Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line – Wakayama

The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line is a 14.3-kilometer local railway running between Wakayama Station and Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

It connects the city center to the quiet, rural area of Kishigawa, passing through peaceful rice fields, local neighborhoods, shrines, and orchards.
The line became world-famous for its cat stationmaster “Tama”, who transformed the once struggling railway into a beloved tourist destination.

Key Facts

• Operator: Wakayama Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Okayama Electric Tramway)

• Length: 14.3 km

• Stations: 14

• Travel time: About 30 minutes one way

• Frequency: About 2–3 trains per hour

• Start: Wakayama Station (和歌山駅)

• End: Kishi Station (貴志駅)

The Story of the Cat Stationmaster

In 2007, the line’s small Kishi Station gained fame when a local stray cat named Tama was appointed Stationmaster to welcome passengers.
Her adorable presence attracted media attention around the world and led to a dramatic increase in ridership and tourism.

Tama wore a miniature stationmaster’s hat, greeted visitors, and became a symbol of good fortune and community spirit.
After her passing in 2015, she was honored with the title “Honorary Eternal Stationmaster” and enshrined as a deity at a small Shinto shrine near the station.

Today, her successor “Nitama” (literally “Tama II”) continues the legacy, greeting visitors as the current Stationmaster of Kishi Station.
Another cat, “Yontama”, serves as a Stationmaster Trainee at Idakiso Station.

Themed Trains on the Kishigawa Line

The Kishigawa Line is renowned for its four uniquely designed themed trains, all created by Eiji Mitooka, a famous Japanese designer also known for JR Kyushu’s luxury trains.

1. Tama Train (たま電車)

• Decorated inside and out with over 100 cartoon images of Tama the Cat.

• Features cat-shaped seats, paw-print motifs, and even feline eyes painted on the front of the train.

• A must-ride for cat lovers!

2. Ichigo Train (いちご電車)

• The “Strawberry Train” celebrates Kishigawa’s famous local strawberries.

• Features red-and-white décor, strawberry illustrations, and local product displays.

• You can even buy strawberry goods at souvenir shops along the line.

3. Umeboshi Densha (うめ星電車)

• A beautifully designed plum blossom-themed train, inspired by Wakayama’s famous Nanko ume (pickled plums).

• Elegant red lacquer-style interior with traditional craftsmanship details.

• Symbolizes good luck and longevity.

Each themed train runs on a rotating schedule, so you may want to check in advance which one is running on your travel day.

Kishi Station (貴志駅)

The terminal station of the line is a must-visit attraction itself.

Highlights:

• Cat-shaped station building designed to resemble Tama’s face.

• Tama Café serving light meals, desserts, and coffee (try the cat-shaped pancakes!).

• Tama Museum showcasing Tama’s life story, photos, and memorabilia.

• Small shrine dedicated to “Eternal Stationmaster Tama.”

• Souvenir shop selling exclusive items such as plushies, pins, and stationery.

If you’re lucky, you can meet Nitama at her office window during her working hours!

Route & Surroundings

Starting Point: Wakayama Station (和歌山駅)

• Accessible from Osaka (JR Kansai Main Line or Hanwa Line, approx. 1 hour).

• Transfer to the Wakayama Electric Railway platform inside the same station.

Along the Line:

• Idakiso Station (伊太祈曽駅): Home to Yontama, the trainee cat stationmaster.

• Kōzaki and Kibi Stations: Surrounded by rice fields and rural scenery — perfect for photography.

• Nishiyamaguchi Station: Access to Kibitan Shrine and local countryside walks.

Destination: Kishi Station (貴志駅)

• The highlight of the line, featuring Tama’s legacy and the iconic cat-shaped station.

Local Flavors

• The Kishigawa area is famous for strawberries, plums, and local sake.

• Try the “Kishigawa Ichigo” desserts and umeboshi (pickled plums) at local shops.

• Nearby cafés and farm stands offer fresh local produce and homemade sweets.

Visiting Tips

Recommended Season:

• Spring: Enjoy cherry blossoms along the tracks.

• Summer: Lush green rice fields.

• Autumn: Golden harvest scenery.

• Winter: Fewer crowds, peaceful countryside.

Travel Pass:

• Consider the Kishigawa Line 1-Day Pass for unlimited rides on the line.

Timing:

• Spend around 2–3 hours to enjoy the full trip, including stops and the visit to Kishi Station.

Photography Tip:

• The best photo spots are between Kōzaki and Kibi Stations, where trains pass through open farmland.

Meet the Cats:

• Nitama’s working hours are usually 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, with rest days on Mondays and Thursdays.

• Yontama can often be seen at Idakiso Station.

Why Visit the Kishigawa Line?

• It’s not just a train ride — it’s a heartwarming cultural experience.

• You’ll see how a small local railway revived itself through creativity, community, and love for cats.

• Perfect for travelers seeking something quaint, local, and uniquely Japanese.

From Osaka or Kyoto, it’s a short and easy day trip that offers a mix of rural charm, design beauty, and adorable feline encounters.

Access Summary