The birthplace of instant ramen! Cup Noodles Museum, Osaka Ikeda [Stop by if you're in Ikeda City!]

2025.04.17

120 billion servings of instant ramen are eaten around the world every year, but did you know that it originated in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture?

The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is an experiential museum where you can learn about the history and invention of instant ramen, and popular experiences include making your own one-of-a-kind original cup noodles and making your own Chicken Ramen. The exhibits also provide information that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, including the background to how instant ramen spread around the world and stories of the inspiration of its inventor, Momofuku Ando.

This is the highlight!
・An interactive museum that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike
・You can experience making your own original cup noodles that are one of a kind in the world
・Exhibition to learn about the history of instant ramen

The world's first instant ramen, Chicken Ramen, was created in 1958 (Showa 33) by Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. He conducted research using everyday tools in a shed he built in the backyard of his home in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture. A faithful reproduction of that research shed is on the first floor, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of that time.

The exhibits, which clearly introduce the story of the invention of instant ramen and the history of its subsequent development, are graphically designed and feature plenty of fun features for children, such as handles that can be turned and doors that can be opened. There is also the "Cup Noodle Drama Theater," where you can enjoy large, impressive images using animation and CG in a theater shaped like a cup noodle, making this an exhibit that both adults and children can enjoy while also learning.

The exhibition is spectacular, showcasing the global spread of instant ramen, which is consumed around 120 billion times a year worldwide, through consumption figures in each country and Cup Noodle packaging from various countries.

Additionally, the "Instant Ramen Tunnel" offers an impressive display of approximately 800 types of instant ramen packaging.

On the second floor, there is the Chicken Ramen Factory, where you can make the world's first instant ramen, Chicken Ramen. You can have fun while experiencing the process, starting with kneading the flour, seasoning it, and drying it. Junior high school students and above: 1,000 yen / Elementary school students: 600 yen (tax included). Please see the website for more details.

The My Cup Noodles Factory is one of the most popular attractions in the museum.
You can create your own original Cup Noodles in a cup you design yourself, choosing your favorite soup from four options and four toppings from 12 ingredients. There are a total of 5,460 possible flavor combinations. Enjoy making your own original Cup Noodles. The cost is 500 yen per serving. No prior reservations are required for the experience; you will need a numbered ticket, which will be distributed at the entrance on the day. For more information, please see the website.

The Museum Shop sells original Cup Noodle Museum merchandise, as well as merchandise featuring Chicken Ramen's popular character, Hiyoko-chan. There are also many limited edition products that can only be purchased here, making it a great spot to buy souvenirs.

At the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, you can learn about and enjoy instant ramen, a world-renowned invention from Japan. Be sure to stop by when you visit Ikeda!