Restaurant Chiho-no-ie

It’s touristy, so manage your expectations accordingly. It was fun trying to catch the noodles as it flows along the bamboo ‘stream’. It probably comes out in 3 batches per order. So meaning each person gets about 3 tries to pick your noodles. The remaining / ‘uncaught’ noodles will be brought to you in a separate basket. I went around 2pm+ and had to wait for about 15 mins as the restaurant was busy. You can order the noodles as is (not enough for a meal) but they do come along in a set meal with a choice of vegetables (steamed pumpkin, konnyaku, rice ball, salad, tofu etc) or grilled fish (very salty). We also tried the beef udon and it was tasty.

We had the Miyazaki wagyu beef and river trout (yamame) set meals and it was delicious. The service was excellent as well. The restaurant is quite easy to find as it is located at the junction to the entrance of Takachiho Gorge, with public parking next door.

Unique experience where ramen flows on spring water down a bamboo tube to your counter! The lunch set also includes grilled freshwater fish and local dishes. Food was fresh and delicious and the ramen was soft with a firm texture. Worth a try!

Had my very first flowing water noodle experience at this restaurant, and it was every bit as cool as it sounds. Located right next to the stunning Takachiho Gorge, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a bit of exploring. The restaurant seems to be a hit with visitors, given the signs instructing how to queue up. I swung by post-lunch rush at around 2:30 pm, which turned out to be perfect timing as it wasn't too crowded. The menu was straightforward, offering the option of ordering items separately or going for a set at 1500 yen, which most patrons, myself included, opted for. The set included the unique noodle experience, a beautifully grilled fish, and a rice ball. The whole concept of catching your noodles as they flow by in water is not just fun but also ensures that you're the only one touching your food - great for hygiene. And don't worry about your noodle-catching skills; any escapees are collected and served to you at the end, so nothing goes to waste. The noodles themselves were simple yet delicious, making for a light, satisfying meal. All in all, it's a 5-star experience for me. The combination of a unique dining adventure, tasty food, and the beautiful setting by the gorge makes this a must-visit spot.

Their cold soba was refreshing after the long trek. However, I felt the fish was a tad salty. The warm sake went well with the food and it appeared that they diluted it with water.

Have the somen and rainbow trout set! So much fun catching the somen when it flows down the bamboo. Don’t worry if you miss them as the staff have a basket at the end to catch the noodles for you!