CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA

In short

A hands-on food education museum that conveys the importance of invention and discovery through the history of instant noodles. In 1958, Ando Momofuku, the founder of Nissin Foods, invented "Chicken Ramen," the world's first instant ramen, in a shed built in the backyard of his home in Ikeda City. The museum opened in 1999 in Ikeda City, the birthplace of instant ramen.

• ​The Birth of Chicken Ramen​​: On the first floor, the research shed where Chicken Ramen was born is faithfully recreated
• ​Instant Noodles Tunnel​​: Approximately 800 varieties of packaging show how instant ramen, which began with Chicken Ramen, has developed
• ​Two Factories​​: At the "My CUPNOODLES Factory," you can create your own one-of-a-kind CUPNOODLES. The "Chicken Ramen Factory," where you can experience making noodles, operates on a reservation-only basis and is open to elementary school students and older

History and Highlights

​CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA​ is a hands-on food education museum that conveys the importance of invention and discovery through the history of instant noodles.

In 1958, Ando Momofuku, the founder of Nissin Foods, invented "Chicken Ramen," the world's first instant ramen, in a small shed built in the backyard of his home in Ikeda City, conducting repeated research using common, everyday tools. Aiming to create ramen that could be eaten immediately at home as long as there was hot water, he is said to have continued his research entirely alone for a full year, sleeping an average of only four hours a day. Later, in 1971, he invented "CUPNOODLES," the world's first cup-type instant noodles.

This museum opened in 1999 (Heisei 11) in Ikeda City, the birthplace of instant ramen. It was born from Ando Momofuku's desire to "convey the importance of invention and discovery." Inside the facility, there is also the "Cupnoodles Drama Theater," an interactive theater shaped like a cup of noodles.

Highlights and Experiences

• ​The Birth of Chicken Ramen​​: On the first floor, the research shed where Chicken Ramen was born is faithfully recreated. It depicts the scene just after Ando Momofuku finished his work and fell asleep in the early dawn of March 5, 1958, when the prospect of completion had finally emerged. It conveys the message that even without special facilities, as long as you have an idea, you can create a world-class invention with everyday tools.
• ​Instant Noodles Tunnel​​: Approximately 800 varieties of packaging showcase how instant ramen, which began with Chicken Ramen, has developed over time. The historical packages line the tunnel, arching up and overhead.
• ​Two Factories​​: At the "My CUPNOODLES Factory," you can create your own one-of-a-kind CUPNOODLES by designing your cup, choosing your favorite soup from four varieties, and selecting four toppings from twelve ingredient options. At the "Chicken Ramen Factory," you can experience the process of kneading, rolling, steaming, and seasoning the wheat flour, all the way through to drying it using the "flash frying method." This factory operates on a reservation-only basis and is open to elementary school students and older.

Tips for Visitors

The museum is about a 5-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. Because it is located in a residential neighborhood and parking spaces are limited, visiting by train is recommended whenever possible. "Hiyoko-chan," the character for Chicken Ramen, was appointed as Ikeda City's tourism ambassador on August 25, the launch date of Chicken Ramen. On the north side of the station, the Rakugo Museum is located about 870 meters to the north, with the Ikeda Gofukuza Theater situated just to its west, and the Itsuo Art Museum is located about 850 meters to the north-northeast.