A single premium densuke watermelon sold for about three thousand dollars in Japan today.

The season’s first auction took place in Sapporo on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

The stripeless densuke watermelons have dark-green skins and a rich taste.

The melon is highly popular as a gift.

A farmer says this year’s hot and cold temperatures helped produce a sweet crop.

Shipments of the luxury watermelons peak in mid-July.