On a summer day in 1959, some men gathered at a river in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture. After a long day of work, they devoured white-wheat noodles that swooshed down an open bamboo pipe. It's said that hungry workers would eat the bamboo pipes and drink the water flowing over rocks. This became known as nagashi sōmen.
Now a tradition, the noodles will flow down bamboo logs at Rokkosan Country House in Kobe's Nada Ward this weekend and next. All visitors need to do is catch noodles with chopsticks, dip them in a stock soup and enjoy.
The event is aimed at children aged 4 or older, willing to take on a challenge. It's also a fun way to spend an afternoon for photo-happy parents, who can be proud of their children's chopstick dexterity.
The nagashi somen will flow at Rokkosan Country House in Kobe from July 27 till Aug. 4. Start times vary by day. Participation is free, but the venue has a ¥600 (¥300 for children) admission charge. For reservations and information, call 078-891-0366 or visit www.rokkosan.com/country/event (in Japanese).
