Cup Noodles Museum
My plan for today is to spend the day in Yokohama. After about an hour on the train, my first stop is the Cup Noodles Museum. Like many, Cup Noodles has been a big part of diet growing up. So being able to check out a museum dedicated to the convenient treat is definitely a highlight. There are a few parts of the museum itself. As part of the general admission you will get access to most of the museum. The exhibits go into the colourful history of instant noodles. There is the history cube which shows all instant noodle packages. There’s also a theatre that details the story behind cup noodles. Finally instant noodle innovations which include sending a version of the dish into space is shown.
Making my own Cup Noodles at the Cup Noodles Factory
After exploring the history of Cup Noodles, I headed upstairs. This is the floor that houses the Cup Noodles Factory. If you pay a little extra, you have the opportunity to create your own custom Cup Noodles. You get to design the package, and go through the process of putting noodles and sealing it so that it’s ready to eat. It’s a really cool way to commemorate one’s visit to the factory and I’m glad I got to build my own Travelling Minions version.
Once you are done designing your package, you then go through a series of stations where the staff help to get the dried noodles into your cup, add the soup base and then seal it. By the end you have your very own custom made Cup Noodles.
Instant Noodles for lunch
What visit to the Cup Noodles museum would be complete without actually having some? So heading up another level, I arrive at the Noodles Bazaar. It’s a neat food court-esque setup that celebrates all things “noodles”. It celebrates eight different types of noodles from around the world. I personally opt for the “original” Mini Chicken Ramen. The food is relatively inexpensive and though the portions are small, It’s kind of cool to say you ate noodles at the cup noodle museum.
Yokohama Waterfront and Yamashita Park
After leaving the Cup Noodles Museum, I decide to wander along the Yokohama Waterfront. While I don’t have a destination in mind, I did enjoy simply strolling along the water. Yokohama seems less “hustle and bustle” compared to Tokyo, and the waterfront is really nicely developed with lots of green space and expansive views over the water. I eventually arrive at a waterfront park named Yamashita Park. There are lots of spots for people to sit and enjoy a picnic or meal together. I really enjoyed this stroll and I think if/when I return to Japan I would probably choose to spend a few nights in this area vs the craziness that is Tokyo sometimes.
Gundam Factory
At the other end of Yamashita Park is an odd structure that doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the Yokohama landscape. This is the Gundam Factory. As it came into view, my curiosity gets the better of me and I start making my way over. As I get closer I realize that there is a life size Gundam standing on the pier. Mobile Suit Gundam, is a popular Japanese animated series that has been in media for over twenty years. It features these building size robots that humans can pilot in order to fight wars. While it’s difficult to keep up with the different offshoots of the series, as a kid I have always been fascinated by them.
On my first trip to Japan, I made it a point to see one in Tokyo. Being able to see this one in Yokohama is an added bonus. There is an cost to enter and the Gundam does move and puts on a “show”. However, due to high winds along the water today the shows are unfortunately cancelled. So I settle for taking a few shots of the robot from outside.
Lunch at the Red Brick Warehouse
After visiting the Gundam, I start to make my way back. I start to look for a place to have a late lunch. I make my way to the Red Brick Warehouse, which is a repurposed heritage building. It is now a collection of independent shops, restaurants and specialty food stands. It’s reminiscent of a craft fair where different vendors will set up their own stands and sell their goods to whomever passes by. Located in this warehouse is also a food court with a large variety of offerings. Browsing through the choices, I decide on Omelette rice at Tachibanatei. I have seen videos of omelette rice online and while I am sure this isn’t the spot, I’m glad I still get the opportunity to try it. After a long morning of walking, I’m glad to recharge on this tasty carby dish!
Nissan Gallery
As the day wears on, the last stop I intended to visit was the Nissan Headquarters Gallery. Yokohama is home to Nissan’s Global Headquarters, and supposed to have a fairly large selection of their cars on display in a gallery. However, while I did get to the Headquarters, the gallery itself is unfortunately closed due to some construction. So unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to check it out. While I’m not a huge car guy, being able to visit a global headquarters of such a popular brand did feel exciting. Too bad I didn’t get to see the unique cars they had on display. Fortunately the headquarters is near the train station and I make my way to Yokohama station to head back to Tokyo.
I think I may have taken the wrong train as the one I ended up taking decides to stop at every station between Yokohama and Tokyo. So what would have been a 45 minute ride turned into about an hour and a half. I probably could have gotten off and boarded the appropriate train, I wasn’t in any rush and enjoyed the ride through the different suburbs of Tokyo. By the time I get back to my hotel, its the late afternoon. I head back to my room and decide to take a short nap.
Tsurutontan Udon
By the time I wake up its well into the evening and my thought is to find something to eat. I didn’t need to go very far, since I end up at Tsurutontan Udon in the Shibuya Scramble building right beside my hotel. This restaurant is situated on the 14th floor of the Scramble building. I am lucky enough to get there when the line to get in isn’t that big so the wait wasn’t long at all. I’m also lucky in that I was seated at one of their window seats that overlook Shibuya. I have to say this is probably one of the best dinners with a view I’ve had in quite some time. In fact if you look off to the left a little you can actually see the famous Shibuya crossing. I order soup Udon with duck (which I thought was pretty unique). As with most soupy noodle dishes, it doesn’t last very long when in front of me and I devour it quickly! I linger a bit just to enjoy the view.
I would recommend visiting this spot if you’re able to snag one of the window seats. However, I can see it being a bit of a luck thing since this spot does get quite busy and there are other seats not near the window. But if you’re lucky enough to snag it, its a wonderful dining experience!
I decide to stroll around Shibuya a little bit more but eventually head back to my hotel to pack. I will be checking out tomorrow and spending the day in the Hakone area. Stay tuned for that!
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