A bright pink train-themed entertainment restaurant built on a disused railway line is to open in Kyoto this month.
All aboard the Future Train in Kyoto!
‘Future Train Kyoto Diner & Cafe’ has been built on a disused elevated railway line in the Umekoji Park area, which is already home to Kyoto Railway Museum.
The Future Train restaurant is actually located inside the cars of a decommissioned Thunderbird limited express train (#681 series), which once ran between Kyoto and the Hokuriku region. According to the designers, this train has now been converted into a “train to the future that runs on the imagination.”
Birdy Buddy and Pink Bird – the Future Train conductor and attendant
Once through the ticket gate that acts as an entrance to the restaurant, guests will be greeted on the platform and guided through the Future Train experience by two characters clad in flashy pink uniforms with feathered tails. Birdy Buddy is the conductor on the first car of the train and Pink Bird is a “time and space attendant” who will guide you through the restaurant experience.
Inside the illuminated interior of Car 1 – Future Bird
Inside car 1 is a theatrical space called “Future Bird” that combines retro-futuristic art, video, illuminations, and sound to create the engine room of a train “bound for the future.”
The Future Bird engine room
Car 2 is the main dining area and has an interior like that of a traditional dining car.
A design image of Car 2’s interior
Car 3 with its bar counter, box seats, and raised table space is a more casual space for enjoying light meals and conversation.
A design image of Car 3’s interior
Outdoor terrace seating will also be available beside one of the train cars.
The Gorgeous Burger (with fries)
The restaurant menu combines the pop vibe of a diner with the traditional ingredients of Kyoto to create great tasting meals with visual appeal to satisfy all the senses.
The Future Ekiben three-tiered lunch box (with soup and tea)
On offer are sukiyaki burgers made with wagyu beef, ‘Future Ekiben’ three-tiered lunch boxes, Five-Story Pagoda Parfaits (a tribute to the famous five-story pagoda in nearby Toji Temple), pancakes, pasta, omurice, and steaks.
The Kawaii Five-Story Pagoda Parfait
Colorful milkshakes, cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails are also on offer to complement your meal.
Milkshakes, cocktails and mocktails
Future Train was designed by art director Sebastian Masuda, a leading figure in Japanese pop-culture who’s best known for creating the interiors of the Kawaii Monster Cafe in Tokyo’s Harajuku.
Future Train Kyoto Diner & Cafe will have its grand opening on September 20th. The opening hours will be as follows:
Weekdays: 11:00-16:00, 17:00-23:00 / Weekends and holidays: 11:00-23:00
For more details please visit the official Future Train website.
Article by Michael Lambe. Images courtesy of DD Group Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
