TL;DR Review The Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama is a fun and well-designed stop for fans of instant noodles and Japanese pop culture. With engaging, family-friendly exhibits on creative thinking and the history of Cup Noodles, it’s a charming addition to any Yokohama itinerary. Great staff and a clean, well-organized layout make it a decent visit. (4/5)
Full Review Nestled in the heart of Yokohama, the Cup Noodles Museum offers a quirky and surprisingly engaging experience dedicated to the beloved world of instant ramen. This is a spot that goes beyond just paying homage to Cup Noodles—it's an interactive dive into the life of its inventor, Momofuku Ando, and the creativity that transformed instant noodles into a worldwide staple. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Cup Noodles or simply looking to learn something new, the museum has a lot to offer.
The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and child-friendly, making it a great family destination. From interactive installations on creative thinking to displays on the history of instant ramen, there’s plenty here to entertain visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the My CUPNOODLES Factory, where you can design your own Cup Noodles with personalized flavors and packaging. For any fan of instant noodles, this experience adds an extra layer of fun and makes for a perfect souvenir.
As expected from a Japanese tourist spot, the museum is impeccably clean and well-designed. The architecture and layout are sleek and modern, with a balance of open spaces and more focused exhibit areas. The friendly, attentive staff add to the experience, making every visitor feel welcome and well-guided throughout the tour.
While the museum itself is a relatively compact attraction, it’s conveniently located near other popular Yokohama sites, so it fits well into a day of sightseeing. You can easily add it to your itinerary if you’re exploring the Minato Mirai district or enjoying the nearby waterfront.
The Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama is an unexpectedly delightful stop, ideal for ramen enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It combines fun, education, and a dash of nostalgia, all in one neat package. It may not be a massive tourist spectacle, but its charm and character make it a worthwhile visit that offers a refreshing break from the usual sightseeing. If you’re in Yokohama, this quirky museum is definitely worth a look.
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Read moreThe Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama is a fantastic attraction that blends history, creativity, and hands-on fun. Whether you’re a fan of instant noodles or just looking for a unique experience in Japan, this museum is well worth a visit.
One of the main highlights is the My CUPNOODLES Factory, where you can design your own cup, choose from a variety of ingredients, and watch as your personalised instant noodles are sealed and packaged. It’s a fun, interactive activity for both kids and adults. Another must-try is the Chicken Ramen Factory, where you can make ramen noodles from scratch (note that this requires a reservation).
The museum also features the Instant Noodles History Cube, which showcases a fascinating timeline of instant noodle products from around the world. The Creative Thinking Box and other exhibits provide insight into the life and innovations of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles. For those looking to try different noodle flavours, the NOODLES BAZAAR offers dishes inspired by global noodle varieties.
The museum is well-maintained and accessible for visitors of all ages. There are clean and modern toilets available on-site. The building is wheelchair-friendly, with lifts and ramps to ensure easy access to all exhibits.
Entry to the museum is quite affordable, with reasonable ticket prices. Some hands-on experiences, like making your own ramen, may have additional fees, but they are well worth the cost. The museum does not have its own dedicated parking, but there are paid parking lots nearby. If you’re using public transport, it’s conveniently located near Minatomirai Station, making it easy to reach.
Before leaving, be sure to check out the gift shop, which sells exclusive Cup Noodles-themed merchandise, including souvenirs, instant noodle kits, and quirky items that make for great gifts.
Overall, the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama is a fun, educational, and interactive destination that appeals to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re designing your own cup noodles, learning about the history of instant ramen, or simply enjoying the creative exhibits, there’s something for everyone. It’s a must-visit if you’re in the...
Read moreI had no plans to visit the museum, but I was in the area and the building from the outside looks pretty cool so why not?!
I went by myself on a Friday afternoon. I think I lucked out as there was no one in line for purchasing tickets. The staff who helped me spoke English and let me know what my options were in terms of what I could do at the museum. I ended up buying the entrance ticket and a ticket to make my own personal cup noodles.
The experience of making cup noodles was pretty cute. I took a significantly long time to decorate my cup noodle as there didn't seem to be a time limit on how long I could sit at the table and use their markers. Most families finished decorating after 5-10 minutes. I was there for ~30 minutes (I didn't have many plans that day). Getting to pick your ingredients and seeing them pack your cup noodle was the best part though. You also get a cute plastic bag for your cup noodle so that you can flaunt it around Yokohama.
The museum exhibit is also really cool! I didn't expect it to be as arty as it was. There was definitely a lot of history about how cup noodles came to be. You could finish the exhibit in 10 minutes if you're just walking around without reading the plaques. I also watched a 30-45 minute animated show about the history. It comes with English subtitles and was pretty cute!
There's also a noodle restaurant at the top of the building if you get hungrg. Oddly though, they did not serve cup noodles. They did serve other types of noodles!
If you're up at the top of the building, there's also a patio area with a great view of Yokohama!
TLDR; Highly recommend if you have an hour or two to spare...
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