Momiji Manju: Hiroshima's Maple-Leaf-Shaped Sweet

Momiji manju is a small, soft cake shaped like a maple leaf and filled with sweet paste, traditionally red bean (anko). The shape references Miyajima island's mountain, famous for its autumn maple foliage, and the confection has been made in the Hiroshima area for over a century. It's typically baked in individual molds, giving each piece its distinctive crisp-edged leaf outline.

Modern versions go well beyond the original red bean filling, with custard, chocolate, cheese, and matcha among common variants sold today. Some vendors sell them freshly grilled to order, giving a warm, slightly crisp exterior different from the packaged versions sold as souvenirs. It's one of the region's most common omiyage gifts, though quality and freshness vary depending on where and how it was made.