Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

Apr 22, 2022

Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

Whether you only know about ramen in its instant, cup-o-noodles variety or are a true fan who can tell the difference between shoyu and tonkotsu-based ramen by smell alone, perhaps you’ll agree: Ramen is so good, it should be in a museum. Well, you’re in luck — there is a ramen museum!

At the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum (not a typo; that’s how it is spelled), not only is the steamy, hearty goodness that is ramen soup memorialized but the entire culture that created it is shown off as well. Ramen (Rau-men in the museum’s case) is considered to be a Chinese dish, hence the name “chuuka soba,” but like most things in Japan, it’s actually a take on an old idea that has become essentially Japanese. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or (occasionally) fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, dried seaweed, ginger, green onions, and so on. You can find a ramen shop in almost every nook and cranny of Japan, but the ingredients will change based on locality; for example, Kyushu’s tonkotsu (pork-bone broth), Tohoku’s shio (salt-based broth), Hokkaido’s miso blend base and even Yokohama’s shoyu (soy sauce) based broth. This variety is where the Ramen museum shines; the famous ramen shops represent the best tastes of their respective region of Japan. In other words, you can skip the plane ticket and go on a gastronomic tour of Japan without leaving the building.

But wait, this is a museum, right? Of course, that means you’ll get to learn how ramen came to be in the mid-20th century… by actually visiting 1950′s era Japan! Inside the museum’s main halls, they’ve recreated a scene from postwar Japan in a massive two-floor diorama, complete with characters representing the time. As you descend the stairs, you’ll hear calls from the “police officer” walking his beat, making sure all is well. You’ll also see street vendors and carnies plying their trade too (don’t miss the guy selling the steamed sweet bread!) There’s even a 50’s era sweet shop, complete with snacks and other goodies. Even if you don’t slurp a single mouthful of noodles, you’ll come away entertained and learn a little something.

But you did come to eat, right? Make sure you pack your appetite; you’ll want to visit more than one shop, as each has its own specialty. I was doing the equivalent of going from one end of Japan to the other – in only 100 meters. It’s also important to note that every shop inside serves half-bowls of their soups since they know the crowds are there to enjoy tasting the different flavors. However, these are full-service restaurants; every item on their menu is available, including gyoza dumplings, fried rice, beer, etc.

On the first floor, there’s a museum shop stocked full of official ramen bowls, dishes, the like from all the representative restaurants, trinkets like cell phone straps, t-shirts, and even ramen meal kits that allow you to make bowls of noodle soup at home. There’s also a slot car racing set up to occupy kids of all ages.

The museum is easily accessible from JR’s Shin-Yokohama station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Yokohama line, and Yokohama Subway Blue Line. From the station, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the venue. If you’re looking for a good afternoon outing and are a bit of a “foodie,” then this is the day trip for you. Perhaps you’ll understand why ramen is fast becoming a Japanese dish that can even compete with sushi on the global stage.

 

Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-City, 222-0033, Japan *map link

TEL: 045(471)0503

Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum – English

 

Image by https://www.raumen.co.jp/