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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.