Handmade ideas for nagashi-somen. DIY and enjoy the summer!
Nagashi-somen is a must for summer events.
The classic setup is to split bamboo, connect the pieces, and let water flow through them!
In this article, we introduce not only the standard bamboo-based nagashi-somen, but also ideas for building one using scrap materials and items from 100-yen shops.
Most setups run water through a hose and catch the noodles with a bucket and strainer, but there are also more elaborate ideas that circulate the water.
Building your own can make for great summer memories, so give it a try!
Handmade ideas for nagashi-somen. DIY and enjoy the summer!
Flowing somen using plastic bottles
You might want to do nagashi-somen at home, but many people find the cleanup a hassle.
For those people, we recommend making a nagashi-somen setup with plastic bottles.
Since you’ll be reusing leftover plastic bottles, it’s easy to dispose of everything when you’re done.
First, cut the plastic bottles in half.
Then attach the pieces together, and decorate the clear parts of the bottles with a pen or other cute designs.
Fix your plastic-bottle somen slide onto a sturdy base you have at home, and go ahead—try flowing the somen!
Flowing somen using a rain gutter
Year after year, the summer heat just keeps getting worse, doesn’t it? And when it comes to something that cools you down on those scorching days, nagashi-sōmen—flowing somen noodles—fits the bill perfectly.
It’s a hit with everyone from kids to adults.
This time, we’re introducing a setup that uses rain gutters sold at home improvement stores for nagashi-sōmen.
The smooth surface makes it easy for the noodles to glide, which is a big plus.
It’s also nice that water is less likely to leak from the joints.
The cost performance is excellent, so it’s easy to put together and highly recommended.
Mini nagashi-somen with an air pump
While group nagashi-somen can be lively, for those who want to relax and enjoy it solo at home, we recommend air-pump nagashi-somen.
With just an air pump and a large plate, you can easily recreate the flowing somen experience.
The air pump circulates the water, letting the noodles glide smoothly across the plate.
It’s charmingly traditional yet super simple, making it fun for anyone.
It’s the perfect item for people who want to enjoy an authentic somen-flowing experience at home.
Flowing somen noodles made with cardboard
Speaking of nagashi-somen, it’s a summertime staple, right? It’s an essential seasonal attraction, especially at festivals and other events.
You might think making a nagashi-somen setup by hand is difficult and expensive.
The idea we’re introducing this time is a nagashi-somen made from cardboard.
Since you can make it using only leftover cardboard at home, it’s super cost-effective.
Just cut the cardboard to the sizes you need and wrap the surfaces with plastic wrap—done.
If you want more lanes for flowing noodles, simply add more cardboard.
You can assemble it however you like, so the ways to enjoy it are endless.
Nagashi-somen with corrugated plastic
When it comes to making a cost-effective nagashi-somen setup, items made from corrugated plastic board are the way to go.
You can easily find corrugated plastic at home improvement stores, and since it’s a thin, board-like material, it doesn’t take up much space to store.
It also comes in various colors, letting you create a vibrant nagashi-somen experience.
Start by cutting the corrugated plastic and deciding on the width.
Cut out each necessary piece.
Then prepare some plastic bottles to make rings and attach them to the corrugated plastic.
Run water and somen through it and enjoy the charming atmosphere of nagashi-somen at home.
Sōmen Slider
The ways to enjoy nagashi-somen can expand infinitely depending on your ideas, right? This time, we’re introducing a nagashi-somen slider that uses a clear hose.
Since hoses are usually just for running water, using one for nagashi-somen is a fresh idea.
Tie the hose to the ceiling and wrap it around pillars, securing it in a spiral like a slider.
Place a kiddie pool at the somen exit as the catch basin, and get ready to give nagashi-somen a try! Run water and somen through the hose and experience the somen slider for yourself.
Nagashi-somen with pop tubes
This time, we’re making a flowing somen (nagashi-somen) setup using pop tubes, which are popular with kids.
You can easily find them at 100-yen shops.
Let’s build a somen slider with these colorful, eye-catching pop tubes.
First, cut them in half and connect each piece.
Be careful when handling the cut edges, as some may be sharp.
Just wrap them around a pillar or similar support, and your somen slider is complete.
It looks vibrant and photogenic, so it’s a great way to enjoy a visually striking nagashi-somen experience.
Flowing somen noodles using a milk carton
If you want to try nagashi-somen but it seems a bit difficult and you don’t quite have the courage to take on the challenge, a great option is making a nagashi-somen setup with milk cartons.
You can easily make it with things you have at home, and it’s very cost-effective.
First, cut the milk cartons and connect them together.
Then, tape an empty tissue box onto the table to serve as a base.
It’s simple to make and uses household items, so anyone can give it a try.
Nagashi-somen with bamboo
If you want to experience authentic nagashi-somen, we recommend making a bamboo flume.
It’s also great to try when you go camping or do other outdoor activities.
First, procure some bamboo.
It’s said that straight-growing bamboo is easier to work with.
Use DIY tools to split the bamboo cleanly in half.
Then use tools to shape it so the somen noodles can flow smoothly.
You can even make plates and cups out of bamboo! Since everything can be made from bamboo, this is a perfect nagashi-somen project for those who enjoy DIY.
Circulating giant nagashi-somen
In recent years, there are gadgets that let you do nagashi-somen at your table at home, but they just don’t have the same impact as the real thing.
That said, places where you can actually eat nagashi-somen are limited, so many people probably give up.
In that case, if you use a large space like a parking lot to set up a giant nagashi-somen, it becomes a fun way to interact with friends and neighbors.
The bigger it gets, the more work the preparation takes, but if everyone pitches in and divides the tasks, the somen will taste even better—so give it a try!
In conclusion
How did you like these DIY ideas for nagashi-somen (flowing somen noodles)? We covered everything from simple projects you can make with kids to more elaborate builds that require tools. Whether you plan to enjoy it at home or outdoors, and depending on how many people are joining, the scale will vary. Find the idea that matches your vision, and beat the summer heat by staying cool while enjoying nagashi-somen!