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The ranches that raise Hirai Beef are all located in regions blessed with pure natural spring water. At the Tanba ranch, the cattle are nurtured with natural groundwater drawn from 150 meters below the earth. For the first 14 months, they are fed roughage to develop a healthy digestive system suited for grazing. After that, they receive a balanced mix of rice straw and carefully formulated feed, adjusted to their growth stages — ensuring that each animal grows strong and healthy from within.

In cattle fattening, the most important thing is to keep the animals free from stress. At Kyoto’s Tanba Ranch, the Hirai Beef cattle rarely make a sound —a clear sign of their stress-free and comfortable lives.Multiple large fans are installed in the barns to ensure a constant, gentle breeze,creating a cool and pleasant environment. The bedding is made from shavings of Japanese cypress and cedar,which are frequently replaced to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease. There is never any leftover feed.Any remaining portions are promptly removed, and fresh feed is always provided. With no odors or insects, the cattle can eat well, rest deeply, and grow beautifully —all thanks to a truly serene, stress-free environment.

While most cattle are shipped at around 28 months of age,we purchase calves early and raise them with care for 30 to 36 months under our own supervision. This patient approach produces strong, well-built cattle with large loins and beautifully fine marbling that extends from the chuck to the round. After 30 months, the melting point of the fat naturally decreases,allowing it to melt gently at body temperature, creating a tender, buttery texture. For many years, renowned butchers and distinguished chefs have recognized and requested Hirai Beef for its exceptional quality.

Excellent Lineage and Meticulous Management The foundation of Hirai Beef lies in its superior calves with exceptional lineage. By building upon this heritage with careful, hands-on rearing, we produce the finest quality beef. The feed and upbringing of a calf greatly influence its future growth.That is why we purchase only from breeding farms whose philosophy, empathy, and trust align with our own. Each carefully selected calf undergoes regular blood tests and daily health monitoring by its dedicated caretaker. Through gentle brushing and attentive care, we nurture them with love, ensuring steady and healthy growth.

Kyoto’s Wagyu has a long and proud history. As early as 1310 (Enkei 3), it was described as “Tanba Beef” in Kokugyū Jūzu, the oldest written record of Wagyu cattle in Japan. Among Kyoto’s Wagyu brands, “Hirai Beef”, marketed as “Kyoto Beef”, is renowned for its meat quality, which rivals Japan’s three most famous Wagyu brands — Kobe, Matsusaka, and Omi Beef. Produced under strict hygiene control and a traceable production system, Hirai Beef has earned numerous awards for its safety, reliability, and superior taste. At our Kyoto Tanba Ranch, each cow is carefully raised by skilled hands, nurtured with pure water and surrounded by the rich beauty of Japan’s four seasons. Its delicate flavor and refined texture make it a true masterpiece — the very essence of Japanese culinary excellence. We sincerely invite you to enjoy the taste of Hirai Beef and look forward to your continued patronage for years to come.

 Kyoto’s Wagyu has a long and proud history. As early as 1310 (Enkei 3), it was described as “Tanba Beef” in Kokugyū Jūzu, the oldest written record of Wagyu cattle in Japan. Among Kyoto’s Wagyu brands, “Hirai Beef”, marketed as “Kyoto Beef”, is renowned for its meat quality, which rivals Japan’s three most famous Wagyu brands — Kobe, Matsusaka, and Omi Beef. Produced under strict hygiene control and a traceable production system, Hirai Beef has earned numerous awards for its safety, reliability, and superior taste. At our Kyoto Tanba Ranch, each cow is carefully raised by skilled hands, nurtured with pure water and surrounded by the rich beauty of Japan’s four seasons. Its delicate flavor and refined texture make it a true masterpiece — the very essence of Japanese culinary excellence. We sincerely invite you to enjoy the taste of Hirai Beef and look forward to your continued patronage for years to come.

FY2014 (Heisei 26)
  • Kinki, Tokai & Hokuriku Regional Beef Cattle Fair — Highest Award (Steer Division)
  • Second Prize (Bull Division), Third Prize (Bull Division), Second Prize (Steer Division)
FY2016 (Heisei 28)
  • ・Kyoto Beef Carcass Competition — Highest Award, Excellence Award, and Merit Award
  • ・1st Branded Beef Popularity Contest — Merit Award
  • ・Kinki, Tokai & Hokuriku Regional Beef Cattle Fair — Second Prize (Steer Division), Third Prize (Steer Division), Merit Award (Bull Division) and many other honors
FY2017 (Heisei 29)
  • ・Kinki, Tokai & Hokuriku Regional Beef Cattle Fair — Highest Award (Steer Division)
  • ・National Wagyu Ability Contest (Wagyu Olympics) — 2nd and 5th Place