On August 20, the restaurant ‘FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE’ will open on the Umekoji Highline in Kyoto. The location’s creative producer is artist Sebastian Masuda.

This project was initiated based on the “Collaborative Agreement for Area Revitalization through Utilization of Elevated Railroad Space in Western Kyoto Station Areas” concluded in March 2025 by 11 companies including West Japan Railway Company, Kyoto Station Building Department, Umekoji Highline, local financial institutions, neighboring businesses, and Kyoto City, with the aim of regional revitalization in the Umekoji area. Upcycling an actual 681-series Thunderbird limited express train, which has outlived its usefulness, and utilizing the elevated space of the disused railway line, the area has been revitalized as an interactive restaurant where visitors can enjoy food, art, and storytelling.

The ‘FUTURE TRAIN’ consists of cars 1-3 lined up in an elevated space approximately 90 meters long, offering a different experience in each area. Car 1 is an art space utilizing the former front car of the Thunderbird. It will be reconfigured as a production space utilizing the design of the driver’s seat and instrumentation, and will be used for video, light, and sound installations and events (scheduled to open in late September 2025). Car 2 is the main dining room, modeled after the dining car motif. Original food and drinks will be served in the retro-futuristic car. Car 3 will feature a bar counter, box seats, and an elevated table space called “platform seats,” where passengers can enjoy casual dining and conversation. Starting on August 20, Cars 2 and 3, the eating and drinking areas, will be open to the public for the first time, allowing visitors to experience a “food journey” on the ‘FUTURE TRAIN.’

In the food and beverage area, based on the theme of “KYOTO Diner,” original menus that can be enjoyed by both the eyes and the palate will be offered, combining the lively pop atmosphere of a diner with the ingredients and culture unique to Kyoto.

The FUTURE TRAIN art area in Car 1 is scheduled for a grand opening in late September 2025.