All Aboard Kyoto’s Future Train: A Dining Journey into Tomorrow
Karina Ikedo
If you’ve ever dreamed of boarding a train to somewhere extraordinary, the Future Train cafe in Kyoto is for you. Blending inventive cuisine, immersive design, and a dash of nostalgia, this new dining experience is anything but ordinary.
It reimagines an abandoned elevated railway in Kyoto’s vibrant Umekoji district as a destination where art, flavor, and imagination collide. Continue reading to discover how this futuristic journey transforms dining into an unforgettable rail adventure.
Embarking on the Journey
Since opening in August 2025, Kyoto’s Future Train has amazed both locals and travelers. Visitors enter through a ticket gate that feels straight out of a dream. The platform looks both familiar and futuristic at the same time. Three upcycled train cars bring the adventure to life. Cars No. 2 and 3 are open now, while Car No. 1 will launch in September 2025 as an exciting art space.
A Retro-Futuristic Culinary Experience
Car No. 2 is the main dining car, glowing with deep plum-red colors. It mixes old-school charm with a futuristic twist. The food is creative and full of Kyoto flavor. Try wagyu beef burgers with pickled plum-shaped buns, Kyoto-style pasta, or fluffy omurice (omelet rice). Dessert fans will love the five-story pagoda parfait. For lighter bites, fries, and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), keep things simple and tasty.
The drinks are just as fun. You’ll find colorful shakes, matcha (green tea), and yuzu (Japanese citrus) cocktails. Additionally, there are fabulous mocktails that resemble art in a glass. Every sip feels like part of the experience, and perfect for photos too!
Car No. 3: Where Time Slows Down
If Car No. 2 is the dining star, Car No. 3 is where you relax and unwind.
It features a stylish bar counter, cozy box seats, and tall tables for a laid-back experience. Sip a colorful cocktail and watch the energy of this train-themed wonder come to life around you. Come for a full meal or just a few snacks; this car is all about taking it easy.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Car No. 1 opens in late September and promises something even more spectacular. The front of the train will become an art space filled with light, video, and sound installations. It’s like stepping into a futuristic dream where the train itself becomes part of the show. Enjoy fluffy pancakes while neon lights flash around you; it’s bold, creative, and totally Instagram-worthy.
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Meet the Mastermind: Sebastian Masuda
This café isn’t just another trendy pop-up. Behind the brilliance of Future Train stands Sebastian Masuda, a pioneer of Japan’s kawaii culture. If his name sounds familiar, you’ve probably seen his work before. He’s the creative mind behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s hit Pon Pon Pon music video and Harajuku’s colorful Kawaii Monster Cafe.
Masuda teamed up once again with Diamond Dining for this unforgettable project. Together, they turned an abandoned elevated railway into a vibrant and immersive dining experience. Every detail, color, texture, and lighting feels like stepping into a living piece of art. It’s imaginative, nostalgic, and totally one-of-a-kind.
Why Kyoto’s Future Train Is a Must-Visit
Kyoto is already a dream for temple lovers, foodies, and history fans. But Future Train adds a fun, modern twist to the city’s classic charm. This isn’t just dinner, it’s art, storytelling, and a little time travel mixed.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Future Train has something special for everyone. The menu features creative Kyoto-inspired dishes that look as good as they taste. Desserts like the five-story pagoda parfait are pure eye candy, while wagyu burgers add a modern touch. The drinks are bright, playful, and perfect for sharing with friends—or your camera.
Every corner of the train feels ready for a photo. Between the glowing interiors and colorful details, it’s a feast for your eyes, too. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to eat inside a real upcycled Thunderbird train? It’s dining, art, and Kyoto magic all rolled into one incredible experience.
The Journey Continues
Future Train isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a full-on adventure for your senses. Every sound, color, and bite feels designed to transport you somewhere new. From the glowing ticket gate to the final dessert, everything sparks curiosity and wonder.
The entire experience celebrates what makes Kyoto special: its creativity, balance, and respect for both the old and the new. Here, nostalgia meets innovation, and tradition meets imagination. Only Kyoto could pull off something this daring and beautiful.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket and get ready for a meal that’s also an unforgettable journey. Future Train isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after you step off the ride. Would you hop aboard Kyoto’s Future Train for a one-of-a-kind meal? Which would you try first—the wagyu burger or the pagoda parfait? Let us know in the comments below!
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