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Poison Noodles: How a Fun Japanese Tourist Activity Turned Dangerous
Nagashi-somen is a fun way to enjoy noodles in Japan. But the event nearly turned deadly for hundreds of people recently.
By Himari Semans
A fun tourist activity turned sour for a number of people in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture. Here’s how the usually fun practice of nagashi-sōmen gave 93 people — and possibly hundreds more — a health scare.
Downfall: Noodles and reputation
For over 30 years, Ōtaki (大滝) has been the perfect summer spot. Literally meaning “great waterfall,” Ōtaki’s crystal clear water splashed on moss-covered rocks before gently flowing into a stream where natural trout swam about.
Beside the river, a restaurant overlooks Ōtaki, its cone-shaped roof donned in as much moss as the river rocks. The building’s beams are the shade of red reminiscent of torii gates.
The name of the restaurant is Ōtaki Sōmen (大滝そうめん). It is open only during the summer months. This year, the restaurant closed its doors early due to a cluster of…
