Step aboard a one-of-a-kind journey where dining meets imagination. FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE is an immersive entertainment experience located in Umekoji, Kyoto, inspired by Japan’s iconic limited express train, Thunderbird. Built on a former elevated railway line — the first of its kind in Japan — this unique venue transports guests into a fantastical future without ever leaving the city.
At the helm is Sebastian Masuda, the trailblazer behind Japan’s “Kawaii” culture. Founder of the legendary Harajuku shop “6% DOKIDOKI,” art director of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s iconic PONPONPON music video, and creator of the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, Masuda brings his signature world of art, fashion, colour, and entertainment to Kyoto.
Your experience begins the moment you arrive. Upon entry, you receive a train-style ticket and pass through the ticket gate, marking your “departure” into a futuristic world. The interior is designed to resemble actual train cars, blending authentic railway details with imaginative lighting, digital displays, and playful design. It creates the feeling of travelling through time and space — an atmosphere unlike anything else in Kyoto.
Not to be missed is Car No. 1, “FUTURE BIRD” — the most visually striking section of the venue and the heart of the futuristic train concept. This immersive installation surrounds guests with sound, light, animation, and a dreamlike mix of digital and analogue art. It is a must-see space for photography and sets the tone for the entire experience.
This is first and foremost an immersive art and entertainment destination, with food as part of the visual spectacle. The dishes are beautifully presented and designed to match the futuristic atmosphere, combining Japanese and Western-inspired elements with a playful train-themed style.
For guests seeking the most complete experience, the “Night Parade Dinner Party” offers a special evening journey. Begin with an immersive art experience aboard Car No. 1, then continue to Car No. 2 for a high-tea style dinner featuring a welcome drink, non-alcoholic free-flow drinks, savoury bites, and desserts. Playful railway-inspired moments, such as ticket clipping and fortune-style activities, add a nostalgic and theatrical touch.
The staff, dressed in station attendant-style uniforms, welcome and assist guests with warmth and care, making the entire visit feel like a special journey. Nostalgic yet futuristic, artistic yet playful, FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE is a memorable Kyoto experience where dining, imagination, and railway culture come together.
