Japan's First Permanent Store on a Decommissioned Railway Viaduct Set to Open This Summer

Opening of FUTURE TRAIN: Japan's First Store on a Decommissioned Railway Viaduct

In an exciting development for both residents and tourists, a new concept restaurant named FUTURE TRAIN is set to open in the summer of 2025. This venture is unprecedented in Japan, as it will be the first permanent store constructed on a decommissioned railway viaduct. It aims to revitalize the area surrounding the western part of Kyoto Station and is a part of a collaborative agreement established on March 21, 2025, aimed at enhancing the utilization of the former railway space.

Installation of the Train Car

To prepare for this opening, the FUTURE TRAIN project team, in partnership with Ume Kouji Highline Co., Ltd. and West Japan Railway Company, has successfully installed a train car that will serve as a centerpiece for the restaurant. Here are the details:

1. Schedule for Installation:
Date and Time: Installation was carried out on April 27, 2025, starting around 1 AM until the early hours of April 28.
Location of the Installation: The train car was transported from the Suita General Rolling Stock Center to the area near Ume Kouji Kyoto West Station, followed by a hoisting process onto the decommissioned viaduct.
* Contents of Work: The installation involved the transportation and hoisting of a decommissioned train car, previously used as the express service Thunderbird, to create a unique dining space.

2. Overview of the Restaurant
- Restaurant Name: FUTURE TRAIN
- Official Website: futuretrain.jp
- Instagram Account: @futuretrain.kyoto
- Concept: FUTURE TRAIN will feature a creatively designed space that resembles a train, revitalizing the once-utilized Thunderbird service as a dining venue, which promises a novel dining experience dubbed “Departing from Decommissioned Tracks to a Culinary Future.” The establishment will connect directly with Ume Kouji Kyoto West Station, inviting guests into a transforming environment where the past meets the future.

This innovative dining experience emphasizes not just cuisine but the enchanting atmosphere of being within a train car situated atop the former railway track, making it a remarkable attraction for all visitors to Kyoto. The restaurant aims to merge the nostalgic essence of travel with modern dining, beckoning food enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The official opening of FUTURE TRAIN is highly anticipated, with an expected launch in the summer of 2025. For updates about the project and further details, keep an eye on the official website and social media accounts. This establishment promises to become a unique landmark in Kyoto, fostering a blend of history, culture, and culinary excellence that is sure to captivate and inspire all who visit.

For more information on the collaboration that made this project possible, please refer to the press release dated March 21, 2025: Press Release

As FUTURE TRAIN gears up to welcome its first guests, it represents a bold step towards utilizing urban spaces creatively and sustainably, highlighting the potential of old infrastructures to inspire new experiences.