In Kyoto's Umekoji neighborhood, the train-themed dining spot FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE ("FUTURE TRAIN") is bringing summer to life with a limited-time event called "SUMMER EXPRESS 2026," running from Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Since its grand opening last September, FUTURE TRAIN has offered a dining-and-art experience built around the concept of a "future-bound train." The leading car is an art space upcycled from a decommissioned Thunderbird limited express (681 series) that had completed its service, followed by a platform-style car where guests dine as though boarding a train.
This summer, five special contents await passengers, including a lineup of limited-edition original menu items infused with the flavors of the season.
Kyoto's summer continues to draw visitors from around the world with its timeless charm. In 2026, FUTURE TRAIN's "SUMMER EXPRESS" offers a way to enjoy a slightly more "future-bound" Kyoto summer night.
"FUTURE TRAIN SUMMER EXPRESS 2026" Limited Contents
- Icon menu: "Gorgeous Burger - Summer Future - Firework Tempura of Summer Vegetables" and "Whole Peach! Chilled Pancake With a Giant Firework Blooming in the Night Sky"
- SNS follow campaign: "SUMMER EXPRESS Boarding Pass Sticker" giveaway
- Instant photo (cheki) shoot with an original sleeve
- Four new seasonal a la carte menu items
- New family-oriented party plan
This Summer Only: Two Iconic Menu Items Get a Night-Sky Makeover
Two icon menu items, popular since opening, are dressing up in "night sky" colors for this summer only. Gorgeous toppings reminiscent of a starry sky combine with FUTURE TRAIN's Kyoto-diner take on Japanese flavors to capture the feel of a summer evening.
Gorgeous Burger - Summer Future - Firework Tempura of Summer Vegetables — ¥3,000
Made with black buns blended with bamboo charcoal to evoke the night sky, this burger sandwiches a crisply fried kakiage (tempura fritter) of summer vegetables shaped like fireworks between the dark buns, capturing the image of fireworks blooming in a summer night sky. A spicy kick paired with mustard brings out the flavor of the summer vegetables in this rich, Japanese-inspired burger.
Whole Peach! Chilled Pancake With a Giant Firework Blooming in the Night Sky — ¥3,000
A chilled pancake is topped with a whole peach arranged to resemble a giant firework in bloom, generously filled with rich custard cream. Enjoy the flashy presentation reminiscent of fireworks bursting in a summer night sky, the cool texture, and the peach's juicy sweetness.
Serving period: Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, September 13, 2026
Availability may change depending on supply conditions.
All prices listed above include tax.
Turn Summer Nights Into Memories: Follow FUTURE TRAIN's SNS for a "SUMMER EXPRESS Boarding Pass Sticker"
Guests who follow FUTURE TRAIN's official social media accounts and show the follow screen at the restaurant will receive a "SUMMER EXPRESS Boarding Pass Sticker" — a limited design serving as proof of having boarded the summer's special run, "SUMMER EXPRESS," to take home as a memento along with memories of a starry night.
How to join:
Step 1: Follow FUTURE TRAIN's official Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok
Step 2: Show the follow screen to staff to receive the "SUMMER EXPRESS Boarding Pass Sticker"
The giveaway ends once stickers run out.
Capture Travel Memories: Instant Photos With an Original Sleeve
The instant camera "cheki," beloved for its emotional, distinctly non-digital charm, remains as popular as ever.
During the "SUMMER EXPRESS" event, guests can add a photo shoot with a starry-sky-design sleeve as an option (plus ¥300 with a meal).
Unlike a photo taken and kept only on a smartphone, this is "a moment captured in physical form" — a print worth taking out to look at again and again.
*"Cheki" is a registered trademark or trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
Stars and the Sea's Bounty: Borderless Seasonal A La Carte Menu
Beyond the icon menu items, four new seasonal a la carte dishes are joining the lineup, incorporating summer vegetables and Kyoto ingredients.
Sampling freely across food cultures East and West, these seasonal dishes carry the imaginative, borderless spirit that defines FUTURE TRAIN.
Spice Curry With Summer Vegetables and Hamburger Steak — ¥2,200 (lunch & dinner)
A full-flavored spice curry topped with colorful summer vegetables such as manganji peppers, along with a juicy, hearty hamburger steak. Kyoto's kuro shichimi (black seven-spice blend) adds a spicy depth of flavor, while the tangy accents of tamari-pickled rakkyo (pickled Japanese shallots) and berry sour cream bring out the curry's richness even more.
Lunchtime price is ¥2,400 (set menu).
FUTURE TRAIN Pizza — ¥1,800 (dinner only)
A long pizza toast with an overwhelming presence, evoking the "FUTURE TRAIN" cutting through the summer night sky. Margherita, mac and cheese, mayo corn and sausage, and even a sour cream and berry dessert pizza are all packed onto a single long board — a variety of flavors in one dish, perfect for a group to share.
Okonomiyaki - Eggplant Miso Dengaku — ¥2,200 (dinner only)
A vegan okonomiyaki made with a moist, health-conscious batter of mountain yam, cabbage, and tofu blended with rice flour, generously topped with rich eggplant miso dengaku. The deep flavor of the miso and the savory aroma of the okonomiyaki come together in this gentle, satisfying Japanese-inspired creation.
Surf & Turf: A Platter From Sea and Mountain — ¥9,800 (dinner only)
A special summer platter bringing together the flavors of the sea and the mountains on one plate. A luxurious grilled lobster takes center stage, joined by colorful pintxos and grilled summer vegetables. For the main, guests can choose between a 200g Omi beef steak or a hearty 400g US ribeye steak.
All prices listed above include tax.
New! A Family Plan for Making Summer Memories Together
With summer vacation and Obon bringing more chances to gather with family and friends, a new "Family All-in-One Plan" has joined the lineup.
Priced at ¥15,000, the plan bundles seven dishes, a choice of two drinks, an iconic dessert, and hand-held sparklers into one lavish family package.
From the meal through to the after-dinner flourish, this all-in-one plan lets guests enjoy everything at once — FUTURE TRAIN's pizza, hearty meat dishes, and a choice of popular desserts (the KAWAII Parfait or Birdy's Pancake).
Spend a fun summer moment together with family and friends.
"Family All-in-One" ¥15,000 Plan
- Chowder soup
- Cobb salad
- Fries
- "Meat, Meat, Meat"
- FUTURE TRAIN pizza
- Iconic dessert
- Popovers
- Two drinks
- Hand-held sparklers
Two more plans are also available, at ¥8,000 and ¥12,000.
Reservations require a minimum of 3 guests.
All listed prices include tax.
Reserve at FUTURE TRAIN's booking page
Reservations open starting July 29.
Shop Information
photo by Kaori Uemura
Name: FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE
Address: 3-7 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Umekoji High Line)
Access: One stop from Kyoto Station (directly connected to Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station on the JR West San-in Main Line), or approximately a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station
Seating: 88 seats total
Admission (cover charge): ¥700; ¥300 for elementary school students and under (free for preschool-age children)
Hours:
Weekdays: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last order 3:00 PM) / 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (last order 9:00 PM)
Weekends and holidays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last order 9:00 PM)
Official website & reservations: https://www.futuretrain.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuretrain.kyoto/
All listed prices include tax. Course prices include admission and service charges.
