Nagashi somen is a popular summer activity where diners try to catch their noodles with chopsticks as it floats by right in front of them along a bamboo trough. Once a mouthful of noodles that zip by in the cold flowing water is caught, diners then dunk them into a dipping broth – along with condiments – before eating. Nagashi somen is a communal dining experience where you will usually be seated with other diners along the length of the bamboo. This unique somen-eating experience is usually available during the summer months as the cold noodles are especially refreshing when the weather is hot.
Chiho no Ie, which is located right next to the picturesque Takachiho Gorge, is said to be the place where the nagashi somen experience originated from, and has been serving the noodles since the 1950s. It is a popular place for visitors to enjoy lunch, especially for those taking boat trips down the gorge. Another popular place for nagashi somen is Kyoto, where diners can appreciate the cold noodles as they dine on a kawadoko – a platform built right over the river during the summer months.
Access: Located right beside the Takachiho Gorge
Address: 62-1 Mukoyama, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1103
Opening hours: Weekdays 10am-4pm; Weekends 9am-5pm
Website: Official Website (Japanese)
