In Kagoshima Prefecture, "somen nagashi" is a popular summer tradition in which somen noodles are eaten while rotating them in a donut-shaped container. This rotating somen nagashi differs from the nationally known "nagashi somen" which uses a bamboo conduit, and the appeal of this type of nagashi is that it can be enjoyed casually around a table using special equipment.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of somen nagashi.

Characteristics of Somen Nagashi

Somen nagashi is eaten by rinsing the noodles in spring water, which gives them a refreshing taste and smooth texture compared to noodles served in a sieve. This refreshing way of eating somen is perfect for the hot summer, and can be enjoyed in various places throughout Kagoshima Prefecture.

Tosenkyo, famous as the birthplace of somen, is a place where somen nagashi is served all year round, utilizing the refreshing spring waters that were selected as one of the "100 Water Villages" by the National Land Agency (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) in 1996.

The municipal Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi uses Shima no Hikari, one of Japan's three great somen noodles, and is served with a secret recipe broth made from dried bonito flakes from Yamakawa. The set meals, which come with rice balls, salt-grilled trout, carp dishes and more, are very filling and popular. In the cold winter months, a "hot menu" is also available. Dining in the open wooden area and the pond on the premises where sturgeons swim are also attractive features.

At Jigenji Somen Nagashi, located in Jigenji Park in Taniyama, Kagoshima City, you can enjoy a volcanic eruption-shaped nagashi bowl that resembles Sakurajima. At Takekawakyo in Mizobe-cho, Kirishima City, you can also enjoy Kirishima salmon, river fish dishes, and seasonal duck dishes.

"Somen nagashi" is a popular activity that can be enjoyed with family and friends while listening to the sound of flowing spring water.

The history of Somen Nagashi

Kagoshima Prefecture's summer tradition of "somen nagashi" began in 1962 at Tosenkyo in Kaimon-cho, Ibusuki City. It was first devised by town hall employees Hironori Inoue and Ryoichi Niimura at the time, who wanted to use spring water to attract tourists. In this area, it has long been a custom for locals to soak boiled somen noodles in clear water before eating them.

At first, the town-run facility opened with a bamboo trough for flowing noodles, but problems with maintaining the bamboo and manpower were an issue. So they searched for a way to have groups gather around a table and enjoy the experience, and in 1963 they developed a rotating somen flowing machine.

The design of this device was inspired by Chinese restaurant turntables and laundry tubs, and its convenience as it does not require a bamboo gutter and saves time, as well as the way it can be enjoyed around a table, has been well received by tourists and has attracted attention nationwide.

In the 1960s, the town gained further national recognition after a visit by Prince Takamatsu, the younger brother of Emperor Showa, and his wife. Mr. Inoue then transferred the rights to the rotating somen noodle nagashira to the town, and in 1970, the patent rights were issued to Kaimon Town.

Tosenkyo has grown into a famous spring water spot, selected as one of the "100 Water Villages," and is a tourist destination visited by approximately 200,000 people annually. Today, rotating somen nagashi machines for home use are also sold, and the "somen nagashi" that originated in Kagoshima has spread throughout the country. Somen nagashi, which can be enjoyed with cool spring water, is a proud food culture of Kagoshima that can be enjoyed not only in summer but all year round.

Tourist spots in Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture, where you can enjoy somen nagashi, has a variety of tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three particularly popular spots.

Sakurajima

Sakurajima, which floats in Kinko Bay, is the symbol of Kagoshima. Sakurajima, which shows different expressions depending on the season, time, and viewing location, was formed about 26,000 years ago. It is 1,117m high (Kita-dake and Ontake), has an area of about 80km², and a circumference of about 52km. As the two volcanoes Kita-dake and Minami-dake have merged, it appears long and narrow from the city of Kagoshima.

The sight of Sakurajima, which continues to emit smoke, is captivating to many people. It attracts tourists not only from Japan but also from overseas. At the lava fields and observation points, you can enjoy scenery far removed from your everyday life.

Jigenji Park

Jigenji Park is a park rich in nature and loved by the locals, located in the Taniyama region in the southern part of Kagoshima City. Jigenji Temple, from which the park takes its name, was founded by Nichira, a famous monk from Baekje, during the Asuka period, and was once known as one of the three great temples of Satsuma. The temple itself was lost during the anti-Buddhist movement, but the site is protected as a cultural asset of the city, and you can feel the historical atmosphere there.

The park has nature trails surrounded by streams and greenery, and visitors can enjoy the seasonal flowers. In spring, cherry blossoms and nemophila bloom, and in autumn, cosmos bloom, attracting many visitors. It is a popular tourist spot where you can experience both history and nature at the same time.

Maruo Falls

Maruo Falls, located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a magnificent waterfall that is approximately 23 meters high and 16 meters wide. The most distinctive feature of this waterfall is that it is a rare "hot waterfall" where hot spring water from the Kirishima area gathers and flows. The sight of the milky blue water gushing down with great force is a mystical beauty that attracts many tourists.

One of the attractions of the waterfall is how it changes with each season. In autumn, the contrast with the autumn leaves is vivid, and in winter, the steam rising from the hot spring creates a fantastic scene. Furthermore, when it is lit up at night, the droplets reflect the lights, creating a romantic atmosphere. Near the parking lot, there is an observation deck where you can view the waterfall up close, making it a tourist spot that you can easily drop by.

How to get to Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, has a variety of ways to access the prefecture. It is also easily accessible from Japan's three largest cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

There are direct flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, which takes about two hours, and it takes about 40 minutes by limousine bus from Kagoshima Airport to Kagoshima city.

From Osaka, direct flights from Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport are convenient and take about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you take the Shinkansen, it takes about 4 hours from Shin-Osaka Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station on the direct "Sakura" or "Mizuho" trains.

If you take a direct flight from Nagoya to Chubu Centrair International Airport, the flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you take the Shinkansen, you can transfer at Hakata Station from Nagoya Station and arrive at Kagoshima Chuo Station in about 5 hours.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Kagoshima Prefecture. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Kagoshima Prefecture

summary

Born from local spring water and a unique concept, Kagoshima Prefecture's somen nagashi is a seasonal summer event that can be enjoyed all year round.

If you visit Kagoshima, be sure to try somen nagashi.

List of shops in Kagoshima where you can enjoy somen nagashi

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