Japanese translation help
 

Planning a day trip to Kyoto and want to eat this flowing ramen thing. Can't contact the restaurant. Can someone give me the nitty gritty? Time and days it is served? Thanks,

http://hirobun.co.jp/menu/index.html

That actually is not ramen. It is somen, a very thin wheat noodle that is served cold (the water in that trough is quite cold) and plain. It is consumed with a mild but flavorful dipping sauce.

The restaurant in question does not take reservations, which may explain your inability to contact them. He also reserves the right to not offer that meal whenever conditions are not quite right, such as in rainy weather or when the river has risen. To me, that means his seating is out over the river. I suspect you will just have to take your chances and arrive, hoping there will be seating for you. Their hours are 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Some restaurants and most clubs in Kyoto are very tradition-oriented and some do not encourage foreigners to patronize them. For example, most "geisha" tea houses will probably not admit you. I am not familiar with that property but would have a back-up plan for lunch if you are not served there.

It's a summer dish and they serve from May to the end of September.

Thank you very much.

You know, I missed that. Thanks. We don't know when the OP will be visiting and it IS a hot weather dish.

Last weekend of May.

Here is how it is done.

This place sure has a lot of rules.

I noticed that, too.

have you noticed that places also tend to use more imaged pics as of late on websites to avoid google translation of the same to avoid foreigners even more?

I hadn't really thought about it but suppose it could be. I do see a fair number of them like that.

I have noticed this a bit, but I hadn't figured it was to keep away foreigners. I kind of figured it was for better aesthetic control. I find Japanese text font renderings of kanji pretty hard to read.

I've shown up at some places that didn't have any text on their websites (only images) where I had to do a fair bit of work to figure out how to get there and the people have seemed pretty happy to see me and accommodating of my poor Japanese skills.

My experience is a fairly small sample, though! Could be anecdotal.

They have no parking lot and urge their customers to take public transit. Also, you are expected to take a number when you arrive and wait till your number is called.

By the way, if you go to Kyoto in the summer and experience its special brand of hot, humid, breeze-less discomfort, you will want to eat and drink EVERYTHING cold.