Miyajima Momiji Manju Maple Leaf Cakes & World-Class Handcrafted Kumano Cosmetic Brushes

Strolling through the nostalgic seaside lanes of Miyajima, the irresistible fragrance of freshly baked sponge batter heralds Hiroshima’s most beloved confections: **Momiji Manju**. Created in 1906 by confectionery master Tsuneo Takatsu at the behest of a local ryokan innkeeper inspired by the scarlet autumn foliage of Momijidani Valley, these exquisite maple-leaf-shaped cakes were traditionally filled with silky smooth azuki red bean paste (*koshian*). Over a century of loving innovation has spawned delightful modern variations, including rich chocolate fudge, velvety cream cheese, fragrant Uji matcha, chewy mocha-like *Nama Momiji* made with local Hiroshima glutinous rice, and the sensational *Age-Momiji*—freshly skewered maple cakes dipped in tempura batter and fried to golden crispy perfection before your eyes. Beyond sweet treasures, Hiroshima commands peerless global renown in the worlds of fine art and high beauty through **Kumano Fude** (Kumano Makeup Brushes). Nestled in a scenic mountain basin in Kumano Town since the late Edo period over 180 years ago, this modest township produces over 80 percent of Japan’s fine calligraphy and luxury cosmetic brushes. Crafted without ever cutting the natural hair tips with blades—a meticulous alignment technique known as *kemomi* mastered by government-certified master artisans (*Fude-shi*)—Kumano brushes utilize premium unclipped natural goat, gray squirrel, and weasel hair. The brush tips caress the skin with the ethereal softness of velvet clouds, making them the prized tools of Hollywood makeup artists, European haute-couture runways, and discerning beauty connoisseurs worldwide. For visitors exploring the Chugoku region, bringing home an assortment of Momiji Manju paired with a personalized Kumano cosmetic brush represents the ultimate expression of Hiroshima hospitality. The maple cakes come sealed in elegant multi-flavor gift boxes designed for sharing with loved ones and colleagues, while Kumano brush boutiques at JR Hiroshima Station and the Fudeno Sato Kobo artisan center offer complimentary on-the-spot name engraving on handcrafted lacquered wooden handles, creating a lifelong heirloom of unmatched Japanese craftsmanship.