When walking around Miyajima, you often see French tourists. The reason for this lies in an unexpected connection with a "World Heritage site" located approximately 9,700 kilometers away from Miyajima.
That 'World Heritage site' is Mont Saint-Michel, floating off the coast of the Normandy region in northwestern France. It is an abbey built on a small rocky island, registered as a World Heritage site in 1979. It is also known as one of the important pilgrimage sites for Catholics.
Miyajima also boasts a heritage that the world can be proud of: Itsukushima Shrine. It is known for its shrine buildings and Otorii gate standing in the sea, and was registered as a World Heritage site in 1996. It is one of Japan's leading shrines, having gathered worshippers since ancient times.
Due to these commonalities, Hatsukaichi City and Mont Saint-Michel signed a tourism friendship city agreement in 2009. As World Heritage sites floating on the sea, their cross-sea connection continues to this day.
Miyajima Pommier, from Miyajima's famous long-established Japanese confectionery shop Yamadaya, is also one of the products born from this connection.
'Pommier' means 'apple tree' in French, and it was created by combining apples, a specialty of France's Normandy region, with Miyajima's originating Momiji Manju.
It is a confection wrapped in fluffy castella dough with apple pulp custard cream inside. Since it is sold only at the store, why not pick one up when you visit Miyajima?
Another place I'd like to introduce is Sakamoto Kashiho, located on Machiya Street, one street away from Omotesando Shopping Street. Here, they sell 'Salted Butter Momiji,' which uses salt from near Mont Saint-Michel and New Zealand-produced butter.
Here, I'd like you to pay attention to the word 'New Zealand', as Masterton, a city in New Zealand, is actually also one of Hatsukaichi City's sister cities. Based on friendly relations with overseas cities, this is a product that combines the charms of Japanese and Western styles, utilizing the unique techniques of a long-established Momiji Manju shop.
It offers a fresh taste even to those accustomed to classic Momiji Manju, making it perfect as a travel snack or souvenir. The subtle accent of salt and the rich butter flavor spread, allowing you to discover new charms of Miyajima sweets.
Miyajima is not only home to ancient Japanese history such as Itsukushima Shrine and Mt. Misen, but also a vibrant history of international exchange. If you taste the sweets born from the connection with Mont Saint-Michel, you might discover a slightly different side of the island than usual tourism.
Why not enjoy the story connecting two World Heritage island sites, nearly 9,700 kilometers apart, through their sweets?
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■ Yamadaya
Address / 835-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City
TEL / 080-3352-3235
Hours / 9:00～18:00
Closed / None
■ Sakamoto Kashiho
Address / 455 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City
TEL / 0829-44-0380
Hours / 9:00～17:00
Closed / Irregular
