One of the things I love about Japan is how its four distinct seasons are deeply woven into the culture. Each season brings its own traditions: vibrant foliage and sanma silverfish in fall, cozy kotatsu (low table heater) with mikan (mandarin oranges) in winter, and of course, cherry blossoms in spring. Summer, too, has its own charms, like watermelons, pools, and frozen beer. But one of my favorite summer activities is nagashi somen—a delightful and uniquely Japanese experience.
Somen, a thin noodle similar in color and texture to udon but much finer, is one of Japan’s staple noodles. It’s simple to prepare, taking just about a minute in boiling water, and when paired with the right tsuyu (dipping sauce), it’s incredibly tasty.
But what exactly is nagashi? The word means “to flow”—and that’s exactly what happens with these noodles. Nagashi somen isn’t just a meal; it’s a fun social activity. Traditionally, it’s done using a bamboo chute on a slope. Somen noodles are released down it with a stream of water, and everyone gathers around to catch and eat the noodles straight from the bamboo slide. It’s a popular and beloved summer tradition, especially for families.
If you’re in Japan during the summer, I highly recommend searching for a nagashi somen spot. It’s a unique experience that’s sure to be a hit, especially with kids!
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