A new landmark has just arrived in the Umekoji area, Kyoto, transforming a retired express train into an immersive dining experience. On September 20, 2025, the long-awaited “FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE” (hereafter “FUTURE TRAIN”) celebrated its grand opening in Kyoto.

FUTURE TRAIN is Japan’s first-ever entertainment restaurant built on an abandoned elevated line. It offers more than just a meal; inside the “FUTURE BIRD”, an immersive experience area upcycled from a 681 series train once used for the famed Thunderbird limited express, guests can enjoy a special fusion of art, video, light, and sound. In this article, we share our firsthand experience of the “FUTURE IMAGINATION Course”.

What is FUTURE TRAIN?

The project was launched to revitalize the Umekoji area, based on a collaborative agreement established in March 2025 between 11 entities, including JR West, Kyoto Station Building Development, the City of Kyoto, and other local businesses.

With renowned artist Sebastian Masuda serving as the Producer, the Thunderbird (681 series) train that had connected Kyoto and the Hokuriku region has been artfully upcycled. The result is Japan’s first restaurant to be situated on an abandoned elevated railway line.

The Journey Like No Other Aboard the FUTURE BIRD

Car No. 1 of FUTURE TRAIN, the “FUTURE BIRD”, is a genuine train car that was once in service with JR West as the Thunderbird Express. Here, guests step into a world themed around the “engine room of a futuristic train”. A multi-sensory spectacle combining retro-futuristic decor with a three-dimensional fusion of CG visuals, lighting, and sound effects transports guests into an extraordinary story.

Stepping Inside

After passing through the ticket gate, we boarded the rear deck of the FUTURE BIRD. The dimly lit space, lined with futuristic instruments, immediately made us feel as if we had stepped into another world.

An Art Experience in a Former Thunderbird Cabin

After a briefing from our crew member, “Blackbird”, we were handed a welcome drink. The crisp, sparkling beverage instantly pulled us deeper into the world of FUTURE TRAIN.

With “imagination” as the key, our journey to the future departed from Umekoji. The immersion was incredibly powerful, thanks to massive screens installed not only on the sides of the car but also on the front and ceiling. The visuals took us on a tour through diverse worlds, from a video game-like universe to a realm inhabited by yokai. This is truly an experience you have to see for yourself.

The Guides of FUTURE TRAIN

Our attendant for the journey was Pinkbird, a “Space-Time Attendant” whose distinctive uniform is modeled after pink wings. Throughout the experience, Pinkbird connects the passengers to the unfolding narrative. The performance was so convincing it felt like we were truly traveling through time and space—an absolute delight for a train travel enthusiast like myself.

We were also greeted by FUTURE TRAIN’s conductor, Birdie Buddy. Its charming features are a pink hat and a colorful tail.

Enjoying the FUTURE IMAGINATION Course

Car No. 2

Our experience included the FUTURE IMAGINATION Course. This plan allows guests to enjoy a full course meal after the approximately 20-minute narrative and art experience described above. It seamlessly combines the elements of “riding,” “feeling,” and “tasting”, allowing you to fully indulge in the unique content FUTURE TRAIN has to offer. Here’s a look at our meal in Car No. 2, the main dining room, which is designed to resemble a dining car.

• The FUTURE IMAGINATION Course is currently available by reservation only.

• Price: ¥11,000 (tax, entrance fee, and service charge included).

• Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (tentative).

• Time: 6:45 PM – 8:45 PM (Boarding begins at 6:30 PM).

• Reservations: check here

The Course Menu

Aperitif

The meal began with a colorful drink. From Car No.2, you can also enjoy the view of the scenery outside.

Amuse: PIXEL

A trio of small bites. Smoked Salmon with matcha-dill in a basil cone, sweet simmered delicacy & gorgonzola pani puri with jamon serrano, and mastsukaze-yaki chikin & pink leaf tuile sandwich.

Appetizer: Sugar Land

A playful take on a churro, featuring a tartare of grilled eggplant and sweet shrimp. The pop aesthetic is as delightful as the appetizer itself.

Bread: Baloon

A light and airy rice flour popover. It is served with three kinds of whipped toppings: custard cream, whipped cream, and honey mascarpone.

Soup: Jellyfish

This soup is served with the rich aroma of smoke from a plum tree, which fills the unique serving container upon opening.

Seafood: WARP

The fish course was a pan-seared scallop, served with a white wine sauce accented with Kyoto white miso. To eat it, you break the striking black tuile on the plate.

Meat: VOYAGE

The main course featured a rôti of Omi beef rump with steamed vegetables. The meat was incredibly tender and disappeared from my plate in no time.

Dessert: Kaleidoscope

For dessert, a sweet and beautifully presented cassata. You can also choose a cup of coffee or tea.

A One-of-a-Kind Experience in Umekoji, Kyoto

The experience at FUTURE TRAIN was truly a journey through time and space that engaged all five senses. The Thunderbird, which once sped through the Hokuriku region, has embarked on a new journey, carrying a cargo of art and culinary delights created from a fusion of CG, lights, and sound.

From the overwhelming immersion of the visual experience in Car No. 1 to the imaginative course menu, everything is designed as a single, seamless piece of entertainment. This new destination in Kyoto’s Umekoji district is sure to leave visitors with unforgettable memories.

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