3 Must-Try Sweets in Hiroshima

When people think of Hiroshima, local specialties such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, fresh oysters, and anago (conger eel) rice often come to mind. In recent years, however, the city has also become known for its exciting new dessert scene. From innovative sweets that honor local traditions to unique souvenirs, more travelers are visiting Hiroshima to explore its growing gourmet culture.

From a popular ice cream shop housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, to a new take on Hiroshima’s most famous confection at Hiroshima Station, and a beloved sweet from Miyajima, here are three delicious dessert spots worth adding to your itinerary.

Enjoy Craft Ice Cream in a Retro Building at yacone icecream

Located in Neko-ya-cho, Hiroshima, Nekoyacho Building is a renovated historic building that has been transformed into a stylish complex featuring cafés and specialty shops. Today, it has become one of Hiroshima’s most popular destinations for local culture.

One of its standout shops is yacone icecream. The first thing you’ll notice is the adorable hand-drawn cat illustration on each ice cream cup—a charming design that’s as photogenic as the ice cream itself.

Yacone icecream uses seasonal ingredients from Hiroshima and the Setouchi region, capturing the area’s rich natural flavors in every scoop. Since the menu changes throughout the year, each visit offers something new to discover. The ice cream is lightly sweetened, allowing the natural flavors of fruits, tea, vegetables, and other local ingredients to shine. These handcrafted flavors are sophisticated and enjoyable from the first bite to the last.

In the evening, the shop offers a unique experience by pairing its ice cream with natural wines, making it a great stop for wine lovers looking for something different.

With its charming retro atmosphere and delicious regional ingredients, yacone icecream is one of Hiroshima’s most exciting new gourmet destinations.

Hours	Mon–Sat: 11:30 AM–11:00 PM Sun: 11:30 AM–10:00 PM Closed: Wednesday
Address	Nekoyacho Building 1F, 8-17 Nekoyacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
Access	HIROSHIMA WASHINGTON HOTEL: A 15-min walk.
URL	https://yaconeicecream.com/

Try Hiroshima’s Famous Fried Momiji Manju at Momijido

No trip to Hiroshima is complete without tasting momiji manju, the city’s iconic maple leaf-shaped cake. Located inside Hiroshima Station, Momijido is a popular shop that preserves this beloved tradition while creating exciting new ways to enjoy it.

The secret behind its delicious momiji manju lies in its soft, fluffy castella-style sponge cake. Light and airy, it pairs perfectly with the smooth sweet bean filling, creating a classic flavor that has delighted visitors for generations.

One of the shop’s signature items is the Original Fried Momiji. Each one is fried to order, so you can always enjoy it fresh and hot. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft sponge cake and warm filling inside, offering a completely different texture from the traditional version. With several flavors available, it’s perfect for enjoying as you explore the station area.

Momijido also offers Momijido Nuts, baked doughnuts inspired by its signature sweets. Made with premium Japanese eggs and financier-style batter, these moist doughnuts come in Vanilla Plain and Setouchi Lemon flavors, making them another popular Hiroshima souvenir.

Whether you’re looking for traditional momiji manju, freshly fried treats, or creative new sweets, Momijido is well worth a stop while visiting Hiroshima Station.

Hours	Weekdays: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM Weekends & Public Holidays: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Address	ekie 1F, 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
Access	HIROSHIMA WASHINGTON HOTEL: A 3-min walk to Hatchobori Streetcar Stop. Take the Hiroshima Electric Railway bound for Hiroshima Station and get off at Hiroshima Station. A 3-min walk.
URL	https://momijido.com/

Discover Miyajima’s Beloved Sweet at YAMADAYA

If you’re visiting Miyajima, home to the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, one sweet you shouldn’t miss is momiji manju from YAMADAYA. Since its founding, this long-established confectionery has become one of Hiroshima’s most famous souvenir makers, loved by generations of visitors.

YAMADAYA’s momiji manju is known for its moist cake and delicately sweet filling. Every cake is carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques that have been refined over many years.

A must-try specialty is Korokoro Momiji. Instead of the traditional filled cake, this bite-sized treat features only the fluffy sponge cake, freshly baked to order and available exclusively at the Miyajima Main Store.

The cakes are delicious on their own, but you can also choose one of five dipping sauces, including matcha, sweet bean butter, peanut, chocolate, or honey, allowing you to customize each bite.

Because it’s made for takeout, Korokoro Momiji is perfect for enjoying while strolling along Omotesando Shopping Street. It has quickly become one of Miyajima’s most popular new street foods while still celebrating the tradition of momiji manju.

If you’re visiting Miyajima, don’t miss this exclusive treat that you can only enjoy at the YAMADAYA Miyajima Main Store.

Hours	9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Address	835-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Access	HIROSHIMA WASHINGTON HOTEL: A 15-min walk to JR Hiroshima Station. Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station, then board the ferry to Miyajima Pier. A 10-min walk.
URL	https://momiji-yamadaya.co.jp/foreign/