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
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Pokémon Company to require Japanese government ID cards for some online Pokémon card purchases
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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
We try McDonald’s new burger with sauce 20 times spicier than Tabasco
The most satisfying McDonald’s burger, according to Japanese customers
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
McDonald’s Guarantees Your Order in 60 Seconds or You Get a Free Burger, Employs Actual Hourglass