Momiji Manju: The Iconic Hiroshima Souvenir You Must Try

If you visit Hiroshima, there’s one souvenir you absolutely shouldn’t miss — Momiji Manju.
Shaped like a maple leaf and filled with sweet bean paste, this traditional Japanese confection is a beloved symbol of the region. But beyond its cute appearance, Momiji Manju has a long history, evolving flavors, and even a deep cultural connection to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.

What Is Momiji Manju?

Momiji Manju is a small, maple leaf–shaped cake traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).
The word “momiji” means maple leaf in Japanese, and the treat beautifully represents the spirit of autumn in Japan. The outside is made of soft sponge-like batter, while the inside is filled with smooth or chunky bean paste — creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Originally enjoyed during the autumn leaf-viewing season, Momiji Manju has now become one of the most famous souvenirs from Hiroshima and Miyajima, available all year round.

The History of Momiji Manju

Momiji Manju originated on Miyajima Island (also called Itsukushima), home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
The sweet was first created in the late 19th century (Meiji era) by a local confectioner who wanted to offer visitors something unique to represent the island’s beautiful autumn scenery. The maple leaf design was chosen because Miyajima is known for its stunning fall foliage.

From there, Momiji Manju quickly became popular among shrine visitors as a good-luck souvenir. Today, it remains one of Hiroshima’s most iconic local sweets — a perfect blend of tradition, beauty, and flavor.

Varieties and Modern Flavors

While the original Momiji Manju was filled with smooth red bean paste, today’s versions come in a delightful range of flavors, including:

🍵 Matcha (Green Tea) Cream
🍫 Chocolate or Custard Cream
🍓 Strawberry or Lemon
🌰 Chestnut (Kuri)

Some bakeries even make mochi-style Momiji Manju with a chewy texture, or use colorful doughs for seasonal limited editions. Trying different types from various shops is a fun way to explore Hiroshima’s food culture.

Try “Momiji Manju Tempura” in Miyajima

If you visit Miyajima, don’t miss one unique twist — deep-fried Momiji Manju, or Momiji Manju Tempura.
Each piece is dipped in a light tempura batter and fried until crisp outside and warm inside. The combination of crunchy coating and soft filling is surprisingly addictive! Whether it’s delicious or a little strange… well, you’ll have to try it yourself to find out.

Where to Buy Momiji Manju

You can easily find Momiji Manju at:

Hiroshima Station souvenir shops
Miyajima’s Omotesando Shopping Street
Hiroshima Airport
Department stores and tourist spots around the city

For those who can’t visit Hiroshima, don’t worry — you can also order Momiji Manju online and enjoy a taste of Hiroshima at home.

👉 Click here to buy authentic Momiji Manju online

How to Enjoy Momiji Manju

Momiji Manju pairs perfectly with green tea or matcha latte, but it’s also great with coffee or milk.
Some locals like to warm it slightly in the microwave or toaster to make the filling even softer and the outer shell lightly crispy — a cozy treat on a chilly day.

A Sweet Symbol of Hiroshima

Momiji Manju isn’t just a snack — it’s a piece of Hiroshima’s culture and history, shaped by the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.
Whether you enjoy it fresh on Miyajima Island or order it from abroad, this little maple-shaped cake will bring a taste of Japanese tradition right to your table.

So, next time you’re looking for a thoughtful souvenir or a delicious Japanese sweet to gift, Momiji Manju is a perfect choice.

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