WakayamaTravel

Tour the cypress-bark-roofed tama station building and museum, enjoy a snack break at the cafe

About this spot

The terminal station of the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishu Line and the home of the world-famous cat station master 'Tama.' The unique station building with a cypress-bark roof shaped like a cat's face was designed by designer Eiji Mitooka and the entire station serves as the 'Tama Museum.' Inside the station building are displays tracing Tama's journey, a shop stocked with merchandise, and the Tama Cafe, popular for cat-themed sweets. A successor cat station master currently serves, and on working days you may see the beloved feline in the glass-walled station master's office. The strawberry train, toy train, and tama train that arrive and depart at the platform are full of playful charm and a must-see, bringing smiles to both train-loving children and adults alike—a fitting finale to your journey.

Tips

The terminal of the Kishu Line. For visiting the three shrines alongside this station, a 1-day unlimited ride ticket is economical. The cat station master has designated working days and hours; check the official Wakayama Electric Railway website's duty calendar in advance if you wish to meet them. Operating schedules for popular trains like the tama train are also published on the official website. The cafe has limited seating, so allow extra time during peak periods. Visiting early in the afternoon is safer for cafe access.