Momiji manju are little cakes baked in the shape of a maple leaf, a nod to the maples of Momijidani, and they are the definitive souvenir of Hiroshima. Created on Miyajima over a century ago, they are made from a light castella-style sponge batter poured into leaf-shaped moulds and filled traditionally with sweet red bean paste, though modern fillings run to custard, chocolate, matcha and cheese. On Miyajima you can watch them being made on rotating griddles and eat them still warm, which is a completely different experience from the boxed ones — and several shops sell them battered and deep-fried on a stick as age-momiji.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
| Hours | Shop hours on Miyajima and citywide |
| Admission | From around ¥100 each |
| Time needed | A snack |
| Best time | Fresh and warm on Miyajima |
What to Try
- Maple-leaf cakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Modern fillings — custard, chocolate, matcha and cheese.
- Watching them baked on rotating griddles on Miyajima.
- Age-momiji, battered and deep-fried on a stick.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with a day on Miyajima where they were born.
- Pair with Miyajima’s autumn maples , their namesake.
- Read our Hiroshima overview .
Getting There
- On Miyajima: shops line the covered shopping street from the ferry.
- Citywide: boxed sets sold at Hiroshima Station and department stores.
Tips
Eat at least one fresh and warm straight from a griddle on Miyajima before buying a box, as the difference from packaged ones is striking. Try the deep-fried age-momiji on a stick, which is a Miyajima street-food treat rather than a souvenir, and buy boxed sets at the station on your way out rather than carrying them around all day.
