Planning a summer trip to Kyoto? Escape the city heat with the ultimate cool-down at Hirobun (京都貴船 料理旅館 ひろ文) in Kibune, the most famous spot for Nagashi Sōmen noodles (流しそうめん). This unique dining tradition served at a river terrace, involves catching chilled flowing noodles with chopsticks as they slide down a bamboo flume, will be an unforgettable cultural experience. Situated on a rustic Kawadoko (riverside platform) directly above the Kibune River, Hirobun perfectly blends delicious food with a stunning natural setting.
Kibune Kawadoko Restaurants
As you walk from the bus stop, Kibune (貴船), or even from Kibuneguchi Station (貴船口駅), you may notice that around ten restaurants are waiting for customers along the river.
In summer, most of them set up terraces above the river with Goza mats (woven reed mats) to create a dining area called Kawadoko.
When Kaiseki Ryōri (会席料理) is served on Kawadoko, it is called Kawadoko Ryori.
But since Kawadoko Ryori is quite expensive, and we haven’t been able to find a restaurant that serves vegetarian Kawadoko Ryori at Kibune. So, it is the Nagashi Somen (流しそうめん), which are flowing somen noodles that we want to share with you!
Kaiseki Ryōri (会席料理) is a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine, emphasizing seasonality, fresh ingredients, and meticulous presentation.
What is Nagashi Sōmen (流しそうめん)?
Normally, noodles are served in a bowl or a plate. But in the hot summer, the Japanese have a special way of enjoying the season. A bamboo flume is set up with water flowing through it. The somen noodles are dropped at the top of the pipe for people at the other end to catch with their chopsticks. The noodles are then dipped into a cup of flavorful sauce before being put in the mouth.
Hirobun is an authentic Kaiseki Ryori restaurant at Kibune. The restaurant is around a 10-minute walk from the Kibune bus stop. It has two Kawadoko areas, one for Kawadoko Ryori and another for Nagashi Somen.
Hirobun has two entrances. Check with the staff at the entrance to ensure you head to the correct area.
As Kibune is located up in the mountains, the average temperature is usually 10 degrees lower than in Kyoto City center. On a hot summer day, sitting on the Goza mats with a small waterfall in front of you while listening to the sound of the river, the temperature around you seems to get even cooler!
How to Enjoy Nagashi Somen at Hirobun and the Cost
Hirobun doesn’t take reservations. You will be given a round fan with a number written on it after they receive your payment on the day. The staff will let you know approximately how long you need to wait, so that if your waiting time is more than an hour, you can go ahead and explore Kifune Shrine before enjoying the noodles!
- Number plates are handed out between 11 am and 12 pm.
- The waiting time on weekends and public holidays can be more than 3 hours, even if you arrive around 11 am.
- The cost of Nagashi Somen at Hirobun is 2,000 yen per person.
When your number is called, it is time to head down!
The group before you may still be catching their noodles, which is a great chance for you to learn what you should be doing when it is finally your turn.
Each person is assigned a “lane”. So only try to catch the noodle flowing in your lane. Otherwise, you will be stealing other people’s noodles!
When the color of the noodles changes from white to pink, it is the sign of the end of your session and time to enjoy the little plate of dessert.
If you taste some sourness in that pink somen, it is the taste of perilla or plum. It isn’t because the noodles aren’t fresh (´▽｀*).
If you taste some sourness in that pink somen, it is the taste of perilla or plum. It isn’t because the noodles aren’t fresh (´▽｀*).
When Can You Enjoy Kawadoko Cuisine at Hirobun
- Kawadoko Cuisine and Nagashi Somen at Hirobun is served from May to the end of September.
- Lunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm.
- The last admission is at 1:30 pm.
- Dinner is served from 4:30 pm to 9 pm.
- The last admission is at 6 pm.
- Lunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm.
Important:
☛ Nagashi Sōmen may not be available if it is rainy at 10 am.
☛ The dipping sauce provided by Hirobun contains.seafood extract. You can bring your vegan sauce if you are strict with your vegetarian diet.
Explore Other Parts of the Kurama and Kibune Area
Mt Kurama and Kibune, located in the northernmost mountain near Kyoto City, are where the locals head to for nature. Not only can you enjoy Kawadoko cuisine in the summer, but Kurama and Kibune are also culturally rich and scenic destinations throughout the year, making them ideal for hiking.
For more information on the must-visit spots near Hirobun, refer to our article on the Kurama and Kibune Area!
