Food

Although some dishes are common throughout the country, different regions in Japan also have their own specialties that may be difficult — or even impossible — to find elsewhere. Hiroshima is no exception. 1. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki You may have had okonomiyaki in Osaka — but the version in Hiroshima is quite different. Although it contains many of the same things, it also has yakisoba noodles and the ingredients are layered rather than mixed together. 2. Momiji Manju The symbol of Hiroshima is the maple leaf — or momiji. Momiji manju is a cake in the shape of a maple leaf, often filled with red bean paste but sometimes with other flavors, such as chocolate, cream cheese, or matcha. There are also limited-edition varieties that change with the season. As well as eating momiji manju in Hiroshima, you can take some with you when you leave as a souvenir. 3. Anago In the past, bowls of anago (conger eel) were popular with the fishermen on the Seto Inland Sea. Today in Hiroshima, it’s more common to find anago in bento. In addition to pieces of fleshy eel, this comes with rice cooked with conger eel head and bones, dashi stock made…