Encounter This Land and Its People
Bullfighting at Japan’s Northernmost Point & Yamagata Village Tankaku Cattle
In Yamagata-machi, Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, a unique culture has taken shape where cattle and people have lived side by side for generations. The pastures, mountains, and village life are all woven together with the presence of cattle.
One tradition born from this relationship is Hiranaiwa Bullfighting, known as Japan’s northernmost bullfighting. Long before machines, cattle were essential partners in farming and in carrying goods. Salt and daily necessities were transported from the coast to inland areas, and a strong, trusted leader bull was needed to guide the herd.
To decide that leader, bulls were matched against one another. From these practical contests grew a local culture of bullfighting. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, this is a contest of strength between bulls themselves. Today, matches end in a “draw” rather than a decisive victory, honoring the spirit of the bulls while carefully preserving the tradition.
The other star of this land is Yamagata Village Tankaku cattle, a heritage breed raised in rich natural pastures. Grazing freely through the seasons, they grow into healthy animals whose meat is deeply flavorful red beef, full of concentrated umami.
Experience the Nature, Culture, and Food of Yamagata-machi with All Five Senses
Small-group tours designed around meaningful encounters with local people.
Walk the pastures where Yamagata Village Tankaku cattle roam freely, and feel the cattle up close.
Learn the history and culture of Japan’s northernmost bullfighting, and hear stories from the people who carry on this tradition.
Savor Yamagata Village Tankaku beef, carefully raised by dedicated producers.
Beyond the tourist sites — into the everyday life and rhythms of this land.
Through connections with local people, discover the stories behind the food and the culture of Yamagata-machi, a place that has lived alongside cattle for centuries.
Upcoming Departures
Tour Schedule
August 22–23, 2026 (Sat–Sun) | Yamagata-machi, Kuji City, Iwate
✅ Fully Booked
Summer Special
Stories of Life — Meeting the Cattle
Bullfighting and a Birchwood Forest Adventure
September 5–6, 2026 (Sat–Sun) | Yamagata-machi, Kuji City, Iwate
✅ Fully Booked
The Finest Free-Range Red Beef.
A Gastronomic Journey to the Home of Yamagata Village Tankaku Cattle
October 24–25, 2026 (Sat–Sun) | Yamagata-machi, Kuji City, Iwate
Tankaku Beef BBQ & 8 Types of Mamebofu Tasting Tour
Freshly harvested log shiitake mushrooms, Kuzumaki wine, and Yamagata Village Tankaku beef. A premium charcoal pairing dinner in the forests of Kuji.
In Their Words
Participant Voices — What This Journey Meant to Them
Shiina Family (Parent & Child)
When I heard “bullfighting,” I imagined something completely different. Unlike European bullfighting, watching two bulls face each other — the power in their eyes — I was overwhelmed by the force of life itself, and found myself in tears.
Walking the pastures, seeing the cattle, then eating beef raised on that very land — through that experience, I found myself thinking anew about what it means to eat. Two days I will never forget.
Mai Inui (University Student)
As someone who researches agriculture and livestock, being able to see the actual production site with my own eyes and feel it firsthand was more valuable than anything else.
Talking with the producers, I felt their love for the cattle and their pride in their work. I believe each of those things connects to the beautiful red meat of Yamagata Village Tankaku beef and its deliciousness.
Noriko Kurosawa
In my own community, traditions and local events that have continued for generations are slowly disappearing.
What left an impression on me in Kuji was the strength of the connections among local people. Touching a culture that has been passed down for so long, and the warmth of the people who protect it, made me want to come back again and again.
This was a journey that gave me many new perspectives from the standpoint of community building and work as well.
Fukagawa Family (Parent & Child)
Through actually interacting with the cattle, the children seemed to naturally sense that behind the food we eat, there is life.
The Yamagata Village Tankaku beef BBQ we enjoyed as a family under a sky full of stars is an unforgettable memory.
On the way home, our whole family was saying, “We want to come back.”
Our Partners
Related Organizations & Local Partners
This journey is created together with many local people of Yamagata-machi — those who raise cattle, those who preserve bullfighting culture, those who create food, and those who share the appeal of the nature and community here.
Kuji City Furusato Experience Learning Association
Iwate Kuji Yamagata Village Tankaku Cattle Fattening Division
Nousya Yamagata-mura (General Farm Yamagata Village)
Iwate Hiranidai Kogen Bullfighting Association
Access
Yamagata-machi, Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture
Hours
Business days: Weekdays 8:30–17:15. For experiences or consultations on weekends and holidays, prior reservation and arrangement are required.
Phone
0194-72-2129 (Yamagata Village Tankaku Cattle Revitalization Council, Secretariat)
