Cup Noodle Museum - Yokohama

It's interesting to recall how often I ate Cup Noodles growing up, but never thought to learn about it's history until I came across a chapter on it in my Japanese class during college. I was studying abroad in Kyoto, reading a chapter titled,

日本の食べ物 - インスタントラーメン発明物語 (Japanese Food - The Story of Instant Noodles)

...when it finally occurred to me that there was a time BEFORE instant noodles.

Even though the original museum was nearby in Osaka, I never got the chance to fit it into my schedule during my 3 month stay in Kyoto. It wasn't until 3 years later (this year!) when I was able to finally visit the Cup Noodle Museum.

I had set aside a day during my Japan trip this year to meet up with a few of my classmates from my study abroad program, who were all in Japan teaching English for various companies. It seemed fitting to visit the museum with the same people who I've learned the awesomeness of Cup Noodles with. One of them currently lives in Osaka, and the other 2 had plans to come visit for the weekend, so it was decided that we visit the newer Yokohama location as opposed to the original Momofuku Ando Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka.

There is definitely a lack of pictures from this day, as we were a bit rushed.

First things first -- we paid admission (500yen, so cheap!) and reserved a time slot for "My CupNoodle Factory", a fun little workshop to make our own customized cup of noodles.

Lobby, right next to the gift shop:

The museum surprised me with a very clean, sleek and modern design, with a lot of open space. Don't let the picture fool you into thinking the museum was empty -- just 2 minutes prior to this shot the whole room was filled with dozens of kids and families!

The Yokohama location has 5 stories, and as you walk through the exhibits you'll learn about Momofuku Ando's process of trial and error to create the first awesome instant noodles, Chicken Ramen.

I won't get into detail about the history, as I think it'll be more fun to see and learn in person than reading through a blog.

The museum is all about instilling innovation and a "never give up" sort of mentality. My favorite room in the museum is the Instant Noodle History Cube -- a room displaying all the different types of instant noodles, all the way from the inception, to current times.

Some instant noodles that I am very familiar with, from my college days:

There is also a replica of Ando's work shed, a theater showcasing a short film about Momofuku Ando, and fun "creative thinking boxes" where I got to learn about Ando's creative process.

Yes, you can go inside:

Looking at something from different perspectives:

The 4th floor has the CUPNOODLES PARK, an interactive attraction with noodle themed play structure for kids where they can see how instant noodles are made and packaged from the noodle's point of view. Sounds weird, but it looked cute. We wanted to try, but it's age restricted. No pictures taken.

Also on the 4th floor is the food court that's unique to the Yokohama location, called the Noodles Bazaar. Designed to look reminiscent of an outdoor asian nightmarket (quite convincingly), they offer 8 different types of noodles from around the world, including the ever popular original Chicken Ramen. Visitors can expect to try at least 2 different types of noodles, as the portions given are half size, priced at 300 yen each. I tried the Malaysian laksa and Thailand tom yum noodles.

As good as the food was, the real highlight of the day was making my own customized cup noodles! Everyone I've ever talked to prior to this trip always first mentioned the workshop before anything else.

"Oh the Cup Noodle Museum! Go! You can customize your own noodles!"

Though we had signed up for a time slot, there was still quite a line we had to wait in. However, the process was quite efficient and the wait ended up not being very long. I bought my Instant Noodle styrofoam cup from a vending machine for 300 yen while waiting in line.

After I got seated at one of the tables, I got to drawing. There is no time limit, as far as I know...

After we finished decorating our cups, we got back in line and handed our cups to the staff. First, they fill it with noodles:

Then we choose our soup base and toppings:

Sealing and shrink wrapping:

Lastly, we packed our souvenirs in these cute inflatable bags. I failed and packed mines upside down:

Overall, it was a good couple hours spent with good friends. To this day I haven't tried my customized cup. It's expired by now, but I never intended on eating it anyway -- it'll be my souvenir for life. If I do get a chance to go again, I will probably make a similar flavor to try.

Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum

Directions: 10 minute walk from

Minato Mirai Station

or

Sakuragicho Station

Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:00), closed on Tuesdays

Fees: 500 yen

Featured Photo

: Instant Noodle History Cube

Blog

Cup Noodle Museum - Yokohama