Use Your Noodle – The Osaka Ikeda Cup Noodle Museum

March 8, 2021

Almost everyone has heard of instant ramen. These easy, affordable noodles have been feeding people all over the world for decades. But did you know that the first instant noodles, called "Magic Ramen", were invented in a tiny shed in the town of Ikeda? At the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka, Ikeda, you can learn all about the history of this beloved food, and even try your hand at making your own cup noodles.

The inventor of Cup Noodles Momofuku Ando.

Just a 5 minute walk from Ikeda Station, the Cup Noodle Museum is much like its namesake–small and unassuming on the outside, but filled with lots of goodies. Walk through the Instant Ramen Tunnel, where countless packages of colorful noodles from past and present arch overhead. Explore a life-sized replica of inventor Momofuku Ando's shed, where the very first chicken ramen was created. Interactive exhibits show the making of cup noodles and how the process has changed over time. In the Cup Noodles Drama Theater (which is shaped like a cup noodle, of course) you can learn about the inspiration behind the cup, and view the manufacturing process. Undoubtably the star of the museum, however, is the My Cup Noodles Factory.

Life-size replica of inventor Momofuku Ando's shed, where the very first chicken ramen was created.

Are you an artistic person? For just ¥400 a cup, you can design your own My Cup Noodle inside and out. After decorating the outside with markers, take your empty cup to the filling station, where you'll add your ingredients. There are four soup bases and 12 toppings to choose from: I went with a seafood soup base with crab, shrimp, corn, and chicken. Next, seal your cup, and shrink-wrap it in plastic. Your custom cup noodle is good for one month, but I'm sure you'll want to try it right away! Worried your noodles might get damaged on the trip home? No problem! The museum provides an inflatable "air package" bag to keep your cup safe from harm.

If you're wanting even more of a hands-on experience, book a session at the Chicken Ramen Factory, where you can craft your own noodles from scratch. In this 90 minute workshop, participants will knead, cut, steam and fry their own chicken ramen noodles, then take them home in their own personalized packaging. Reservations are required.

Don't forget to visit the Tasting Room, where you can purchase limited edition products and try them right there at the museum–or take them home to family and friends. Speaking of family and friends, make sure to visit the museum shop where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, including chicken ramen sweet buns, cup noodle memo pads, and merchandise featuring Hiyoko-chan, the adorable chick mascot.

Whether you're an instant noodle aficionado or just looking for a unique experience in Osaka, the Cup Noodles Museum is sure to please.