In Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, the Cup Noodles Museum traces the story of instant noodles and their inventor, Momofuku Ando, through exhibits and hands-on activities. See thousands of noodle packages in the Instant Noodles History Cube, then make a custom cup at My CUPNOODLES Factory by decorating the packaging and choosing a soup and toppings. The fourth-floor Noodles Bazaar serves small portions of noodle dishes from different countries, so you can sample more than one. Families can also visit CUPNOODLES Park, a play area inspired by the noodle-making process.
The story behind instant noodles
The museum in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district is dedicated to instant noodles and the ideas behind their development. Its exhibits follow the work of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen and founder of Nissin Food Products.
Opened in 2011, the museum presents Ando’s story through displays, visual installations and interactive experiences. An animated film about his life is another way to follow the history. For more context as you move through the galleries, scan the QR codes to open the online audio guide. Much of the exhibit text is in Japanese.
From package displays to a recreated work shed
The Instant Noodles History Cube brings together more than 3,000 product packages, showing how instant noodle products have changed over time. It is a visual record of the different designs and varieties associated with the food.
A recreation of Ando’s work shed gives a sense of the setting connected with his invention. Elsewhere, art and diagrams present the museum’s themes of creativity and experimentation. The displays are arranged across several floors, so allow time to look around before heading to the activities.
Make a custom cup or noodles from scratch
At My CUPNOODLES Factory, you decorate a cup, choose a soup flavour and select four toppings. Staff seal the finished cup for you to take away. The activity has timed entry, so booking ahead is a sensible way to secure a place, especially if you have a particular visit time in mind.
The Chicken Ramen Factory is a separate workshop where participants make noodles from scratch. It also requires advance planning, as workshop places can fill. Check the museum’s booking information before your visit to see which activities are available and how to reserve them.
Noodles Bazaar and CUPNOODLES Park
On the fourth floor, the Noodles Bazaar is a food court styled after an Asian night market. Its menu includes noodle dishes from different countries, including Korean, Japanese, Kazakh and Chinese varieties. The portions are small, which makes it easier to try several dishes in one stop.
CUPNOODLES Park is designed for children to act out the stages of noodle production, from making to shipping. The play session lasts 30 minutes, according to the activity information. Families can pair it with the museum’s exhibits, while adults interested mainly in the history and displays can focus on the galleries and food court.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do you need to book the museum workshops?
Advance booking is recommended for My CUPNOODLES Factory and Chicken Ramen Factory. The activities use timed entry, and places can sell out.
What can you do at My CUPNOODLES Factory?
Decorate a cup, choose a soup flavour and select four toppings. The finished cup is sealed for you to take home.
Is there food at the Cup Noodles Museum?
Yes. The fourth-floor Noodles Bazaar serves noodle dishes from several countries, including Korean, Japanese, Kazakh and Chinese varieties.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about one to two hours for the exhibits and a hands-on activity or food stop. CUPNOODLES Park has a 30-minute play session.
When is the museum closed?
The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
