Mima・Wakimachi・Tsurugisan

Thick and firm "Handa Somen"

Handa Somen is a specialty product that symbolizes the excellent climate of Handa, Tsurugi-cho. The noodles are made from the cold wind blowing down from the Shikoku Mountains, the clear water of the Yoshino River, and high-quality wheat, and are characterized by their thick and firm texture. The local Handa Somen Cooperative sells original Handa Somen. It is a local specialty familiar to Tokushima residents and can be easily purchased at supermarkets. It is recommended as a souvenir of your trip to Tokushima.

Highlights & RecommendationsHighlights

1

Dry Somen noodles outdoors

This is a traditional process of Handa Somen noodle making that takes place from November to March of the following year.In the past, the sight of noodles being dried outdoors was a seasonal tradition at the end of the Fall Festival, but even today only a few noodle makers still dry their noodles in their yards.
2

History

Handa Somen has a history of more than 200 years. It is said that boatmen on ships sailing from Onohyo Port in Handa to Muya (now Naruto) brought it via Miwa Town in Nara, Awaji, and Naruto, and began making it for subsistence or as a side job during the winter.
3

Each store has its own character

There are differences in the amount of salt, water, ripening time, drying time, and other factors at each noodle factory. These differences give each noodle factory its own unique character.It is fun to compare and choose your favorite noodle makers.

About the tourist attractionDetails

Kanpu Tsurugisan Oroshi

The cold, clear "Kanpu Tsurugisan Oroshi," cold wind blowing down from the Shikoku Mountains and Mount Tsurugisan in winter, dries out the somen and brings out its even stronger firmness and flavor.

Handa Somen Shokudou

You can enjoy creative dishes such as peperoncino using Handa somen noodles. The dishes are made with the idea of "bringing local flavors that have been around for hundreds of years to the next generation, along with new ways to enjoy them.

Handa Somen Cooperative

The union's original brand, "Irimon," won the Grand Prix in the somen category at an event to determine the best dried noodles in Japan. The office in Handa also provides information on Handa Somen stores.

Handa Somen vending machine

Kitamuro Hakusen, a manufacturer and seller of Handa Somen, has installed a Handa Somen vending machine along a local national highway.The vending machine sells dried noodles, cup noodles, and original men-tsuyu (a sauce for noodles), allowing visitors to enjoy Handa Somen.