One Bite, One Story: Discovering Momiji Manju

When you walk around Miyajima, you will find a small maple-leaf-shaped cake. This is momiji manju. It is more than a cute design. It tells a story about Miyajima. The shape is inspired by Momijidani (Maple Valley), a famous spot in Miyajima. In this column, we look at the story in the shape of momiji manju, together with its origin and taste.

Miyajima has long been known as one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan and it is famous for its beautiful scenery in all seasons.  Momiji manju was created when the landlady of an old inn in Miyajima asked a local sweet maker to make a special sweet inspired by Momijidani (Maple Valley). She hoped visitors would have something to remind them of Miyajima after they returned home. From this wish, the maple-leaf shape was born.  

Momiji manju has smooth koshi-an (red bean paste) inside a soft cake made with flour, eggs, sugar, and honey. It is simple but comforting. When you hold one in your hand, they remember the red leaves they saw in Miyajima. It’s not too sweet, which makes it easy to enjoy for almost everyone. Because momiji manju is small and easy to carry, it makes a perfect souvenir. It also keeps well for about two to three weeks, so you can take it home as a memory of your trip to Miyajima.

In recent years, new kinds of momiji manju have been introduced. The shape remains the same, but some are made with a chewy mochi dough, called nama momiji, while others are coated in batter and deep-fried, known as age momiji. I especially like age momiji. I love how the outside is crispy while the inside stays warm and soft.

Each maple-shaped sweet carries the story of Miyajima. When you visit, try a freshly made one. One bite may remind you of your time on the island.