Japan is home to some of the best ramen in the world, from instant ramen noodles to dry ramen snacks you can get at the local convenience stores. The Baby Star brand of snack ramen – think of them like packets of chips, but made of crispy dry noodles – has built up quite a following since its launch back in 1959. Now its parent, Oyatsu Company, is planning to make an entire theme park dedicated to the beloved snack ramen, filled with games, activities and exclusive merchandise. Called Little Oyatsu Town Namba, the Baby Star theme park is set to open in Osaka on October 2.
Little Oyatsu Town Namba will be located on the 7th floor of Namba Parks shopping mall, just outside Osaka’s Namba station. Entrance to the theme park is free, but you'll need to pay for each attraction separately, including the Hoshio-kun Kitchen where you can create your own flavoured Baby Star ramen packs and make one-of-a-kind furikake (rice seasoning) using ramen noodles. The Hoshio-kun Fantasy Park, on the other hand, will be filled with ramen-themed interactive games and other family-friendly activities.
Of course, at a theme park dedicated to a snack, you don’t want to miss out on the food. The Baby Star Dining food court will serve up meals by professional chefs; the deli section will offer several takeout options including curry bread and steamed pork buns, all of which incorporate Baby Star snack ramen. You’ll also be able to get your hands on deep-fried Baby Star noodles, which are exclusive to the park.
Lastly, the Oyatsu Marche gift shop will be stocked with snacks limited to Little Oyatsu Town Namba, including takoyaki- (octopus ball) and curry-flavoured Baby Star snack ramen, furikake, and even stationery goods.
The theme park was originally planned to open in July 2020; however, due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the opening was delayed until October. For more information, check the Little Oyatsu Town Namba website.
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