I tried the “premium Kobe beef skewer” here for ¥5,000, which was advertised as genuine Kobe beef. Unfortunately, it was chewy, overcooked, and lacked the signature buttery texture and marbling you’d expect from authentic A5 Kobe beef.
I also wasn’t shown any official Kobe Beef Association certificate or cattle ID number, which genuine Kobe beef restaurants are required to display. The signage and marketing are very flashy, but it’s unclear whether the meat served is actually certified Kobe beef or just regular Wagyu branded for tourists.
For the price, the quality and experience didn’t match expectations.
If you’re looking to try authentic Kobe beef, I’d recommend going to a certified restaurant such as Steak Misono Osaka or Kobe Beef Steak Ken, where they show the certificate and cook the beef teppanyaki-style in front of you.
