People usually have a favorite from their travels thus far in life. A destination on a pedestal until it’s knocked off by a new gem. Both Japanese and tourists alike tend to find the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama to be that special spot, however temporary.

There’s no 800-year-old architecture or movie set paraphernalia, but the attraction possesses its own combination of history and whimsy—presented via a building that vaguely echoes London’s Tate Modern art museum.

It’s cheap. You don’t have to book in advance. And it’s a nice, short walk from Minatomirai Station. (Bashamichi is another good station if that’s more convenient.) The walk from the nearby stations and the grounds surrounding the museum make for a pleasant strolling place.

Be sure to snap pictures every step of the way on your ramen museum-slash-factory day, because the experience is aesthetic to no end. The space is colorful and fun yet minimalist and pristine, like an animated movie that meets both kid and adult expectations.

The big Cup Noodles cup with the little chicken on top is a great first photo opp in front of the wide wooden staircase, which commences the sparse but grand feel. As you make your way through the museum floors, you’ll remember why inventors are so cool—why the rest of us are jealous of their ability to never give up as well as glad to have been graced with their inventions.

You’ll get to know the creator of the world’s first instant ramen, Momofuku Ando, as you admire his statue, explore his work shed and catch the CG flick of his story. Take more pics as you enjoy the sites from every angle, from the suspended noodle sculpture to the room that’s all about scale and can make six-year-olds taller than basketball players.

The Instant Noodles History Cube embodies the diverse evolution of the ramen. If it makes you hungry, head to the top floor, where the Noodles Bazaar offers noodle lunches from all corners of Asia. If kids are in tow, be sure they check out the Cup Noodles Park, where they can be a ramen cup themselves and follow the manufacturing process, AKA the playground equipment. And in the Chicken Ramen Factory you can make the noodles themselves—great for kids or a group.

The My Cup Noodles Factory is the highlight, where you can decorate your container, pick the seasoning and select four toppings. Within a month, open up the nifty pillow of air packaging to enjoy your creation. Then keep the cup as a souvenir along with any other finds from the gift shop. Before you go, take in the bay view from the balcony and pose for one final shot.

Who knew the simple beauty of chicken ramen could be so good for the soul.