Fast food is supposed to be just that, food that gets into your mouth as fast as possible. Since it’s made so quickly and the price is inexpensive, it’s generally understood that the quality won’t be anything to write home about. However, McDonald’s Japan recently unveiled the Quarter Pounder Jewelry series of premium high-class burgers, laughing at your conventional definition of fast food. But at 1,000 yen (US$9.93) without fries or soda, and including quality ingredients such as truffle sauce, pineapple, or chorizo, these fancy burgers are unusual menu items for a fast food chain. Let’s take a look at what makes these quarter pounders so special…and expensive.
Gold Ring
Thickly sliced pineapple and bacon, Monterey jack cheese, and barbecue sauce. Only available on July 6.
Black Diamond
Black truffle sauce, grilled mushrooms and onions, cheese. Only available on July 13.
Ruby Spark
Five slices of chorizo, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. Only available on July 20.
Each burger will be sold for one day only at participating McDonald’s stores in Japan and will cost 1,000 yen (US$9.93). Customers can add medium fries and a soda for 200 yen (US$1.98) more to make it a “Jewelry Set.” Those burgers sure do look good, but ten bucks is a pretty steep price. McDonald’s Japan has had some unsuccessful campaigns in the past; we’ll see how they do with these overpriced burgers.
[ Read in Japanese ]
McDonald’s $10 Quarter Pounders’ packaging alone estimated to be a sizeable amount
We try the $10 Quarter Pounder Ruby Spark, smacks us in the mouth with flavor
We try the $10 Quarter Pounder that’s only available in Japan on July 6
Sayonara Quarter Pounder: McDonald’s Japan takes iconic burger off its menu
We live the high life with McDonald’s two most expensive Quarter Pounders ever
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
McDonald’s Japan adds new beef burgers to their regular menu for the first time in eight years
Enjoy a 1,000-yen burger and feel like the King of McDonaldland with this embarrassing special seating
McDonald’s Japan holds first-ever General Election, winning burger upgraded at no extra cost
Hawaiian-inspired loco moco and kalua pork burgers coming to McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan celebrates Halloween by joining the dark burger revolution
The most satisfying McDonald’s burger, according to Japanese customers
We try McDonald’s new burger with sauce 20 times spicier than Tabasco
McDonald’s Japan’s Fuwatoro Tamago Noko Demi Gurakoro is coming to warm us up this winter
McDonald’s to get fresh at breakfast time, the little scoundrel
McDonald’s Japan asks that you please be careful with its new extra-spicy rice burger
Godzilla burgers appear at McDonald’s Japan, and t’s time to eat them all!【Taste test】
We fall in (and out) of love with McDonald’s new Diner Double Beef burger
We Sample Traditional Portuguese Cuisine… at McDonald’s
McDonald’s Japan announces Evangelion burger line, releases crazy anime video for them【Video】
McDonald’s Japan adds deep-fried cheese cutlet sandwiches to its menu
Tsukimi burger season heats up as McDonald’s Japan unveils new moon-viewing burger lineup【Pics】
Japan’s Great Gratin Croquette Burger War begins: McDonald’s vs. Lotteria【Taste test】