Momiji Manju — Miyajima's Maple Leaf-Shaped Sweet

**Fresh vs. packaged:** While pre-packaged momiji manju (sold at stations and airports) are convenient and have longer shelf life (2–3 weeks), freshly baked manju from Miyajima shops are texturally superior — softer, warmer, and more aromatic. Yamaichi and Fujiya's flagship stores on Miyajima's Omotesando street bake batches throughout the day (baking times vary, ask staff for 'yakitate' 焼きたて = fresh-baked). Eating a still-warm manju purchased directly from the baker is the ideal experience, showcasing the castella sponge's delicate moisture and the filling's smooth texture. **Age-momiji (fried manju):** Age-momiji (揚げもみじ) is a modern variation (invented ~2000s) where standard momiji manju is coated in tempura-like batter and deep-fried, creating a crispy, golden exterior with hot, gooey filling. It's messy, indulgent, and delicious — essentially a Japanese donut. Sold at specialty stands on Miyajima's Omotesando street (¥180–200 per piece), age-momiji is best eaten immediately while hot. Flavors: standard red bean, custard cream, and chocolate. This is a snack to eat on-site, not a souvenir (it doesn't keep). **Flavor recommendations:** Traditional red bean paste (anko, あんこ) is the baseline — slightly sweet, earthy, and nostalgic. Custard cream (カスタード) is sweeter and richer, appealing to those who find anko too austere. Matcha (抹茶) offers mild bitterness balancing the sponge's sweetness. Cheese (チーズ) is a modern, savory-sweet hybrid (cream cheese filling). Chocolate (チョコ) is universally accessible. For first-timers, buy a mixed box (ミックス) with 3–4 flavors to sample variety. For purists, anko is the authentic, time-honored choice.