Japanese customers took to social media to let us know how they felt about the announcement.
Quarter Pounder
The dust has settled and a week has already passed since we saw the last of the Quarter Pounder Jewelry Series, McDonald’s Japan’s trio of luxury burgers. We had a lot of fun trying out truffle sauce, spicy chorizo, and rings of golden pineapple and enjoyed the experience, like most had, in spite of the high prices.
But many commenters from around the world who gazed upon these special Quarter Pounders couldn’t help but shake the fact that it appeared as if the packing was what took up most of the money. Japanese website Byokan Sunday was one such observer and decided to break down the cost of luxurious Jewelry Series’ bags and boxes to see how much of the ten dollar price tag went into making them.
On 20 July, McDonald’s Japan released their third and final luxury Quarter Pounder Jewelry Series burger, the Quarter Pounder Ruby Spark. Like the Black Diamond and Gold Ring that came before it, the Ruby Spark sold for the exorbitant amount of 1,000 yen (US$10).
The Ruby Spark’s special premium ingredient was a few slices of chorizo developed specifically for this sandwich. As customers started devouring the one-day-only sandwich and took to the net to voice their opinions, public sentiment was unusually divided straight down the middle with a balance of comments declaring it “perfect” and “not good enough.”
Curious at how polarizing one burger can be, we sent a reporter to check one out.
McDonald’s Japan recently announced a new line of high-class Quarter Pounders that cost nearly ten bucks. Marketed as the “Jewelry series,” they come with premium ingredients such as truffle sauce, pineapple, or chorizo and each burger will only be available for one day in Japan. The first of the series, the Quarter Pounder Gold Ring, will be served up in a special “jewelry box” on July 6. If you live in Japan, hurry on over to your nearest McDonald’s, this ultra limited edition Quarter Pounder is only available today.
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.





Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Black Lagoon anime-themed cafes open now in Japan
Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll serves popcorn at this super rare vending machine in Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Pokémon Ditto Cup uses Transform to turn into jiggly gelatin, rice, sand, and infinite possibilities
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Let’s make sashimi with…whatever in God’s name this thing is【SoraKitchen】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll serves popcorn at this super rare vending machine in Japan
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Pokémon Ditto Cup uses Transform to turn into jiggly gelatin, rice, sand, and infinite possibilities
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Let’s make sashimi with…whatever in God’s name this thing is【SoraKitchen】
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Coca-Cola’s new limited-edition Japan travel destination bottles highlight history and culture
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Puppet Sunsun taking over Lawson convenience stores all over Japan
Visiting Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 anime locations in real-life Hakone【Photos】
We buy Kentucky Fried Chicken’s box of New Year’s food, but it comes with a surprising extra
Divine prevention – Japan using Shinto symbols to combat litter and public peeing
Amazing Totoro bread reveals a different side to the Ghibli anime character【Video】
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026