First published on TripZilla.

We’re sure that everybody can relate to having a steaming cup of noodles in the middle of the night. Offered in a variety of flavours, cup noodles are a snack that can sure pack a punch! If you’re a big fan of this tasty treat, why not go deep and immerse yourself in all things cup noodles?

Indeed, Japan has an entire museum dedicated to cup noodles. Known as the ‘Momofuku Ando Cup Noodles Museum’, the museum offers visitors a chance to learn all about the origins of the snack. There’s plenty to do at the museum as well, including hands-on activities such as making a packet of Chicken ramen from scratch! Here's a peek inside.

My CUPNOODLES Factory

Always wanted to customise your own cup noodles? Here’s your chance!

Head to the tables and use the markers to design your own cup. Feel free to let your imagination go wild! Even after consuming the noodles, these cups will make for great souvenirs of the trip.

Once you’re done with your design, you can head to the counter to choose your toppings. You can choose up for four varieties! You’ll also be tasked to choose a soup base, where you can take your pick from flavours such as curry and chilli tomato.

When you’re done with your selection, the staff will help to seal your cup of noodles. You can even help the process along by turning a wheel – allowing you to feel involved in every step of the process.

The cup noodles will be encased in a vacuum pack of sorts for easy transportation and viola! You have your very own customised cup noodles to bring home – or to consume back at your accommodation if you simply cannot wait to dig in.

Tip: It’s advised to book your time slot on their website beforehand as the experience is extremely popular.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm (no entry after 5pm)

Cost: ¥300 (~SGD4) per cup

Chicken Ramen Factory

Break out your inner Masterchef by booking a slot at the Chicken Ramen Factory, where you’ll get to concoct your very own serving of ramen from scratch.

You’ll be given a time slot, as well as a matching apron and bandana. It’s mandatory to put these on for hygiene purposes! You’ll also be able to bring the bandana home as a nifty souvenir.

You’ll be given a thorough briefing before the session starts. Do note that the session is only conducted in Japanese; however, English instruction manuals are available upon request.

You’ll get to make your Chicken Ramen from scratch, starting with kneading and spreading the flour, adding eggs and so on, steaming the mixture and even rolling the noodles out with a roller machine. At the end of the process, the staff will help to flash fry your noodles in a vat of boiling oil.

Whilst waiting for the noodles to cool, you can start designing your own ramen packet with the coloured markers available at the table.

At the end of the session, you’ll be able to bring home your own handcrafted ramen! It’s obligatory to make reservations for your session, which you can do so on their website. However, you can also try your luck at the reception counter on the day of your visit.

Opening hours: 10.15am-5.45pm (90-minute time-slots with a maximum of 48 pax per session)

Time slots: 10.15am / 11am / 11.45am / 1.15pm / 2pm / 2.45pm / 3.30pm / 4.15pm

Cost: ¥500 (~SGD6) per session

Instant Noodles History Cube

Step into the ‘Instant Noodles History Cube’ to learn how this global phenomenon came about. Believe it or not but there are a whopping 3,000 packets on display!

It’s said that about 100 billion servings of instant noodles are consumed on a global basis per year. Imagine that! And this all originated from Momofuku Ando, the individual who invented Chicken Ramen back in 1958.

Marvel at how the packaging designs have changed over the years; the museum claims that nearly 800 new instant noodles products are launched in Japan alone on a yearly basis. The History Cube contains all of the old and new product offerings, allowing you to literally walk through memory lane.

Warning: it’s best not to visit on an empty stomach!

Opening hours: 10am-6pm

The Momofuku Ando Story

Learn more about the individual that started it all at this educational display that comes complete with quirky illustration and comprehensive information boards. There is also a ‘Momofuku Theater’ that screen a short film about the inspiring individual, as well as a realistic recreation of the Work Shed where Momofuku Ando invented the world’s first instant noodles.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm

CUPNOODLES Park

Image credit: CUPNOODLES MUSUEM

If you have little kids in tow, they’re going to love the CUPNOODLES Park. This interactive park allows children to become the noodles themselves, travelling through the entire manufacturing process.

Children are able to view the entire manufacturing process – from production to shipping – all from the noodles’ point of view. They’ll dive into a seasoning pool filled with balls, frolic through a virtual fryer and zoom down a slide surrounded by packages. What a novel idea, huh!

Do book your slot on their website ahead of time to avoid any disappointment.

Opening hours: 10.30am-5.30pm (30-minute sessions)

Cost: ¥300 (~SGD4) per child

Noodles Bazaar

Image credit: CUPNOODLES MUSUEM

Before you go, refuel at the Noodles Bazaar which is home to different varieties of noodles. The shops and seating areas are even modelled after an Asian night market! The servings come in half-sized bowls, allowing you the stomach space to try a few different flavours.

Opening hours: 11am-6pm (last order at 5.30pm)

Cost: ¥300 (~SGD4) per serving

How to get to Momofuku Ando Cup Noodles Museum

The museum is located in Yokohama, which is a short 30-minute train ride from Tokyo via the JR Tokaido or Yokosuka line. The museum can be reached within a short 10-minute walk from the station.

You’ll also pass by Cosmo World, an old-school theme park on the way to the museum. Why not make a day trip out of it and visit both at the same time? It’ll be a day that everybody – regardless of age – can enjoy!

Momofuku Ando Cup Noodles Museum

Address: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-001 Japan

Opening hours: 10am-6pm (last admission at 5pm)

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