My Visit to the Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama
Before stepping into the story of the Cup Noodles Museum, let’s pause to honour the man who changed how the world eats ,Momofuku Ando.
We all know instant cup noodles ,that magical meal ready in minutes. I’ve often carried them while travelling, a quiet source of comfort and assurance.
This thought, this comfort, this feeling of assurance all trace back to the brilliant mind of one man: Momofuku Ando of Japan.
He wasn’t a scientist, or a famous chef. He was just an ordinary man with an extraordinary dream to make sure no one in the world ever goes hungry again.
Timeline of Innovation
• 1958: Invented Chicken Ramen in his shed
• 1971: Introduced Cup Noodles
• 1999: CupNoodles Museum opened in Yokohama
• 2005: Created Space Ramen for zero gravity
Over the years since opening: expansions and renovations to add more interactive features and modern exhibits.
Today: The museum continues to evolve as both a cultural destination and a fun experiential place for families, food lovers, and kids.
About the Museum
Located in Minato Mirai, Yokohama, the museum celebrates Ando’s legacy through creativity, innovation, and food culture. Operated by Nissin Foods, it encourages visitors to experience rather than just observe.
Major Exhibitions & Attractions:
Here are some of the key features of the museum:
The Momofuku Theatre:
A 58 meter long panorama (illustrated, friendly for kids) tracing Ando’s life, thinking and inventions. screening time is 14 minutes, screened every 10 minutes.
Momofuku’s Work Shed :
A faithful recreation of the simple shed where Ando worked on Chicken Ramen. Emphasises the message: “With an idea, ordinary tools, and passion, you can make something great.”
Instant Noodles History Cube :
Exhibits over 3,000 packages of instant noodles from around the world, showing how it grew into a global culture.
My CUPNOODLES Factory :
A hands on attraction where you can design a cup, pick your soup flavour and select toppings (there are thousands of combinations).
Chicken Ramen Factory :
A more advanced workshop where you can make noodles by hand,kneading, steaming, flash frying, etc.
NOODLES BAZAAR :
World Noodles Road ,A food zone where visitors can taste various noodle dishes from around the world (reflecting Ando’s interest in global noodle culture).
CUPNOODLES Park :
A playful “factory” park where children experience the journey of a noodle in a fun way.
And finally, visiting it, is more than just seeing “instant noodles”. It is about appreciating a modern invention with cultural significance.
My Experience:
The museum is playful, inspiring, and beautifully designed. Take your time,each exhibit tells a story of creativity, perseverance, and global connection.
And finally, visiting it, is more than just seeing “instant noodles”. It is about appreciating a modern invention with cultural significance.
My last meal before flying home was, fittingly, a Cup Noodle. But this time, it wasn’t just food ,it felt like a tribute to Ando’s dream.
♿ Accessibility: Elevators provide easy access for wheelchairs and baby prams.
Nearest Stations:
• Minatomirai Station – 8 min walk
• Bashamichi Station – 8 min walk
• Sakuragicho Station – 12 min walk
A must visit for all noodle lovers. The humble beginning of the instant Noodles, through challenges and innovation is well told. The movie shown is very informative. You can make your own custom noodles and take it home as a souvenir. The observation deck on top has some great views. The food court has collection of delicious noodle dishes from different parts of the world
There's not much to explore here aside from looking at historical infographics on the walls of the hallways. For the cup noodles making, drawing something on your cup and choosing ingredients you want are the only things you can try. We were not able to try, but from the transparent wall, we saw that the chicken ramen factory seems to be more interactive, as you will be making some noodles by hand. Anyway, it is not that expensive so it may still be worth it to try, plus you can bring home your customized cup noodles home without additional fee.
1 hour was plenty for the museum itself. It is pretty small and is just one floor. 4th floor had a cool food court area where you can purchase noddle cuisines from different countries. There was also a playground for kids.
The cup ramen experience takes as much time it takes you for decorating. The line probably took about 5 minutest to get in, then another 10 min tops for the line for toppings & packaging.
The gift shop area was cool so make sure to checm that out.
