Many adventure travellers tend to skip museums, but the Cup Noodle Museum (安藤百福発明記念館) is anything but ordinary. Beyond exploring the rich history of instant noodles, this unique museum offers hands-on experiences like creating your own custom cup of noodles and sampling noodle dishes from around the globe. A similar experience to Good Noodle in Bangkok.
I would pick Noodles over Rice in a heartbeat. But is it really worth visiting the Cup Noodle Museum in 2024? Keep reading!
Story of the Cup Noodle Museum
There's a lot of information about the story of Momofuku Ando and the establishment of Nissin Food - the first Instant Ramen company in the world. I'll make it short. It all started back in 1958, in a small shed in Osaka where he started selling these fast-food noodles. Due to the food shortage following the war, many people ate fish-focused meals like Oden. So when Ando began selling flash-fried Chicken Ramen, it soon became a hit.
The famous Cup Noodle that we see today, was invented by Ando in 1971 (ramen that came in a cup). The first Cup Noodle Museum was opened in 1999 in Osaka Ikeda - Ando's own property.
Later, a bigger more wholesome branch was opened in Yokohama which was targeted mainly towards Tourists and crazy ramen fans around the world.
Ando's ramen was a big hit and he went on to create the first-ever ramen for Astronauts as well in 2005.
Is Cup Noodle Museum worth it?
The Cup Noodles Museum is definitely worth a visit, especially for fans of instant noodles and those interested in quirky, interactive experiences.
The Cup Noodle Museum located in Yokohama, Japan, offers a unique insight into the history and evolution of instant ramen, with fun, hands-on activities like creating your own custom cup noodles. Beyond just a food exhibit, it's an immersive cultural experience for all ages. What's more? It's a one-of-a-kind experience, only found in Japan. So it's a worthwhile stop on your Japan itinerary.
Where is the Cup Noodle Museum
The Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama is located in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama, Japan. This vibrant waterfront area is easily accessible from Tokyo, just a short train ride away. The museum's exact address is 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Situated near popular attractions like the Yokohama Landmark Tower and the Red Brick Warehouse.
The Original Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka is located in the city of Ikeda, which is part of the Osaka Prefecture in Japan. Specifically, you can find it at 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041, Japan.
Entrance Fee for Cup Noodles Museum?
The entrance to Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum is 500¥ (USD 4). You can enter the Osaka Cup Noodle Museum for Free. A Noodle cup at both Museums costs 500¥ - 600¥ (USD 5).
In addition to this, prepare to spend more on various exhibits, workshops and shopping. The Chicken Ramen factory workshop costs 1000¥ per adult (USD 7). Altogether, it would cost about USD 40 per adult for the entire experience at the Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum. And about USD 30 per adult at the Osaka Ikeda Cup Noodle Museum.
Which is better Osaka Ikeda or Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum?
Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum is bigger and artistically pleasing while Osaka Ikeda Museum is more historically valued as it's the birthplace of the famous Instant Chicken Ramen. The Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka Ikeda is also Ando's own property. All in all, there's not much of a difference.
If you don't like the crowds, Osaka is better. If you want a more wholesome entertaining experience, Yokohama is better.
I've listed things you can do in both museums.
Things to do in the Cup Noodle Museum
There are so many activities to do in the Cup Noodle Museum. If you're an Instant Noodle fan like me (Kill for Buldak!), you can learn the origins of Instant Ramen, make your own cup of noodles and more.
Here are the things you can do in both Museums:
See the re-creation of Ando's shed
Visit the Chicken Ramen & Cup Noodle Factory (Create your own Noodle)
View the Instant Noodle Story Board
Watch the Story at the Cup Noodle Theater
Shop at the Cup Noodle Museum shop
Things you can only do at Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda
Instant Noodle Tunnel
Visit the Instant Noodle Exhibit
View Sentiments of Momofuku Ando and His Achievement
Where is the Noodles Bazaar in Cup Noodle Museum?
The Noodles Bazaar is an iconic place located on the top floor of the Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum where you can taste 8 different noodle varieties from across the world. (They've got Italian Pasta to Thai Tom Yum Goong). Each half-sized serving bowl costs 500¥ (USD 4). Other extras like desserts and drinks cost between 200¥ - 400¥ (USD 2).
How much Time Do I Need at Cup Noodles Museum?
With the queues and workshop times included, you may need about 3 - 4 hours to complete the Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum. If you're visiting the Osaka Ikeda Cup Noodle Museum, you may be able to complete it in 3 hours. Anyway, leave about a half day on your Japan travel itinerary for the Cup Noodle Museum visit.
Which Cup Noodle Museum is Best for Kids?
If you're travelling to Japan with kids, you may wonder which Cup Noodle Museum should you visit, knowing there's not much of a difference between the two. Saying confidently, the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama is the best place for children as there are a lot of interactive activities.
When is the Cup Noodles Museum Closed?
Both Cup Noodles museums are closed on Tuesdays. On all other days, it's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We advise you to go ahead of time during high season to avoid queues.
How to get to the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama?
From Minato Mirai Station: A quick 3-minute ride on the Minato Mirai Line from Yokohama Station, followed by a 10-minute walk, will get you to the destination.
From Sakuragicho Station: After a 3-minute journey on the JR Negishi Line or Yokohama Subway Line from Yokohama Station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station.
Conclusion
If you're a ramen lover or just curious about Japan's unique culture, the Cup Noodle Museum is a must-visit. It’s an interactive, fun-filled experience that goes beyond your typical museum visit. From learning the fascinating history of instant noodles to making your own custom cup, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're in Yokohama or Osaka, the Cup Noodle Museum offers a delightful blend of history, creativity, and, of course, delicious noodles.
Visiting the Cup Noodle Museum in Japan? Let us know how it goes!