays
Ocean Terrace
Ocean Terrace offers a unique dining experience on Awaji Island’s scenic west coast, where guests can enjoy grilling premium Wagyu for themselves while taking in sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. Select your preferred cut of beautifully marbled beef from the menu and cook it just the way you like on the large grills.
Alongside the Wagyu, you’ll find a tempting array of seasonal dishes and fresh local produce, thoughtfully prepared by the chefs to complement the rich flavors of the meat. The bright atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery create a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, making Ocean Terrace an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Dining here is not just a meal, but a memorable experience that highlights the best of Awaji Island’s culinary and natural beauty.
Closed Wednesdays
Don't leave Japan without this
You've come this far.
Go an extra hour.
From premium steak dinners to traditional hotpot experiences, discover why travellers visit Awaji Island in Japan to experience authentic Wagyu.
| Name | Aman no Shokutake Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-tokiwa, Awaji-shi, Hyogo Free suttle bus available |
| Parking | Free (on the premises) |
| Tel | 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | Lunch/11:00 a.m.～3:00 p.m.（L.O. 1:30 p.m.） Dinner/5:00 p.m.～9:00 p.m.（L.O. 7:00 p.m.） |
| Closed | Tuesdays, Fridays |
| Official Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
| Name | Ocean Terrace |
|---|---|
| Address | 816 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 A free shuttle bus is available. |
| Tel | 0799-82-1907 |
| Website | https://ocean-terrace-awaji.jp/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/craftcircus-oceanterrace/reserve |
| Operation Hours | Lunch 11:30 AM~3:00PM (L.O.2:00 PM) / Dinner 5:00 PM ~9:00PM (L.O.8:00 PM) |
