Karafunekyo Somen Nagashi

Karafune Gorge Somen Nagashi is a municipal restaurant in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture specializing in somen noodles. It is famous as the birthplace of rotating-style somen nagashi, and because cool, clear water springs from the gorge, that water is used to serve somen. Ibusuki Onsen cider made with this water is also sold. The somen style here is not the typical flowing-from-above format; instead, the noodles rotate in a circular channel. The tables are also round, so groups can enjoy eating together. About 200,000 people eat at Karafune Gorge Somen Nagashi each year. A popular option is the somen set with items like salted grilled trout, koikoku (carp soup), onigiri, and miso soup. Eating somen using the abundant spring water of Karafune Gorge helps ease the summer heat. Enjoy this summer tradition at its home. The somen used is ‘Shima no Hikari’ from Shodoshima. Access: about 25 minutes by car from JR Ibusuki Station.