[2025 Yonezawa Restaurant] Travel Guide for Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa (Updated Apr)

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.

📍 Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa (Yonezawa-gyu Tokiwa) 🚄 Transportation: Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Walking takes about 20 minutes. When you come to Yamagata Prefecture, you can't miss one of Japan's top three wagyu, 'Yonezawa Beef (Yonezawa-gyu).' This time, I visited the century-old local restaurant 'Tokiwa' to taste the legendary exquisite Yonezawa beef sukiyaki and enjoy a luxurious feast for the taste buds. 🍽️ Tokiwa: A Century-old Yonezawa Beef Restaurant Founded in the 27th year of the Meiji era (1894), Tokiwa has a history of 130 years and is one of the most representative Yonezawa beef restaurants in the area. The interior is full of traditional Japanese charm, with a warm wooden environment and attentive service from kimono-clad waitresses, giving a strong Japanese atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of Yonezawa beef dishes, including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, steak, and charcoal-grilled yakiniku. Since I was here, I chose the classic sukiyaki set to savor the unique delicate marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Yonezawa beef. 🥢 Sukiyaki: A Rich and Sweet Ultimate Enjoyment When the sukiyaki pot was brought to the table, the staff skillfully poured the special sauce into the pot and then gently placed a paper-thin slice of marbled Yonezawa beef. As the steam rose, the beef slowly turned pink, and the rich aroma instantly filled the air. The first bite is enjoyed without dipping in egg yolk, to taste the original flavor of the beef. The meat is tender, the fat is delicate and not greasy, and the sweetness of the sauce perfectly blends with the freshness of the beef, leaving a stunning impression. Next, dip the meat slice in smooth raw egg yolk, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture reaches a new level, making you crave another piece! The set also includes fresh local vegetables and Yamagata rice, which add more layers of richness when eaten with the beef. 🥩 Yonezawa Beef Steak: The Ultimate Experience of Original Flavor In addition to sukiyaki, I also ordered the Yonezawa beef steak (fillet steak), using thick-cut fillet, charcoal-grilled to medium-rare, locking in the juices. Cutting into the steak reveals a beautiful pink interior, and a gentle bite reveals tender meat with a rich beef aroma, delicious even without additional seasoning! 💡 Travel Tips: The Best Way to Enjoy Yonezawa Beef ✔ Reservations are a must! Tokiwa is very popular, so it is recommended to book at least 2-3 days in advance, and even earlier on holidays. ✔ Price Range: Sukiyaki set starts at around ¥10,000, and steak set starts at around ¥15,000. The price is high, but definitely worth it! ✔ Transportation: After taking the Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, you can take a bus, taxi, or walk for 20 minutes to reach the restaurant. If you have a group, consider sharing a taxi for convenience. ✔ Best Pairing: If you have time, it is recommended to pair with Zao Onsen or Yamagata Castle (Kajo Park) to enjoy both gourmet food and natural beauty. 📌 Conclusion: The Ultimate Emotion of Yonezawa Beef The Yonezawa beef sukiyaki experience at Tokiwa is definitely one of the must-eat delicacies in a lifetime. Whether it's the melt-in-your-mouth beef, the rich sauce, or the traditional Japanese dining atmosphere, it's an ultimate enjoyment. If you love wagyu, you must come here to experience the century-old craftsmanship and deliciousness!

One of the best sukiyaki yonezawa beef I had in Japan with this restaurant. Tokiwa Yamagata main branch. Beef are melting in mouth, they provide several different part of beef for lunch course and chicken / fish course for those do not take beef. price is standard price for wagyu their shop is certified yonezawa beef provider Address - Near to Yamagata Train Station Ambiance/Facilities - Comfy Highlights - Yonezawa Beef Sukiyaki / Shabu Shabu Avg. Price per Person - 6600 yen Rating - 5/5 #japantrip #MyTripVlog #foodie #japanesefood #foodiehunter #2023TravelWish