In Osaka and wondering if visiting the Cup Noodles Museum is worth it? This post will go over and review the Cup Noodles Museum based on my experience. I hope this post helps you decide to experience it, and gives you all the information you need to know to help better prepare you for your visit. I also provide some useful tips so you can spend more time enjoying this fun and unique noodle experience.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Check Out
Intro
If you’re like me and enjoyed one (or many) cup noodle ramens when you were younger, then visiting the Cup Noodles Museum seems like a no-brainer. In this post, I will review and provide information on what to expect at the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka based on my own experiences. Don’t forget to check my tips out too!
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
The Cup Noodles Museum Experience
The Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka is a fun and interactive experience to not miss! Cup noodles were invented in Ikeda City, Osaka, so it makes sense to visit the home of THE cup noodles when in Osaka. The museum offers several activities that you’re sure to enjoy. You can learn about the history, make your own noodles, and custom-make your own cup noodles.
How to Get There
It is located a bit out of the main city center of Osaka, but the train ride is not too long. From central Osaka, you will take the Takarazuka Main line for about 30 minutes and get off at Ikeda Station. Once you get off the train though, it is a short walk to get to the museum and there are signs that point to it to ensure you’re going the right way. Also note the cute and colorful sewer covers with the cup noodle mascot on it.
Arriving at the Cup Noodles Museum • photos by Jeanie A
Cup Noodles Activities
There are a couple of attractions you can pay and participate in, as well as a free museum portion where you can learn about Cup Noodles history. However, I definitely recommend doing the My CUPNOODLES Factory where you are able to design and personalize your very own custom-made cup noodles!
My CUPNOODLES Factory
The My CUPNOODLES Factory is where you get to have a unique and hands-on activity! This is a must-do when at the museum and is fun for everyone of all ages.
Before entering the My CUPNOODLES Factory, you walk through an amazing Instant Noodle tunnel with a wall and arched ceiling of various instant noodles cartons. Then when you enter the Factory, you will need to pay for your own Cup noodle cup via a vending machine that only takes 500 yen (in cash).
Once there’s a free table, you will be seated at a table with markers and a Flavors & Toppings menu. Here, take as much time as you need to design and color your cup any way you want.
You can also view the Flavors & Toppings menu to plan out how you’re going to make your cup noodle. You choose 1 base flavor and at most 4 toppings (out of 12). Once you’re ready for the next step, then you get in line where you can admire another wall of Instant Noodles.
Then when it’s your turn, you will provide your cup where you get to crank the dry noodles into it! The staff will then put your cup noodle together based on what flavor and toppings you choose. At the end, they will put the top cover on and shrink wrap it to maintain its freshness.
You are also able to put your cup in a self-inflated plastic protector where you can attach a string for easy carrying. Note that the cup noodles is best to eat and enjoy within a month of its creation.
My CUPNOODLES Factory • photos by Jeanie A
Cup Noodle Museum
After the My CUPNOODLES Experience, you can roam around the Museum freely and learn about the Cup Noodle inventor Momofuku Ando, observe Chicken Ramen Factory participants (if there’s any), and/or check out the Museum Shop.
In the museum, you can see how the inventor, Momofuku Ando, made his noodles and his original work shed kitchen. A neat fact we also learned was that the instant noodles were a great treat for astronauts.
Roaming around the Cup Noodles Museum • photos by Jeanie A
Chicken Ramen Factory
I chose to not participate in the Chicken Ramen Factory, but it seems really cool to be able to make your own noodles! It is a more in-depth and interactive experience where you get to make your own instant ramen noodles from scratch. I wish I had done this activity since it looked so much fun! We observed from the outer glass walls and saw participants smash and cute dough into thin noodles. This activity does require to be reserved in advance.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Bring Yen Cash
To participate in the My CUPNOODLES Factory activity, you pay for your blank cup by providing cash to a vending machine. So be sure to bring enough cash (500 yen per cup) to be able to participate!
2. Reserve Chicken Ramen Factory spots in Advance
If you want to experience the Chicken Ramen Factory activity and make your own instant noodles from scratch, then you will have to reserve your spot in advance.
3. Allocate 1 to 2 hours
If you’re only going to experience the My CUPNOODLES Factory and explore the Museum, then allocating about 1-1.5 hours is sufficient.
4. Have an Idea for How you Want to Personalize Your Noodle Cup
If you participate in the My CUPNOODLES Factory where you get to design your cup, have an idea of how you want to decorate it. This isn’t necessary but the cup will be an awesome souvenir that you may want to keep as a memento. So to keep it timeless and relevant to you, have some idea of how you’d like to personalize it.
Final Words: Worth It!
If you’re looking for a fun interactive activity to do in Osaka and/or Ikeda, then visiting the Cup Noodles Museum fits the bill. It offers a look at the history of Cup Noodles, awesome walls of past and present noodle bowls, and you get to custom-make your own personalized cup noodles that you can enjoy at home. I hope this review urges you to visit the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka Ikeda. Bon Voyage!
Have you been to Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
All PHOTOS ©️ 2023-2025 to infinity and abroad
[…] Cup Noodles Museum Osaka: Review & Best Tips […]