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Where Did Instant Cup Noodles Come From? A Brief History


Any ramen fan planning a trip to Japan soon? Then you must visit the instant cup noodle museum!

The Andō Momofuku Hatsumei Kinenkan (安藤百福発明記念館) is an interactive museum in loving memory of Momofuku Ando, the man who invented the instant noodles that we have come to know and love today!

After the end of World War II, the US government sent flour (to make bread) to assist with the food shortage in Japan.  Japanese people were not familiar with bread at that time and it was difficult to introduce this foreign food into their usual diet. During this time, lengthy lines extended out of ramen restaurants.  This sight gave Andō-san an idea of making ramen available to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. 
 
When you walk into the museum, you’ll be greeted by an informative and entertaining visual timeline of the different types of instant ramen around the world. 
 
Instant Ramen Museum Momofuku Ando Timeline of Worldwide Ramen
 
Be sure to check out the replica of the backyard shed where the magic was created: ready-to-eat dried noodles cooked just by adding hot water. The basis of this creation came from his wife, Masako-san’s tempura. 
You’ll notice the minimalism of this workshop with ordinary tools: saucepans, flour, ladles, etc., which mirrors his philosophy: even without the help of special tools and equipment, you can create revolutionary inventions as long as there is an idea.  
 
Momofuku Ando backyard shed first instant ramen creation origin
 
Throughout the museum, you’ll find many other informative exhibitions, like this replica of the first ramen vending machine. Placed in the Nikkei Inc. office (日本経済新聞社) in Tokyo in November of 1971, it became popular instantly to office workers who stayed and worked late. The vending machine even comes with a hot water dispenser. This never-before-seen, convenient anywhere, anytime ramen sold out 300 cups in its first day of sale!  
 
First instant ramen vending machine in Tokyo 1971
 
The highlight of the museum is the hands-on workshop where you can create your own original noodles by mixing and matching flavours and toppings. 
 
Ramen topping instant ramen noodle museum
 
Make your own ramen even more personalized with your own design packaging!
 
Make your own ramen packaging instant ramen museum
 
For a fun, entertaining, and informative hands-on experience on all things ramen, visit the two locations in Japan (Osaka and Tokyo)!
 
Osaka (Ikeda) 
8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka 563-0041 Japan   
TEL: 072-752-3484 
Museum Hours: 9:00 – 16:30 (closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: FREE
 
Tokyo (Yokohama) 
2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0001 Japan
TEL: 045-345-0918
Museum Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: 500 yen (Adults) / FREE (High school age or younger)

2 comments


  • APEX Team

    Hi Blair,
    Thanks for commenting!
    This is definitely a spot worth visiting (especially is you love instant ramen)!


  • Blair

    Thanks for sharing.
    I will be going to Japan in January and probably will visit here.


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