An immersive food museum recreating a 1958 Tokyo streetscape where eight iconic ramen shops from across Japan serve their regional specialties under one roof. A must for ramen enthusiasts.
The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum) is an immersive food attraction in the Kohoku district of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, dedicated to the history and regional diversity of Japanese ramen. Opened in 1994, it was Japan's first food-themed amusement park and remains one of the country's most creative museum concepts: the basement floors are designed as a meticulous recreation of Tokyo's Shitamachi (downtown) district circa 1958 — the year Momofuku Ando invented instant noodles — complete with vintage shop fronts, period movie theatre facades, street furniture, and a soundtrack of mid-century radio programmes.
Within this retro streetscape, eight ramen restaurants representing distinct regional styles operate simultaneously, each selected to present authentic versions of Japan's major ramen traditions. Styles on rotation over the museum's history have included Sapporo miso ramen, Fukuoka hakata tonkotsu, Kitakata shoyu, Wakayama chuka soba, and Tokyo-style shio. Chefs are sourced from original regional establishments rather than recreated interpretations, maintaining authenticity standards that distinguish the museum from typical theme restaurants.
The most effective strategy for maximising the experience is to order mini (kogata) portions — roughly half-bowl sizes — which allow tasting three or four styles without becoming full. Most stalls offer mini portions alongside full-size bowls. A museum entry fee of ¥380 is charged separately from meal costs. The retro atmosphere, curated background music, and detailed shop-front design reward unhurried exploration between courses.
The museum is a 5-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station (Tokaido Shinkansen, Yokohama Line), making it an accessible stop for travellers passing through on the Shinkansen. The 12:00–14:00 lunch period sees the heaviest queues; arriving at opening (11:00) or after 14:30 significantly reduces waiting time.
| Admission | budget |
|---|---|
| Hours | 11:00–22:00 (weekends from 10:30); closed select days |
| Address | 2-14-21 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama |
Location
2-14-21 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama
35.5083, 139.6148 View on map
Highlights
- 8 regional ramen styles
- 1958 retro streetscape
- Mini ramen portions available
- Ramen merchandise shop
Tips for visiting
- Order mini-size ramen to try multiple styles. The Sapporo Miso and Hakata Tonkotsu stalls are perennial favorites.
When to visit
Weekday visits outside the 12:00–14:00 lunch peak offer the shortest waits; the atmospheric retro streetscape is most evocative in the quieter early-evening period.
Accessibility
Mostly accessible
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How many ramen restaurants are there, and can visitors eat at all of them?
Eight regional ramen stalls operate simultaneously. Ordering mini-size (kogata) portions at three or four stalls is realistic for most visitors; tasting all eight in one visit would require multiple sittings or an exceptionally large appetite.
Does the entry fee cover meals?
No. The ¥380 entry fee covers access to the museum space and retro streetscape only. All food and drink is paid separately at each stall, with mini portions typically costing ¥500–¥800 and full bowls ¥800–¥1,200.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography throughout the museum, including the retro streetscape and restaurant areas, is generally permitted. Individual stalls may have specific restrictions; posted notices at each stall indicate their policy.