Kishi Station (貴志駅)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The terminus of the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line, and the hometown of the world-famous cat stationmaster, Tama. The unique station building, its cypress-bark roof shaped like a cat's face, was designed by Eiji Mitooka, and the entire station has become the Tama Museum. Inside the station building are exhibits tracing Tama's story, a shop stocked with goods, and Tama Café, popular for its cat-themed sweets. A successor cat stationmaster is still on duty today, and on some days you can meet the adorable stationmaster in the glass-walled stationmaster's office. The playful trains arriving and departing the platform, the Strawberry Train, Toy Train, and Tama Train, are also must-sees, a station fitting as the finale of your trip that will bring a smile not just to train-loving children but to adults as well.

Tips

The terminus of the Kishigawa Line. If you're combining this with the three-shrine pilgrimage, a one-day unlimited-ride pass is a good deal. The cat stationmaster has set working days and hours, so if you want to meet them, check the work calendar on the Wakayama Electric Railway's official website beforehand. The operating schedule for popular trains such as the Tama Train is also published on the official website. The café has relatively few seats, so during busy periods, allow yourself plenty of time when stopping by.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. Best in the afternoon, when you can relax until your return train. It's reassuring to visit the café early

Access & map

〒640-0413 和歌山県紀の川市貴志川町神戸