Only in Japan

We've had some unique experiences in Japan that we don't expect to see turning up in the U.S. anytime soon.

The CupNoodles Museum -- an experience celebrating instant Ramen noodles that includes:

The Noodle Bazaar -- very yummy we have Italian, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese noodles represented at our table 

Noodle Park -- sorry for kids only

Make your own noodles beginning with designing your own noodle cup (You can also make your own Chicken Ramen noodles)

Filling your cup with noodles

Choosing your seasoning (Chicken, Seafood, Curry and Tomato Chili) and toppings ( you must get four -- no more and no less!)

Shrink wrapping your noodle cup

Walking around for the rest of the day with your noodle cup in a vacuum sealed baggy

LD enjoying his cup noodles in Raleigh!

The inventor of instant ramen noodles, Momfuku Ando, was a big proponent of creative, out-of-the box thinking.  The exhibit above is designed to help you look at objects in different ways.

I have no idea what this exhibit is supposed to teach you, but it looks funny!

More food innovations -- here you pay 100 to 200 yen for the chance to hook your dessert using one of those movable cranes.  We managed to hook a chocolate bunny and a creme brulee, probably spending about U.S.$10  with our various attempts at these desserts plus the ones that got away!

The pedal-power roller coaster at Cosmo World.  We all had to be careful that we didn't pedal too fast and get reprimanded!

Bathroom accessories, including a tub that talks to you and reheats your bath water!