Japan’s leading figure in kawaii culture, Sebastian Masuda is set to revive Kawaii Monster Café, the iconic Harajuku landmark in Tokyo, at the end of the year. But first, he’s unveiled something just as fantastical in the ancient city of Kyoto.
Located just one stop from Kyoto Station on the JR Sagano Line – or 20 minutes’ walk from the transport hub – Future Train Kyoto Diner & Cafe bills itself as Japan’s first restaurant on an abandoned railway viaduct. It showcases Masuda’s signature maximalist style: bright, psychedelic colours, retro-futuristic décor, and over-the-top aesthetics.
But Future Train isn’t just a cutesy eatery made for the Instagram generation; it also includes an immersive art experience. More significantly, it’s a creative transformation of disused infrastructure and forgotten spaces, turning them into a tourist attraction aimed at revitalising the local community.
Future Train is made up of several cars. The first was the front carriage of a decommissioned Thunderbird train, which once ran between Osaka and Tsuruga. It has now been reimagined as the engine room of a futuristic train, brought to life through a blend of art, video, computer graphics, lighting and sound. This vibrant installation is even anchored by a narrative, led by two characters created exclusively for Future Train: the conductor, Birdy Buddy, and her assistant, Pink Bird.
For the full experience, opt for the Future Imagination Course, a two-hour theatrical dining journey that begins with the immersive art experience in Car 1, followed by a seven-course meal and aperitif in Car 2. Priced at ¥11,000 per person (including admission and service charge), the course is available Wednesday to Saturday, with a 10 percent discount running until the end of October.
Of course, you can also enjoy Future Train in a more casual way. Drop in for à la carte dining in Car 2, which is styled like a train dining carriage, or relax in Car 3, where you’ll find retro box seats and the Future Bar. There’s also terrace seating and a raised platform area offering views of Kyoto Tower and a nearby five-storey pagoda.
The à la carte menu complements the overall theme, with whimsical dishes like pink carbonara and the Kawaii Five-Storey Pagoda Parfait, alongside hearty crowd-pleasers such as hamburg steak and a mixed grill platter. Casual dining is available for lunch, dinner and late-night hours. Admission is ¥700 for adults, ¥300 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for younger guests, with a minimum order of one item per person.
Before leaving, be sure to stop by the Future Train gift shop, where you’ll find exclusive merchandise, along with curated goods from Masuda’s beloved Harajuku brand, 6%Dokidoki.
For more information, visit the Future Train website.
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