From May to September the Kibune inn Hirobun builds kawadoko platforms over the Kibune river and runs nagashi-sōmen, noodles sent down a split-bamboo flume to you, on the water. Keihan's local magazine describes it as the only nagashi-sōmen in Kibune.
Why it's unique
Keihan's local magazine describes Hirobun as the only place in Kibune serving nagashi-sōmen, on platforms built over the river itself. The researcher was unsure of the scope, so it is held at city level with lowered confidence.
Kibune runs several degrees cooler than the city, which is the whole point: you sit over moving water in midsummer and catch your lunch from a bamboo flume.
Before you go
No reservations for the sōmen: numbered paddle-fans are handed out from about 10:30 in arrival order (lose it and you pay), cash only, and three-hour weekday waits have been reported. Be there before opening, take your number, then walk up to Kifune Shrine.
If the river runs high or it rains, the sōmen is cancelled. The Kibune road closes to cars 11:00 to 16:00 on some August weekends. About ¥2,000 per person (children the same); season about May to September; closed 28 December to 2 January. Tel 075-741-2147.
