Shiroishi Umen: Discover the Craftsmanship and Culinary Culture of Miyagi – Guided Factory Tour of Kichimi Noodle Production –

Tour Kichimi Seimen (founded 1897), which makes Shiroishi Umen, a traditional, oil-free noodle with 400 years of history. The tour observes the mechanized production process, showcasing how traditional techniques are blended with modern technology. Participants (elementary school age and older) engage in a hand-stretching noodle experience guided by skilled artisans. Lunch is available separately at the adjacent specialty restaurant.

Details

Plan Price: ¥2,400 per person
*Same price for adults and children.
*For participants of elementary school age and above.

What’s Included

Factory tour and hands-on experience fee
Mask and apron cleaning fee,
Souvenirs (2 bundles of umen)
Handling Fee

Not Included

Lunch,
Transportation Costs
Insurance Fee
Personal expenses（e.g. beverages）

Set Dates: April 1st, 2025 ―　March 31st , 2026
Tour hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Business Days: Monday to Friday
*For tours outside of these hours, please contact us in advance.
-This tour will also be offered next year.
-Please note that tours may not be available even on weekdays. Kindly refer to the factory tour calendar for available dates.
(Official website: https://www.tsurigane.com/pages/factory-tour)

Excluded Date

Weekends, national holidays, Obon holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays

*For additional blackout dates, please refer to the factory tour calendar.

(Official website: https://www.tsurigane.com/pages/factory-tour)

Time Length: Approximately 1 hour

Meeting Place&Time

[Meeting Place]
Kichimi Noodle (46, Motomachi, Shiroishi City, Miyagi, Japan 〒989-0275)

[Meeting Time]
Scheduled Tour Start Time
*If you expect to be late, please be sure to contact us.

Map

Min. # of Participation: 1 people

Max. # of Participants: 10 people
*For groups exceeding 10 people, advance consultation is required.

Supoported Languages: Japanese
*Please arrange for an interpreter if participants do not speak Japanese.

Plan Details: Shiroishi Umen is a traditional noodle that developed thanks to the natural environment of Shiroishi and the support of the local community for over 400 years. Made without using oil, these noodles are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, making them a popular choice for both children and the elderly.
Founded in 1897 (Meiji 30), Kichimi Seimen has faithfully preserved the traditional techniques and spirit of Umen-making. At the factory, high-quality ingredients are carefully selected and processed using time-honored methods combined with modern technology. Every step—from mixing and kneading to aging, stretching, and drying—requires the experience and refined judgment of skilled artisans.
During the factory tour, you can witness the noodle-making process up close, where manual craftsmanship and modern machinery coexist in harmony. Additionally, in the hand-stretching noodle experience, participants can try the artisan techniques for themselves.
Kichimi Seimen also welcomes educational visits, training programs, and professional media coverage. We invite you to experience a unique setting where tradition meets innovation, and gain deeper insight into the rich food culture of the region.

Course Details

*This experience is available for participants elementary school age and older.
1. Reception & Orientation
Upon arrival, guests will check in and receive an orientation from the staff. You will be introduced to the history and characteristics of Shiroishi Umen. All participants will wear aprons, masks, and follow proper hygiene protocols throughout the activity.

2. Factory Tour
Participants will observe the mechanized noodle production process while receiving explanations of each step. There will also be opportunities to ask questions during the tour.

3. Hand-Stretched Noodle Experience
Participants will move to the Tenobe (hand-stretched) noodle factory to try their hand at making traditional hand-stretched noodles. Guided by skilled artisans, they will experience the careful and delicate process of crafting each noodle by hand.

Lunch (not included in the activity fee)
Next to the factory is Tsurigane Ann, a restaurant specializing in Shiroishi Umen. Here, you can enjoy freshly made hand-stretched noodles, including classic dishes and seasonal specialties.
*Closed on the 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays and every Thursday.
*If you wish to reserve lunch, please inform us at the time of your activity booking.

Necessary When making a reservation

1. Desired tour date

2. Name of Representative

3. Number of Participants

4. Contact information on the day (only the representative’s contact is required)

Other(Notes)

•As the factory tour involves walking, please wear comfortable footwear.

•The duration of the tour may vary depending on the number of participants.

•Machinery will be operating inside the factory. For your safety, please follow the instructions of the staff at all times

Cancellation Policy: Free of charge until 12:00 noon on the day before the experience 100% of the experience fee will be charged for same-day cancellations
*Please notify us of any cancellations as early as possible.

Closing Date: 5 business days before date of tour

Operating Company: Kichimi Seimen Co., Ltd.
46, Motomachi, Shiroishi City, Miyagi, Japan 〒989-0275
Tel: +81-224-26-2484
Fax: +81-224-26-2493
Email: u-men@tsurigane.com
Business Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (JST)

Inquiries: Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation
14th floor of the Miyagi Prefectural Government Building, 3-8-1, Hon-cho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi, Japan 〒980-8570
Tel: +81-22-221-1864　Fax: +81-22-211-2829
Email: dmo@miyagi-kankou.or.jp
Business Days: Monday to Friday
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 5:15 pm (JST)