Back to Osaka 🙂 This time we are visiting the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda ! It is just about 20-30 mins train ride from downtown Osaka so there is no reason not to go if you want to visit this special museum.
And if you are a BBFA who likes cup noodles every night.. you really need to find out about how cup noodles are made…… Kidding..
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How to get to Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
As I was staying at the excellent Courtyard at Marriott Shin-Osaka (literally a min walk to Shin-Osaka station), here’s my directions from Shin-Osaka.
To get to Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, you have to take the Express Takarazuka (or Hankyu Takarazuka Main Line) to Ikeda Station.
So for me, I have to take the local RED train (Midosuji Line) from Shin-Osaka back to Umeda Station and then walk over to the Osaka-Umeda Station to get onto the Takarazuka line. So if you are staying at the Umeda station, you are spared this 🙂 Pretty sure there is another way without crossing the river but never mind la….
The train is very pretty !
On the train to Ikeda Station
Welcome to Ikeda Station
Once you reached the Ikeda station, there are quite good information on how to walk from Ikeda Station to Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda.
See.. Japanese are so helpful !!
Walk along this road..
Spot the supermarket.. and walk into the lane for about 5 mins…
And tata.. right in the middle of a calm, cool, chill housing estate..
You can read more about how to get to Cup Noodles Museum OSAKA IKEDA through this link too.
About Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
Cup Noodles Museum is a popular museum located in Ikeda, Osaka, Japan, dedicated to the history and creation of instant ramen, particularly the famous Cup Noodles brand by Nissin Foods. The museum offers a unique and interactive experience where visitors can learn about the invention of instant ramen, the history of Nissin Foods, and even create their custom Cup Noodles.
Some of the main attractions at the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda include:
- Instant Ramen History Cube: This exhibit explains the history and evolution of instant ramen, showcasing various packaging and product designs over the years.
- Momofuku Theater: Visitors can watch a short film about the life and achievements of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen.
- My CUPNOODLES Factory: This is a popular activity where visitors can design and customize their own Cup Noodles, choosing from a variety of soup flavors and toppings, and then package them to take home as a souvenir.
- Noodles Bazaar: A food court that features noodle dishes from around the world, allowing visitors to sample different types of noodles.
- Cup Noodles Park: An outdoor area where you can find a giant Cup Noodles slide and other interactive installations.
The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is not only an informative museum but also a fun and hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. It provides insights into the cultural and culinary significance of instant ramen in Japan and beyond.
Momofuku Ando The Father of Instant Ramen
There is a statue of Momofuku Ando, commonly known as the Father of Instant Ramen, just outside the museum.
Momofuku Ando, often referred to as “The Father of Instant Ramen,” was a Japanese inventor and entrepreneur known for his pioneering work in the development of instant noodles. He was born on March 5, 1910, in Taiwan, which was under Japanese colonial rule at the time, and later became a naturalized Japanese citizen.
Momofuku Ando is best known for inventing the world’s first instant ramen noodles and founding Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s leading food companies. His invention of instant ramen had a profound impact on global cuisine and food culture, providing a quick and convenient way to prepare a tasty and affordable meal.
Here are some key highlights of Momofuku Ando’s contributions and achievements:
- Invention of Instant Ramen: In 1958, Momofuku Ando successfully created the world’s first instant ramen noodles, which he named “Chikin Ramen.” He developed a method of flash-frying cooked noodles in oil, which allowed them to be quickly rehydrated by adding hot water, thus making them ready to eat in just a few minutes.
- Introduction of Cup Noodles: In 1971, Momofuku Ando introduced Cup Noodles, a revolutionary concept that packaged instant noodles in a convenient cup, eliminating the need for a separate bowl. This innovation further popularized instant noodles and made them even more accessible.
- Global Impact: Momofuku Ando’s inventions had a significant impact not only in Japan but also around the world. Instant ramen became a staple food product and a symbol of convenience, affordability, and versatility in many countries.
- Philanthropy: Momofuku Ando was known for his philanthropic activities. He established the Momofuku Ando Foundation to support various charitable causes, including education and medical research.
- Longevity Research: Later in life, Momofuku Ando also focused on research related to longevity and health. He was interested in finding ways to improve nutrition and prolong life through dietary means.
Momofuku Ando passed away on January 5, 2007.
Things to do at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
To really fully enjoy the museum, you should do some planning and research. There are many activities in the museum that would require you to book in advance. An example is the Chicken Ramen Factory. You don’t just turn up (like us) and do stuff 🙂
Or you can lah.. no need so stressed too.. no big deal…
Instant Noodles Tunnel
This exhibit displays the instant noodles lineup that started with Chicken Ramen. Approximately 800 product packages shows how a single product introduced more than a half-century ago grew into a global dietary culture.
Try spotting your favourite BBFA noodles !
I could not understand this one.. 🙂
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda Store
If buying YELLOW stuff is your thing 🙂
My CUPNOODLES Factory
Of course, one of the highlights of the visit is to “make your own noodles” at the My CUPNOODLES factory ! It is a very busy place.
The “My CUPNOODLES Factory” at the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is a popular and interactive exhibit where visitors have the opportunity to create their own custom Cup Noodles. This activity allows guests to personalize their instant ramen experience by choosing their preferred soup flavor, ingredients, and toppings to make a unique Cup Noodles flavor combination.
Here’s an overview of the process at the My CUPNOODLES Factory:
Select Your Cup: Visitors begin by choosing an empty Cup Noodles container, which serves as the canvas for their creation. These cups are typically blank and ready for customization. You need to pay for this 🙂
Decorate the Cup: Visitors are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their Cup Noodles cup using markers, stickers, or other creative materials provided. This allows them to personalize the cup with their own designs and messages.
No. Unfortunately I did not hit Toto or 4D with this cup.
The huge noodle making machine…
Choose Soup Flavor: Next, participants select their preferred soup base flavor from a range of options. This includes classic flavors like chicken or seafood, and there may be seasonal or regional options available as well.
Add Ingredients: After selecting the soup flavor, visitors move to the ingredient station, where they can choose from various dehydrated ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and seafood. These ingredients are placed in a separate section of the cup and will rehydrate when hot water is added later.
Select Toppings: Participants can also choose from a selection of toppings like green onions, corn, and more to enhance the flavor and texture of their customized Cup Noodles.
Sealing and Packaging: Once the cup is filled with ingredients, visitors move to a sealing machine to package and seal their creation. The machine applies a plastic film over the cup to seal it securely.
Take It Home: After completing all the steps, visitors are provided with a unique, custom-made Cup Noodles creation that they can take home as a souvenir or enjoy later.
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda : To Go or Not
On its own, the My CUPNOODLES Factory is a fun and engaging activity for both children and adults, and it’s one of the highlights of the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda. It provides a hands-on experience that allows visitors to learn about the process of creating instant ramen while also giving them a one-of-a-kind cup of noodles to enjoy or cherish as a memento of their visit. If you can schedule a Chicken Ramen Factory into it, that would be so good too.
I think that’s a great way to spend 1/2 day at the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda as it is pretty educational and really the whole area is pretty chill and relaxing. It makes a great departure from Osaka or even Kyoto… you can really feel the calming vibes at this area.
Also, after your visit, about 15 mins walk from this Cup Noodles Museum is a Sushiro Ikeda sushi store. If that’s your kind of food 🙂 Singaporeans love Sushiro !
It sure beats eating cup noodles .. Except if it is cup noodles on a cross ocean flight 🙂
