Japan has long been renowned for its beauty and innovative ideas. Now, a new restaurant in Kyoto's Umekoji area has become a major attraction for tourists. Here, not only can you enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine, but you can also have a unique and fun dining experience in settings resembling train carriages.
This restaurant is actually created inside upcycled 681-series Thunderbird train carriages. The distinctive feature is that it's Japan's first restaurant located directly on railway tracks.
Before entering, guests pass through a ticket gate and are then taken to a mysterious platform where their futuristic journey begins.
Source: aajtak
The restaurant has two carriages open to the public. The second carriage serves as the main dining area, adorned in vibrant red. The third carriage includes a bar counter and box seats for a more casual dining atmosphere. The first carriage will open as an art space next September.
Source: aajtak
The menu is Kyoto-inspired, featuring the standout Ume Mirai Gourmet Burger made from Wagyu beef and local vegetables. Additional offerings include the Future Ekiben Box, pasta, omurice, sandwiches, and a variety of fish and meat options. For dessert lovers, there are special treats like the Birdie Buddy Pancake and Kawaii Five-Story Pagoda Parfait.
Source: aajtak
If you're not very hungry, enjoy light snacks like crispy fries and yakitori. The drinks menu includes cocktails and mocktails infused with local flavors, as well as drinks made with Japanese ingredients like yuzu and matcha, which tourists have particularly enjoyed.
This restaurant was designed by Japan's renowned artist, Sebastian Masuda, known for creating the Harajuku Kawaii Monster Café, favored by Hollywood celebrities. Now, in collaboration with the Diamond Dining Company, he has crafted this Future Train project. It is not just a restaurant, but part of a plan to rejuvenate Kyoto's railway area.
