Date published: 30 July 2026
Ready to experience a summer night in Kyoto with a futuristic twist? FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE, an immersive train-themed restaurant in Kyoto’s Umekoji area, is launching its limited-time SUMMER EXPRESS 2026 event from July 29, 2026, for just six weeks.
Opened last September, FUTURE TRAIN is a surreal dining and art space created inside a retired Thunderbird limited express train from the 681 series. Designed and produced by Sebastian Masuda, the artist who helped bring Japan’s colorful Kawaii culture to the world, it feels like stepping aboard a fantastical train waiting to depart from the platform.
This summer, the train is rolling out five seasonal surprises, from limited-edition dishes inspired by the colors of the night sky to interactive experiences designed to create unforgettable memories. All aboard for one of Kyoto’s most unique summer nights!
(Main image credit: Kaori Uemura)
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Must-Try Highlights! Two Signature Dishes Get a Starry Summer Makeover
(Photo credit: DD Group)
Two of the restaurant’s most popular signature dishes are dressing up for summer in dazzling, starry-night colors. Blending Japanese-inspired flavors with visuals reminiscent of fireworks lighting up the night sky, these limited-edition creations are guaranteed to have your phone eating first.
Summer Future Burger: A Firework Burst of Vegetable Kakiage (3,000 yen)
(Photo credit: DD Group)
This showstopping burger captures the summer night sky with a jet-black bun made using bamboo charcoal. Inside, a golden, crispy summer vegetable kakiage fritter bursts outward like a dazzling firework.
A touch of spice and Japanese mustard adds a gentle kick that brings out the vegetables’ natural sweetness, creating an indulgent burger packed with bold Japanese-inspired flavors.
Chilled Peach Pancakes: A Giant Firework in the Night Sky (3,000 yen)
(Photo credit: DD Group)
A whole juicy peach, sliced to resemble a giant firework in full bloom, takes center stage atop these refreshingly chilled pancakes. Cut it open to reveal a generous filling of rich, creamy custard.
With its dramatic presentation, cool texture, and naturally sweet peach flavor, this dazzling dessert is the perfect treat for a summer night.
(Available from July 29 to September 13, 2026)
Capture the Journey! Exclusive Ride Keepsakes and Romantic Instax Photos
Follow FUTURE TRAIN on Social Media and Get a Free SUMMER EXPRESS Boarding Pass Sticker
(Photo credit: DD Group)
Follow FUTURE TRAIN on Instagram, X, Facebook, or TikTok, then show the follow screen to staff to receive a free SUMMER EXPRESS boarding pass sticker featuring an event-exclusive design.
Quantities are limited and available while supplies last, so be sure to take home this starry keepsake from your journey.
Capture the Moment with a Starry Cheki Photo
(Photo credit: DD Group)
There is something extra special about holding a real photo in your hands. During SUMMER EXPRESS, diners can add a Cheki instant photo with an exclusive starry frame for just 300 yen.
It is the perfect way to capture an unforgettable summer night and take home a keepsake you will want to look at again and again.
Flavors Without Borders! Four Limited-Time Summer Dishes
Beyond its signature burgers and desserts, FUTURE TRAIN is taking a borderless approach to summer dining. Four limited-time dishes bring together seasonal Kyoto vegetables and flavors from around the world.
Summer Vegetable and Hamburg Steak Spice Curry (Lunch Set: 2,400 yen / Dinner À La Carte: 2,200 yen)
(Photo credit: DD Group)
Colorful summer vegetables, including Kyoto’s famous Manganji peppers, are served with a thick, juicy Hamburg steak and finished with aromatic Kyoto black shichimi spice. Pickled rakkyo and berry sour cream add a refreshing tang, giving the rich curry even more depth.
FUTURE TRAIN Jumbo Pizza (1,800 yen, dinner only)
(Photo credit: DD Group)
Shaped like a train speeding through the night sky, this extra-long pizza is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. One massive pie features four flavors: Margherita, mac and cheese, sausage with corn and mayonnaise, and a sweet berry pizza topped with sour cream. Perfect for sharing with friends!
Vegan Okonomiyaki with Miso-Glazed Eggplant (2,200 yen, dinner only)
(Photo credit: DD Group)
This lighter take on okonomiyaki starts with a wholesome batter made from rice flour, grated yam, cabbage, and tofu. It is topped with savory eggplant dengaku, creating an irresistible combination of rich miso and sizzling Japanese comfort-food flavors.
Ultimate Surf-and-Turf Platter (9,800 yen, dinner only)
(Photo credit: DD Group)
This spectacular summer platter brings the best of land and sea together on one plate. Alongside a whole grilled lobster, delicate skewers, and roasted summer vegetables, choose between a 200-gram Omi beef steak or a hearty 400-gram American rib-eye steak.
New! Make Summer Memories with the Family All-in-One Party Plan
Summer vacation and Japan’s August Obon holiday are perfect for gathering with family and friends. FUTURE TRAIN is making group dining even easier with a brand-new party plan.
(Photo credit: DD Group)
The recommended 15,000-yen plan includes seven generous dishes, featuring the signature pizza and a hearty meat platter, plus two drinks of your choice. It also comes with one of the restaurant’s popular photo-worthy desserts, either a KAWAII parfait or adorable bird-shaped pancakes, along with Japanese sparklers for a nostalgic summer finale.
From dinner and dessert to after-meal entertainment, everything is covered for an easy, memorable celebration with family and friends.
Plans priced at 8,000 yen and 12,000 yen are also available. Reservations are required for groups of three or more.
Meet the Creative Mind Behind FUTURE TRAIN
Sebastian Masuda was born in 1970 and is currently based in New York. After becoming involved in theater and contemporary art in the early 1990s, he opened 6%DOKIDOKI in 1995 as a space for bold self-expression.
Known for his distinctive use of color, Masuda creates across the worlds of art, fashion, and entertainment. His work includes serving as art director for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s PONPONPON music video and planning and producing KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, helping introduce Japan’s Kawaii culture to audiences around the world.
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FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER ＆ CAFE
フューチャートレイン・キョウト・ダイナー・アンド・カフェ
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Address
3-7 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Umekoji Highline
View Map
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Nearest Station
One stop from Kyoto Station on the JR San-in Main Line to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, with direct access to the venue. Alternatively, it is around a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
・Seating: 88 seats
・Admission: Adults 700 yen; elementary school students and younger 300 yen; preschool children free
・Weekdays: 11 AM–4 PM (last order 3 PM) / 5–10 PM (last order 9 PM)
・Weekends and public holidays: 11 AM–10 PM (last order 9 PM) -
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Written by:
Originally from Hong Kong, she graduated from university with a degree in English and Japanese before moving to Chiba, Japan, in 2015.
With her 10 years of experience living in Japan, she excels at discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path information that you won’t find in typical travel guides. Specializing in art, seasonal scenery, and theme parks, she provides the latest and most useful travel information.
She has experience writing for major travel media outlets and regional tourism websites and has also obtained JLPT Level 1 certification. She hopes to offer reliable travel information from a unique Hong Kong perspective.
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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