A legendary luxury train is on display in a park in Tokyo, generating much buzz. It also opened as a restaurant last weekend, attracting attention as a new tourist attraction, but also drawing criticism for being an excessive use of taxpayer money.
■Controversy over large tax expenditure The retro-style carriage, with its striking green and red colors, is a striking sight. The “Yume Kukan,” a pioneer of luxury passenger cars in Japan that once traveled across the country, has been revived as a new landmark in Kiyose City, Tokyo. A visitor in his 60s said, “Railway cultural assets tend to disappear, so it’s wonderful that a public institution is preserving it.” From the 2nd, the train opened as a restaurant, with its interior recreated to resemble its original appearance. In addition to dishes recreating the original menu, they also offer dishes using local ingredients. A customer commented, “They had soup, beef stew, and dessert. I felt the atmosphere of the Heisei or bubble era.” Another customer added, “I had chocolate tart and local cider. It was very luxurious.”
However, the large amount of taxpayer money used to exhibit the “Yume Kukan” has sparked controversy. A local citizen said, “I’m not really in favor of it. It will cost money to remove it, so please manage it properly. However, please stop using taxpayers’ money to cover the costs.” Before becoming mayor, newly elected Mayor Harada Hiromi (50) said the following: Mayor Harada (from X, before election) “A total of 218 million yen was spent to transport (Yume Kukan), repair work, and to install the roof and rails. We have received many comments questioning the appropriateness of this use of taxpayers’ money (※Tokyo Metropolitan Government subsidies and crowdfunding were also utilized).” Mayor Harada has now clarified his future plans.
■Installation in a park…Opinions divided The luxury train “Yume Kukan,” installed in Kiyose City, Tokyo, at a cost of over 200 million yen, is causing controversy. This project was advanced under the previous mayor. Opinions are divided regarding its installation in a park. A 70-year-old resident of Kiyose City said, “Honestly, I’m a little disappointed that (Yume Kukan) has come. I wanted it to be a space where children could play, so with this here, it will be difficult for them to play ball or something. I also feel that it’s not right for adults to be drinking alcohol (in the restaurant inside the vehicle).”
A 40-year-old resident of Kiyose City said, “It looks really cool, so I hope people from other cities will come too, and I hope it will be very useful in the future.” The city explained that there is enough space for children to play in the park. They are also considering holding storytelling events inside the “Yume Kukan” vehicle. Mayor Harada commented on the future, saying, “We need to carefully examine whether it can be self-sustaining while utilizing it as a restaurant and for children’s activities.” (From the broadcast on May 5, 2026) [TV Asahi NEWS]
