Why Hong Kong’s CupNoodles Museum is closing after just four years
The only CupNoodles Museum outside Japan will close in Hong Kong next month, bringing an end to a short and unusual chapter in the city’s visitor attractions.
After four years in operation, the museum will shut on January 11, as its operator prepares for what it calls the next phase of development.
The announcement was made on the museum’s official website, where Nissin thanked customers for their support.
A clearance sale is now under way, with CupNoodles souvenirs and snacks priced from HK$8, drawing last-minute visitors and fans of the brand.
The museum opened in March 2021 at China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui, during a period when Hong Kong was still largely closed to tourists. Smaller than its counterparts in Osaka and Yokohama, it nonetheless stood out as a rare themed museum dedicated to instant noodles.
Rather than relying on static displays, the venue focused on interactive workshops. Visitors could design their own Cup Noodles by decorating cups and choosing soup bases and toppings, with more than 5,000 possible flavour combinations.
Another popular activity allowed participants to make Demae Ramen from scratch, starting with kneading dough before shaping and drying the noodles. The hands-on format made the museum especially appealing to families and children.
News of the closure prompted disappointment online, with many netizens describing the museum as a light-hearted and accessible destination in a city often criticised for a lack of child-friendly spaces.
Its closure reflects the broader challenges facing niche attractions in Hong Kong, where high rents, changing tourist habits and pressure on commercial space make it difficult for smaller experiential venues to remain viable.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
