Miwa Somen (Nara): season, origin and where to buy

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Miwa Somen production begun during the Nara Period (about 1,300 years ago). Miwa area is said to be the birthplace of Somen. Characterized by the strong “koshi” (close to “al dente”), Miwa Somen provides excellent elasticity that enables noodles to be extremely thin and prevents the noodles from becoming too soggy after being boiled.

Link with the production area

Every February, the “Bokujo Ritual” which is to appreciate Somen is held in Omiwa Shinto Shrine, and Somen producers across the country come to Miwa to participate in this Shinto ritual. Since 1965, the production of Miwa Somen has spread the entire area of Nara Prefecture.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s12.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Buy from the producer group (opens in a new tab)Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Miwa Somen is hand-stretched thin wheat noodles from Nara Prefecture, originating in the Miwa area, said to be the birthplace of hand-stretched somen, and now made throughout the prefecture. Their firm, elastic texture allows them to be made extremely thin while staying resistant to going soft after boiling.

Miwa Somen is produced in Throughout Nara Prefecture.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation), online shops and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Miwa Somen was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 29, 2016 (Registration No. 12). The registered producer group is Nara Miwa Sōmen Industrial Cooperative, Nara Miwa Sōmen Sales Association.