Joshu Wagyu Beef — Gunma's Premium Beef

Joshu wagyu (上州和牛) is Gunma's premium beef brand, raised in the region's cool mountain climate and pure water from the Tone River watershed. The beef is characterized by fine marbling (sashi, 霜降り), tender texture, and sweet, buttery flavor — comparable to Matsusaka or Kobe beef but less internationally famous and therefore more affordable. Gunma's cattle farming dates to the Meiji era (1868-1912), and modern Joshu wagyu is raised with strict standards (feed quality, aging duration, marbling grade).

The best way to experience Joshu wagyu is yakiniku (焼肉, grilled meat) where thin-sliced beef is cooked on tabletop charcoal or gas grills, or sukiyaki (すき焼き, hot pot with beef, vegetables, tofu in sweet soy broth). Takasaki and nearby cities have dozens of yakiniku and sukiyaki restaurants serving Joshu wagyu at prices 30-50% lower than Tokyo's equivalent quality (¥3,000-6,000 per person for yakiniku, ¥5,000-8,000 for sukiyaki course).