Don't miss out on the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka

Cup noodles hold a special place in the culinary landscape of East Asia, transcending the boundaries of convenience food to become a cultural icon. In this region, cup noodles have evolved into a diverse and beloved category of instant food, offering an array of flavors and innovations that cater to every palate. In fact, it has evolved beyond simply instant food, but has also made its way to many iconic dishes in the region. If you ever find yourself in Osaka, Japan, you should definitely plan a stop at the Cup Noodles Museum.

Cup Noodles Museum

There are not one, but two, Cup Noodles Museum in Japan — one in Yokohama, and the other in Osaka. You should most definitely visit the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka given a chance, especially with Osaka being the birthplace of cup noodles.

The cup noodles museum has many interactive exhibits and attractions that brings you on a journey though the evolution of instant cup noodles. From a faithful recreation of the work shed where the world's first instant noodles was created, to an Instant Noodles Tunnel where you get to see approximately 800 different instant noodles product packages, there is a lot to unpack!

Be sure to also stop by the Cup Noodles Drama Theater, where you can immerse yourself in the captivating story behind the creation of Cup Noodles. Through interactive exhibits and engaging presentations, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the innovation and creativity that went into developing this iconic product.

The theater takes you back in time to the 1950s, when Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods, first came up with the idea of instant noodles. You'll witness the challenges he faced and the groundbreaking techniques he used to turn his vision into reality. From experimenting with different types of noodles to perfecting the seasoning, Ando's dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring.

Interactive Experiences at the Museum

A visit to the Cup Noodles Museum does not end at just learning about the history behind Cup Noodles. The highlights of the museum, in our humble opinion, is the interactive experiences that they offer.

Chicken Ramen Factory

At the Chicken Ramen Factory, you will have a chance to experience the process that lead to the creation of the world's first instant noodles. You will get to see for yourself the transformation of the wheat flour into the final product of the chicken ramen factory. Go through the process of kneading, spreading, and steaming of the flour to flash frying it, and you will leave the factory with your own hand-made chicken ramen!

The entire session would last 1.5 hours (90 minutes), and there are four daily sessions at 9.30am, 11.00am, 1.15pm, and 2.45pm. Reservations are required, and they open 3 months prior to the desired date. The experience costs 1,000JPY.

Create Your Own Cup Noodle

The other interactive experience - and the one we like most - is the opportunity to create your own cup noodle. Get ready to unleash your inner chef and put your creativity to the test. At the museum's My Cup Noodle Factory, you can design and customize your very own cup of instant ramen noodles. From selecting your favorite soup base and toppings to designing the cup's label, this hands-on experience allows you to create a personalized Cup Noodle that is one-of-a-kind.

It takes about 45 minutes to complete the experience, and reservations are not required. However, to prevent overcrowding, there might be a limit to the number of participants allowed. It is recommended that you check the availability of slots before you head down to the museum, and upon arrival, get a number from the reception ahead of your tour of the museum.

The experience costs 500JPY.

Tasting Room

Well, this is not exactly an exhibit. But, you can't really say you've been to a cup noodles museum if you didn't have some cup noodles there, can you? One of the best things about the tasting room is that you will be able to find flavours that you might otherwise not be able to find in other parts of Osaka, including region-specific flavours or limited-edition flavours. Simply purchase the flavour that you want from the vending machine, and you will be able to enjoy your meal in the room!

Practical Information

Getting to the Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka

The museum is conveniently situated in the heart of Osaka, making it easily accessible for visitors.

🚉 Nearest Station: Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. Exit from the Masumi-cho Homen exit, and walk approximately 5 minutes.

Opening Hours

The museum opens its doors to the public from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with last admission at 3.30pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Admission Fee

Admission to the museum is free, though separate charges would be required for the interactive exhibits.