Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
(Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
【Ramen（ラーメン）】 is a popular fast food noodle dish in Japan. You can find ramen shops on almost every street in town, and each one has its own special style. People enjoy it as a quick lunch or a late-night snack. Once it’s served, they quickly start slurping the noodles and sipping the rich, flavorful soup.
Ramen is said to have become popular when a restaurant called “Rairaiken” in Asakusa, Tokyo started serving it in 1910. Although Chinese-style noodle dishes had existed before, Rairaiken’s version won people’s hearts and triggered a boom.
As ramen spread across Japan, it evolved uniquely in each region, giving birth to what is now known as local ramen. From miso ramen in Sapporo, to soy sauce ramen in Kitakata, and pork bone broth ramen in Hakata, each variety reflects the culinary culture of its area.
Each ramen shop offers its own unique flavor, shaped by the chef’s personality and specialty.
Today, ramen features a wide variety of soup bases, paired with different types of noodles―thick, thin, straight, or curly. These countless combinations reflect the deep passion that Japanese people have for ramen and give it unlimited potential.
Traveling across Japan from north to south is a delicious way to enjoy regional flavors. But for those short on time or budget, there’s a perfect alternative: the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.
Just a five-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station, this museum gathers select ramen shops from across Japan, allowing visitors to enjoy multiple styles of ramen all in one place. Upon entering, you’ll first pass through an exhibition area that explores the history and culture of ramen in Japan. After learning a bit about how ramen developed, head downstairs to the main attraction.
The basement floor is a beautifully nostalgic recreation of a 1950s Japanese shopping street at dusk. The immersive setting makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Here, selected ramen shops from Hokkaido to Kyushu serve their signature bowls. It’s hard to choose just one, and you may find yourself wanting seconds or even thirds. For those who want to try multiple kinds, every shop offers a mini-sized ramen so you can enjoy a variety of flavors. If you have the chance, be sure to visit, you just might discover your new favorite bowl.
Because it’s a popular destination, it can get quite crowded, especially around lunchtime. For a more relaxed experience, try to visit during off-peak hours or give yourself some extra time.
The Ramen Museum was also used as a filming location for the movie adaptation of the anime “Cells at Work!”. If you’re a fan, you might enjoy spotting scenes from the film.
Please visit the official website Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.
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