Is there a train station run by a cat in Japan? Yes. Yes, there is (although the stationmaster seemed to be sleeping on the job when I visited, lol). This post focuses on how to ride the cat-themed Tamaden train in Wakayama and visit the cat train station in Japan.
The Japan travel itinerary provided is great for anyone looking for an easy way to visit Japan’s countryside or who wants to take a one-day trip out of Osaka.
➡️ My visit to the cat train station is featured in this video on my YouTube channel.
Wakayama Electric Railway (Kishigawa Line)
Wakayama is home to some of Japan’s most sacred sites and is filled with lush farmlands, mountains, and beautiful beaches.
It’s located in the Kansai region and is an easy day trip from Osaka.
If you’d like to explore more of Japan’s countryside, riding the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line is a fun way to do that.
Although the railway is only thirty-five minutes long, there is much to do along the route. Plus, the trains are themed!
There’s a strawberry (Ichigo) and a pickled plum (Umeboshi) train–two fruits Wakayama is known for.
But a must-see is the Tamaden cat-themed train.
Is the cat train accessible from Osaka Station?
You’ll need to go from Osaka to Wakayama station (about a 1-1.5-hour ride, depending on your route). The Kishigawa line with the themed trains starts from Wakayama Station.
Which Japanese train station is run by a cat?
The Kishi Station in Wakayama, Japan, is home to two feline stationmasters—Yontama and Nitama. The two cats took on the job after their predecessor, Tama, passed away.
You can visit the current stationmasters during their work hours.
Who is the famous cat at the Japan train station?
Tama was a beloved, friendly cat who frequently visited Kishi Station, the last stop on the line.
In the late 1990s, financial problems and low ridership threatened to shut down the railway line.
However, residents asked that the line be saved, and after meeting Tama, the president of the Wakayama Electric Railway, allowed her to stay at the station and officially named her the stationmaster of Kishi Station in 2007.
Tama played a huge part in revitalizing the railway line and the local economy. When Tama passed away, she was honored and memorialized with a shrine on Kishi’s platform. She is deemed the goddess of the Wakayama Electric Railway.
Today, the current stationmasters are two of Tama’s apprentices, Nitama and Yontama, whom you can visit during their work hours.
Wakayama Cat-themed Train
People from all over the country come out to ride the cat-themed Tama train on the Kishigawa Line. It’s a reason the local economy was boosted and why Tama is still so beloved and honored.
Tama Train Schedule
The Tamaden (cat train) isn’t the only type of train to run on the Kishigawa Line. A sign at Kishi Station shows the Tama train schedule specifically.
Osaka to Wakayama Cat Train Japan Travel Itinerary
Osaka Station —> Wakayama Station.
From Wakayama Station, follow signs for the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line. You’ll start to see cat photos and paw prints everywhere.
I recommend getting the 1-Day Kishigawa Line Passport if you plan to hop on and off at multiple stops. If you only plan to visit Kishi Station, don’t get the pass. The pass is 800 yen for adults & 400 yen for children
✨ Pick up a Kishigawa Line brochure at Wakayama Station to see what activities are available at each stop along the line.
Kishi Station
Take the train from Wakayama Station to Kishi Station (the end of the line). Kishi Station is the Tama cat train station in Japan. It has a Tama museum, a Tama shrine, a cat-themed cafe, and a store.
Idakiso Station (second cat station)
Idakiso Station is the second train station where you can see a cat stationmaster. (check their work schedules for when you can see them)
Visit Other Stops along the line
After visiting the Tama cat train station, I recommend checking out the other activities along the Kishigawa Railway Line. Here’s what we ended up doing:
Strawberry picking at Kishi Station
Itakiso Shrine & cafe lunch at Idakiso Station.
Cat Train Eki Stamps
Each stop along the Kishigawa Railway Line has an eki stamp featuring Tama and nods to the area’s reputation. So bring a notebook or purchase an eki stamp book to collect stamps during your journey.
WATCH NEXT
I visited a CAT TRAIN STATION in Japan’s countryside. Here’s how you can, too. 🐈 🇯🇵
LINKS
📗 Japan Train (Eki) Stamp Book
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