Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi (Tang Ship Gorge)

The birthplace of the revolving Soumen-nagashi, this area has been selected as one of the “100 Best Water Townships”, and visitors can enjoy Soumen-nagashi throughout the year by taking advantage of the cool and abundant spring water. This sight is a joy to behold, and the aroma of the wood and the sound of the water will fill you up inside.

Here, 100,000 tons of spring water per day is utilized, and you can enjoy somen noodles using the cool, clear, 13°C water throughout the year. This spring water has been selected as one of the 100 best waters of the Heisei era. It is a place where you can feel coolness even in hot Kagoshima.

In the Soumen-nagashi, water comes out of the nozzle with great force, and the Soumen noodles spin around. The unique sauce made by a unique method that can only be tasted here is also very popular.

The Karafune Gorge is surrounded by a beautiful valley with cedar trees and lush greenery. Trout and carp swim in the clear stream, and the cold, delicious somen noodles served in the water are exceptional. The attraction attracts 200,000 visitors a year, and the Karafune Gorge welcomes visitors all year round.

Ibusuki City’s Somen-nagashi is located in Karafunekyo and is nationally known as the birthplace of the revolving Somen-nagashi. The Karafunekyo Somen-nagashi was developed as a way to revitalize the local community as the former Ibusuki City became a booming tourist destination against the backdrop of the honeymoon boom that occurred in the 1960s.

The idea for the Soumen-nagashi was conceived after seeing the scenery of boiled Soumen noodles being poured into spring water. The first attempt was to pour the somen from a bamboo flume, but it did not work out due to sanitary problems and management difficulties. Later, the idea of using a water tank similar to a washing tub to rotate the Soumen flusher came to mind, and a rotating Soumen flusher was developed based on the rotating tables used in Chinese restaurants.

The development was carried out with the cooperation of Tsurumaru Kikou Shoukai, and after many innovations focusing on the water flow, the first rotating somen-nagashi was introduced to Karafune Gorge in 1962. Continued improvements have been made since then, and there are now 91 somen nagashi machines in operation. This facility is open year-round and can be enjoyed in any season, taking advantage of the water temperature of approximately 13 degrees Celsius year-round.

The city-run Karafunekyo Somen Nagashi has a secret flavor, using plenty of dried bonito flakes and Rishiri kelp in the mentsuyu, and in addition to the somen noodles, the famous carp wash is also popular. In addition to somen noodles, the famous carp wash is also popular.

Rotating somen floaters have been installed throughout Japan, mainly in Kagoshima, and have been delivered not only to the various prefectures of Kyushu, but also as far away as the Tohoku region and Hokkaido. The Soumen-nagashi machine, which has been improved to its current form, is a break-resistant product, and Tsurumaru Kikou Shokai manufactures and sells a wide range of products for both commercial and home use.

The Karafunekyo Somen-nagashi is a popular sightseeing spot loved by the local community.