Japan is a country where food and the act of eating are elevated to a form of art. From world-famous tea ceremonies to square watermelons, Japan has something to offer both gourmet connoisseurs and those who simply enjoy cozy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
However, the prices for these items can sometimes be astronomical. AdmiGram.com will make your mouth water as we tell you about the ten most expensive food items in Japan and the reasons behind their high costs. If you ever visit Japan, make sure to try something from our list!
10 most expensive food items in Japan
Wagyu Beef
Wagyu is premium Japanese beef known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. Wagyu cattle are raised in special conditions, receiving great care and attention, including a diet that sometimes includes beer and massages to improve meat texture. Some types of Wagyu, such as Kobe, can cost up to several hundred dollars per kilogram.
Yubari King Melon
These melons are grown in the city of Yubari on Hokkaido and are known for their perfect taste and texture. They are grown under strictly controlled conditions to ensure an ideal balance of sweetness and juiciness. At auctions, a pair of Yubari melons can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna is one of the most expensive types of fish in the world. It is a rare delicacy, especially in Japan, where it is used for sushi and sashimi. High demand and limited supply drive the price of this fish to incredible heights. At Tokyo auctions, the price of a single tuna can reach several million dollars.
Matsutake Mushrooms
These mushrooms grow only in the wild and are extremely difficult to cultivate. They are harvested by hand, which increases their cost. Matsutake mushrooms have a unique taste and aroma highly valued in Japanese cuisine. It’s no surprise that a small plate of prepared Matsutake mushrooms can cost several thousand dollars.
Gyokuro Tea
Gyokuro is one of the highest quality green teas in Japan. Its cultivation requires special care: the tea bushes are shaded for several weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll and amino acid content, giving the tea a unique flavor. This tea is always served at formal dinners and significant celebrations. A standard package of Gyokuro tea can cost up to a hundred dollars.
Nakazawa Milk
Anti-stress milk from the Japanese company Nakazawa Foods is sold in stores for $50 per quart. This milk is collected from cows once a week at dawn when the animals’ bodies have high levels of melatonin — a hormone that reduces anxiety and eases depression symptoms in humans.
Unaju
Unaju soup is made from eel, which is specially marinated and then baked. The eels are primarily found in Lake Hamana, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. They are raised using special techniques, making them exclusive and expensive. A portion of Unaju can cost several hundred dollars, and that’s not the limit.
Ruby Roman Grapes
This variety of grapes, bred in 2008, is grown only in Ishikawa Prefecture. Ruby Roman grapes are strictly inspected for quality. Each grape must be red, the size of a ping pong ball, weigh at least 20 grams, and have a sugar content of 18-22%. Premium-grade clusters can easily sell for a couple of thousand dollars.
Kopi Luwak Coffee
This coffee is made from beans that have passed through the digestive tract of a civet. This process improves the coffee’s taste, making it smoother and unique. However, this method of production is quite labor-intensive and unusual. Kopi Luwak can cost several hundred dollars per kilogram.
Okayama White Peaches
These peaches are grown under special conditions that ensure perfect sweetness, color, and texture. Each peach is wrapped in paper while still on the tree to protect it and achieve a perfect appearance. Okayama white peaches are grown with great love and care, which farmers claim adds to the fruit’s sweetness. These peaches can sell for over a hundred dollars each.
image on top: Valentin BEAUVAIS / Unsplash
