I had to stop and count the zeros, because I can honestly say that even in Japan, I’ve never seen a number of that size attached to a piece of FOOD. To be fair, this is a jumbo pack of matsutakes (they’re usually sold onesie-twosie), and the price per shroom works out to a bargain basement-like $40 per scruffy little fungus, but still! And before you ask, no, there’s nothing magic about these babies. They won’t even give you extra lives!
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Would you like to be whisked away to Japan, wherever you are?
“The Samurai’s Octopus…is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page. You’re in for a treat.”
—James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 
I just can’t wait until I have enough money for a 10,000 yen melon!
I was super excited when someone recently carved one that had been gifted and I got to eat a bite. It was… good. But not $100 good, if you know what I mean. I admit I’m no conoisseur of melons (OK, I don’t really like them but don’t tell anybody here in Japan or they’ll revoke my residence card) but they do LOOK perfect, I’ll admit!
I’ve always wanted to try a matsutake. Apparently they smell and taste like Red Hot candies…Spicy cinnamon…mmmmm!