Those who have already explored the farmer’s markets at Morinosankakuboshi and Yumesanchi will certainly find plenty of other things to do in Kihoku. While the western imagination might consider Japan to be a country obsessed with modernity, the nation has perhaps more pride in their natural beauty than any other. A visit to the Narukawa Valley should prove this to anyone. Hikers, campers and fishers will certainly enjoy the natural amenities. The scenic valley is beautiful, and simply gazing at the area should be enough to settle the spirit. Of course, that isn’t to say that physical needs aren’t thought of as well, and visitors will be able to treat themselves to a meal of pheasant at the lodge that accompanies the valley. For those who want to have a traditional bath, the valley also boasts an onsen.
The Yasumorido Somennagashi is something of a seasonal attraction, and is open between mid-July and the end of August. Clumps of somen noodles get forces through a trough and customers pick them out with their own chopsticks. A dipping sauce is provided, and the process is really quite unique. A small pond is located nearby, and is stocked trout for those who’d like to enjoy some fishing. Of course, the Yasumorishonyu Cave attracts people during the hot summer months because of the cool temperature it boasts.
The Kawanobori Ekiden is a so-called river climbing relay race that consists of teams that rush along the Hiromi River. Though they can run in shallow areas, each single step must land in the water. As well as this one of a kind athletic event, the town also hosts a Tetsujin iron-man race for individual runners. Perhaps it isn’t so strange, then, that professional baseball player Tadashi Shiba is from the town. A dynamic and athletic area was probably also a great home for Tadashi Hyodo, who was the first female in Japan to gain a pilot’s license.
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