Miwa, the birthplace of somen noodles, in Sakurai City, once part of Yamato Province, is a mythical world of eternity.

The origin of somen can be traced back to Miwa (Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture) in Yamato Province. Miwa is a scenic Manyo land which is home to the oldest Shrine in Japan, Omiwa Jinja Shrine, where Mount Miwa is worshipped as the deity. Japan's oldest road, "Yamanobe-no-Michi," which stretches from Mount Miwa to the north, Provides well-kept glimpses of the past and conveying the spirits of the ancient poems. There is Hashihaka Burial Mound, which is said to be the tomb of Himiko, the queen of Yamataikoku, and is popular as a power spot that provides healing and vitality. Old Shrines and temples, stone monuments inscribed with poems and historical places appear, inviting travelers into an ancient illusionary world.

The secret of somen's birth lies in Japan’s oldest Shrine, Omiwa Jinja Shrine

There is a medicinal well at Sai Jinja Shrine within the precincts of Omiwa Jinja Shrine from which sacred water gushing forth. From this blessing of pure water and that of clean winds blowing from the sacred mountain, Miwa Somen is said to have been born. The journey begins over 1,200 years ago. Tane-nushi, the second son of Kusa Sai, a descendant of the deities of the Omiwa Jinja Shrine, prayed for relief for the people suffering from famine and pestilence. His voice was heard and he received a divine revelation. As he was instructed, he sprinkled the wheat seeds in the fertile Miwa soil, then ground the matured wheat into flour using a water-powered millstone, kneaded it with healing spring water, and stretched it into a thread-like shape, which is said to be the origin of Miwa Somen. Afterwards, Miwa Somen began to attract visitors on their way to Ise, and the hand-pulled method was introduced to Banshu (Hyogo Prefecture), Shodoshima, and Shimabara, with Miwa Somen eventually becoming one of Japan's representative traditional foods.

Miwa Somen, reputed to be the best in Japan, are slender like threads, white like snow

According to "Nihon Sankai Meibutsu Zue," a gastronomic catalog of the Edo period (1603-1867), somen was enjoyed throughout Japan, and Miwa Somen was acclaimed as the best in Japan. Miwa Somen is highly praised thanks to its high-quality flour and salt, the fresh water of Miwa's, and the northern wind (Miwa Oroshi) that blows down from Mount Miwa. Miwa Somen's delicious taste is a direct result of the region's unique and blessed climate. Furthermore, we have established our own high quality standards, which are stricter than the quality labeling standards set by the government, and we continue to pass down the traditional manufacturing method in which human hands are involved in every step of the process. We hope you will try our genuine somen noodles, which are smooth and firm. In addition to somen, Yamato Sakurai has many other attractions as the "place where it all began", such as sake brewing, performing arts, and sumo wrestling . Let's go on a journey through time and space to explore the ancient romance, spectacular natural scenery, and traditional gastronomy of Yamato Sakurai.