A charming, cat-themed train on the Wakayama Electric Railway featuring adorable feline-inspired interiors and tributes to Tama, the beloved stationmaster cat.

Ride Details

Ride Type

Themed, Scenic, Cultural

Duration

Approximately 30 minutes per trip

Distance

14.3 km (8.9 miles) between Wakayama Station and Kishi Station

Operating Season & Hours

  • Operates year-round
  • Daily schedule: First train around 5:30 AM, last train around 11:30 PM
  • Check official website for seasonal or special event schedules

Pricing

  • One-way ticket: ¥410 JPY ($3 USD) for adults, ¥210 JPY ($1.50 USD) for children
  • 1-Day Unlimited Pass: ¥780 JPY (~$5.50 USD)
  • IC cards accepted (ICOCA, Suica, etc.)

Train Overview

  • Name: Tama Densha (たま電車 / Tama Train)
  • Line: Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line
  • Route: Wakayama Station ⇄ Kishi Station
  • Distance: Approx. 14.3 km (~8.9 miles)
  • Time: ~30-minute one-way ride
  • Design Supervision: Eiji Mitooka (also designer of Kyushu’s luxury trains)

All Amenities & Features

Interior Design & Decoration

  • Fully Hello Kitty-level themed train dedicated to Tama the cat
  • Over 100 cat images throughout the train
  • Cat-face shaped seats and backs
  • Cat paws and whiskers printed on floors, walls, and ceilings
  • Cat-themed window curtains and upholstery
  • Wooden flooring and natural finishes
  • Library corner with children’s books and cat stories

Photo Opportunities

  • Giant plush Tama seats for photos
  • Whimsical decor perfect for Instagram-worthy shots
  • Themed signage, logos, and paw prints throughout the train

Seating & Comfort

  • Standard bench-style train seating with cat-themed cushions
  • Plush cat face seats and ears on some headrests
  • Air-conditioned cars
  • Soft lighting and a cozy, family-friendly environment

Family & Kid-Friendly Features

  • Cat-themed play and reading area for children
  • Picture books available in the library nook
  • Fun environment for all ages—ideal for families and cat lovers
  • Quiet and non-crowded, especially on weekdays

Souvenir Shop (at Kishi Station)

  • Tama-themed merchandise: plushies, keychains, snacks, stationery
  • Exclusive limited-edition items
  • Cafe-style area sometimes available (seasonal)

Kishi Station (Tama’s Home Station)

  • Cat-themed station building shaped like a cat’s face
  • Tama Café – serves local treats and drinks (seasonal hours)
  • Stationmaster Cat Shrine dedicated to Tama
  • Tama’s successor (Nitama) sometimes appears in uniform
  • Tama Museum – small exhibit on Tama’s legacy

 Basic Onboard Services

✅ Accepts Credit Cards – Only at major stations or gift shop (not on the train)
❌ Allows Pets – Yes, small pets in carriers are allowed (standard Japan train rules)
✅ Kid Friendly – Very much so
❌ Outdoor Seating – No, indoor only
✅ Reservations Needed – No; it’s a local commuter train—just board and ride
❌ Smoking Allowed – No smoking
✅ Wheelchair Accessible – Some cars are accessible; inquire in advance
❌ WiFi – No WiFi onboard
✅ Air Conditioning – Yes
✅ Luggage Storage – Overhead racks and floor space available
✅ Restrooms – Not available on the train itself, but at stations

 Route & Stations

  • Starts: Wakayama Station
  • Ends: Kishi Station
  • Intermediate stops include:
    • Tanakaguchi
    • Kamayama
    • Idakiso
    • Nishiyamaguchi
    • And more (total: 14 stations)

 Languages

  • Primary onboard language: Japanese
  • English signage available in many areas (especially at Kishi Station and on the train)
  • Staff are friendly; limited English spoken, but manageable for tourists

 Tickets & Pricing

  • No extra charge for riding the Tama Train — same fare as regular trains on the line
  • Adults: ¥410 ($3 USD) one way
  • Children: ¥210 ($1.50 USD) one way
  • 1-Day Pass available for unlimited rides on the Kishigawa Line (~¥800)