November 6, 2025, 5:34 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Rice is considered a relatively inexpensive food. Even the more premium varieties—such as high-quality Basmati or Jasmine rice—typically cost between 2 and 4 euros per kilogram in supermarkets. However, if you want to try the same amount of a special Japanese rice, you’ll have to dig much deeper into your pockets. TRAVELBOOK introduces the most expensive rice in the world.
Compared to other countries, rice plays a minor role in German cuisine. And when it does make it to the table—as a side dish to dishes like sliced meat, vegetable dishes, or stews—the specific variety isn’t usually a major concern. It’s quite different in Japan: Rice is the centerpiece of the cuisine there. The country cultivates numerous varieties, each differing in taste, texture, and aroma absorption, which also depends on processing (e.g., heavily milled, partially milled). Thus, certain rice varieties are more or less suitable for specific dishes.
This dedication is as unique as the quality of Japanese rice. And the whole world should know about it! According to a report by “CNN Travel,” about ten years ago, Keiji Saika, president of the rice company Toyo Rice Corporation, had the idea to combine the best rice varieties in the country and gain international attention as the most expensive rice in the world. And he succeeded shortly thereafter.
Kinmemai Premium Is the Most Expensive Rice in the World
The most expensive rice in the world is a blend developed by Toyo Rice from several naturally grown Japanese premium rice varieties. It is called Kinmemai Premium and is produced annually as its own edition. The varieties used can vary slightly from year to year, as only grains of the highest quality and best taste are used. Up to 5,000 entries from the International Contest on Rice Taste Evaluation, Japan’s largest competition for rice taste assessment, are considered. Only four to six varieties are selected, usually variants of Koshihikari and Yudai 21, which are considered particularly high-quality.
An important feature of Kinmemai Premium is the processing method. Saika’s company has developed a special milling process where the grains are polished extra gently. Instead of the usual 16, the method removes only nine layers of bran. This retains more vitamins, minerals, and flavors—making the most expensive rice in the world also exceptionally nutrient-rich. On Instagram in 2019, more was shared about its health benefits, including its gentle effect on blood sugar levels. Compared to conventionally produced rice, it contains little starch. It is also “more absorbent and fluffier, so you feel full faster,” it was noted. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the super rice is allowed to mature for several months, further enhancing its aroma and texture.
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Entry into the Guinness Book of Records in 2016
In 2016, Saika had his product reviewed by the Guinness World Records. An 840-gram package cost 9,496 yen at the time, which equates to about 53.82 euros per kilogram. For comparison: The same amount of ordinary rice was only about 300 to 400 yen (between 1.70 and 2.27 euros). The organization could only confirm Kinmemai Premium as the most expensive rice in the world. Despite the enormous price, demand was surprisingly high in the first year. Therefore, Toyo Rice made it an annual tradition.
In 2025, a package of Kinmemai Premium weighing 840 grams cost 10,800 yen (about 61.23 euros). All 1,000 produced and released in August were sold out within a few days.
A Prestige Project Without Much Profit
As Saika explained to “CNN Travel,” the production is hardly financially profitable. Considering all costs, there is likely a loss in the end. But profit was never the goal. What he aimed to achieve with Kinmemai Premium, he accomplished: international recognition. Every year, the farmers involved in the annual edition are invited to Tokyo when it is presented—a great honor and, of course, a topic in the local press.
Despite Japan’s deep-rooted love for high-quality rice, the most expensive rice in the world is not purchased there for everyday dinners. It is more of a luxurious gift, enjoyed by the recipients. On the portal Reddit, individual users share their personal taste experiences. The general consensus is that they wouldn’t pay the high price for the rice themselves. However, it is described as “delicious.”