Many museum shops in the Tokyo area offer quirky trinkets and souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else, but the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum might just take the cake. Dedicated entirely to the beloved noodle dish, the museum is marking 100 years since the start of the Showa era (1926–1989) with a newly renovated shop featuring, among many other noodly novelties, inventive ramen-themed fragrances and cosmetics.
For a scent that’s intended to brighten your mood and capture the anticipation before your first sip of ramen, try Ra-haku Fragrance 01 ‘Ramen’, which features woody mid-notes of guaiac wood and white cedar, rounded out by lingering sandalwood. Another highlight is Ra-haku Fragrance 02 ‘1958’, inspired by the energy of and nostalgia for Japan’s rapid economic growth during the Showa period.
Not into perfume? Bring home a lipstick that mimics the golden sheen of chicken oil – the savoury finishing touch that gives ramen its signature richness.
Both the fragrances and lipstick are now available at the Ramen Museum’s gift shop. While you’re there, consider also picking up one of their playful ramen bowl and noodle-strainer plushie sets – perfect for those moments when all you want is to hug a bowl of ramen.
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