Momiji Manjou (photo: SAKURA EXPRESS)
The most popular souvenir of Miyajima is a treat called momiji manjou. It is like a filled waffle in the shape of a maple leaf. Walking down Miyajima’s Omotesando Arcade, you will see dozens of shops selling the pastry. The fillings vary from the traditional sweetened red bean paste to black sesame, green tea, yam, cream cheese, and strawberry.
Miyajima’s Omotesando Arcade
Each shop has its own specialties and flavors, so try several different places for the best variety. About halfway down the arcade is a shop which usually has a large line out front. These are people waiting for freshly made deep-fried momiji manjou. Eaten piping hot from the oil with a complementary cup of green tea, you can easily see why they are so popular. Momiji manjou are sold individually or in attractive boxed sets for gift giving. If you want to purchase some for souvenirs, be sure to check the “best by” date because they usually need to be consumed in about one week.
Momiji Manju-Nishikido (photo: wikimedia)
You can make your own momiji manjou on the second floor of the Miyajima Traditional Handicrafts Hall. Lessons are conducted in Japanese for groups of 5 or more, but have clear hands-on demonstrations. The classes cost 735 yen and last about one hour. The schedule is variable, so contact the center for more information and to make reservations: http://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/pickup/experience.html
photo by: KimonBerlin
