Nagashi Somen Chiho-no-ie — Restaurant in Takachiho

Just a short walk down from the breathtaking cliffs of Takachiho Gorge, we stumbled upon Nagashi Sōmen Chiho-no-ie—and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be!

Tucked in a quiet, verdant nook, this rustic eatery delivers an immersive dining experience that’s as fun as it is delicious. Guests sit around a bamboo flume, scooping cold somen noodles as they drift by in flowing spring water—a thrill that had us laughing and the kids in high spirits. The noodles were wonderfully light, and the soy-based dipping sauce added just the right flavor punch.

Beyond the playful meal, the calming mountain breeze and lush surroundings created a peaceful counterpoint to all that nibbling action. The friendly staff elevated the experience even more, offering patient guidance and cheers for noodle-catching victories.

If you’re coming down from the gorge and craving something memorable with local flair, Nagashi Sōmen Chiho-no-ie is the perfect stop—an intimate, joyful taste of tradition just steps from one of Japan’s most...

Chiho-no-ie, some claim as the OG for flowing somen (I felt sorry for the empty shop next door offering the same), offers an extraordinary experience centered around flowing somen noodles. Set against the backdrop of Takachiho Gorges serene beauty, the dining setting is tranquil and inviting. The highlight is the interactive act of catching somen noodles as they glide along a clear stream. Dont worry if you missed, there is a basket at the end to ensure no wastage.

The somen noodles, with their delicate texture, pair exquisitely with the dipping sauce, delivering a taste sensation that matches the enchantment of the setting. The staff's attentive guidance adds to the charm, enhancing the overall experience. But to be honest, we were more focused on the "catching" rather than the "tasting"!

We could not order the Rainbow Trout, as they have limited stock available and may not even has...

We went there on April of 2023. Around 11 am we saw a couple groups of people walking in and sitting at tables (without waiting to be seated by the staff). So, we followed them and asked one of the staffs where we can sit. He, the old guy working at the dango grill, did not understand English so we tried to speak Japanese (our Japanese vocabs are limited). He raised his voice and started yelling at us and said in Japanese, which we clearly understood what he said, “why isn’t there any Japanese here.” We have been traveling to multiple cities in Japan and many countries in Asia and have never once encountered a restaurant staff with such discourteous manner. The other staffs (all women) were polite and kind tho. So, 2 stars for the man’s unpleasant...