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[Kyoto] FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE: The “Kawaii” Train-Themed Dining Experience
photo by Kaori Uemura
For travelers seeking a memorable time in Kyoto, FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE (FUTURE TRAIN) offers a dining experience shaped as much by imagination as by cuisine. Built around a real JR Thunderbird Limited Express train, the space combines art, light, and playful design with colorful, carefully crafted dishes. Produced by Sebastian Masuda, a pioneer of Japan’s kawaii culture, it’s a place where stepping inside already feels like the beginning of a journey—one that unfolds across distinct spaces, changing perspectives, and an atmosphere that’s both visually bold and easy to enjoy.
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FUTURE TRAIN: Japan’s First Restaurant on an Abandoned Elevated Railway Line
photo by Kaori Uemura
Built into a 90-meter-long abandoned elevated railway line right beside JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE is an attraction-style entertainment restaurant that opened in September 2025, blending kawaii immersive art with Kyoto-inspired diner fare. Repainted in neon pink like a retro-futuristic train carriage, the restaurant uses actual retired JR Thunderbird train cars as its centerpiece and holds the distinction of being Japan’s first restaurant built on top of elevated tracks.
photo by Kaori Uemura
photo by Kaori Uemura
The overall concept—”Take Me To The FUTURE”—comes from the vision of Sebastian Masuda, the artist known for his vibrant explorations of color, pop culture, and emotional expression. Here, those ideas take physical form in a setting that’s equal parts playful and theatrical, yet still manages to feel like a comfortable, welcoming space to enjoy a meal. Located in the Umekoji area near Kyoto Station, the restaurant offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s traditional dining scene without feeling out of place.
Inside FUTURE TRAIN: From Platform Entrance to Dining Cars & Terrace
FUTURE TRAIN is designed to be immersive without feeling overwhelming.
After passing through a ticket-gate-style entrance, guests arrive on a staged platform that sets the tone for the experience ahead. Rather than a single dining room, the restaurant is arranged like a small train station, with each area offering a slightly different mood and viewpoint. Before boarding, guests pass through a whimsical “ticket gate” where staff dressed as train station attendants offer a warm welcome. Each visitor receives a commemorative ticket that’s ceremonially clipped by hand, just like at old-fashioned railway stations, before being invited to step aboard the train.
The venue occupies roughly 90 meters of elevated railway line, divided into five train cars plus platform space. Moving through the restaurant feels like walking from car to car on an actual train journey, where each space has its own distinct character and purpose.
1. Car 1 “FUTURE BIRD” is distinguished by an art-focused installation built from a former Thunderbird lead train car, where the original driver’s cab and instrument panels have been creatively reimagined as part of the immersive design.
2. Car 2 is the main dining area, styled after a classic dining car and serves as the restaurant’s bustling heart.
3. Car 3 is home to a semi-private party box seats for small groups of two to four, a “FutureBar” bar counter, plus an elevated platform seating area that frames views of Kyoto Tower and the five-storied pagoda of Tō-ji Temple in the distance.
Moreover, Car 4 serves as the kitchen car—the behind-the-scenes hub where all the food is prepared. Car 5 opens up into an outdoor terrace designed like a train platform, offering open-air seating where guests can relax with food and drinks.
FUTURE TRAIN’s Courses, Sets & Flexible Reservations
FUTURE TRAIN isn’t just about eye-catching and immersive interiors; the food itself is equally photogenic and Instagram-worthy. The restaurant offers several dining styles, making it easy to fit into different travel plans and appetites.
Guests looking for a fully curated experience can book the FUTURE IMAGINATION COURSE (reservation required), which combines an immersive art experience in Car 1 with a theatrical multi-course meal in Car 2. The 2-hour afternoon tea course (¥5,000) features a playful 13-dish afternoon tea set, while the 2.5-hour dinner course (¥11,000) unfolds as a seven-course meal with an aperitif.
📅 Afternoon Tea Course
Days: Saturdays and Sundays only
Hours: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
📅 Dinner Course
Days: Wednesday through Sunday
Hours: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Seasonal set and course menus are also available by reservation and are designed for a smooth, pre-planned meal that includes admission and service fees.
For travelers who prefer more flexibility, table-only reservations allow à la carte ordering throughout the day, from lunch to late evening. There are also party plans for groups, as well as birthday and anniversary options that include celebratory touches such as special dessert plates. Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with friends, there’s a format that works without feeling restrictive.
Reservations can be made through the official website, and booking ahead is recommended especially if you’re visiting during peak travel seasons.
📒Admission Fees, Service Charges & Cashless Payments
A few practical details are worth noting before you visit:
- An admission fee applies, except for guests with coupons or repeat visitors. Children receive discounted admission, and entry is free for those under six.
- A service charge applies during dinner hours, and some reservation plans include both admission and service fees.
- The restaurant is fully cashless. Credit cards, transit IC cards, e-money, and QR payments are accepted, but cash is not, so it’s best to come prepared.
How to Get to FUTURE TRAIN from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto
From HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto, the most straightforward route is via Kyoto Station.
[By Train] Walk to Gojo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, about 10 minutes from the hotel, and ride one stop to Kyoto Station. From there, take the JR Sagano Line one stop to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. Use the connecting walkway, and the restaurant is about a one-minute walk from the station. Walking directly from Kyoto Station is also an option and takes around 20 minutes.
The Umekoji area where FUTURE TRAIN is located offers a more open and relaxed atmosphere than many of Kyoto’s busiest districts. The neighborhood is home to Umekoji Park, the Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium, making it an ideal spot for families and anyone looking for a change of pace without straying far from central Kyoto. If you’re looking to mix culture with creativity during your visit, why not consider adding it to your itinerary?
FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFÉ
Address: Umekoji High Line, 3-7 Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours:
[Weekdays]
11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Last Order 3:00 pm),
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Last Order 10:00 pm)
[Weekends and Holidays]
11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Last Order 10:00 pm)
Admission:
Adults ¥700,
Children Ages 6 – 12 ¥300,
Under 6 Free
*One-order minimum per guest
*5% service charge for dinner hours
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, or 20-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station
Website: https://www.futuretrain.jp/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuretrain.kyoto
Writer
Lisa Wallin
A curious sojourner, Lisa Wallin has lived in Japan for about 15 years, along with 7 other countries. She has an insatiable appetite for local narratives, with a focus on regional culture, crafts and food. When not chasing stories, she enjoys coffee, visiting shrines, and exploring the country both with and without her dogs.