Wakayama Cat Train (Tama Densha): Schedule, Themed Trains & Kishigawa Line Guide
The Story of Tama: How a Cat Saved a Railway
The Kishigawa Line (貴志川線) was on the brink of closure in 2006. The 15.2-kilometer private railway connecting Wakayama Station to rural Kishi Station had been hemorrhaging passengers for decades, and the previous operator gave up the route entirely. Wakayama Electric Railway (和歌山電鐵) took over with a skeleton budget and a problem: how to get people riding again.
The answer came from an unlikely source. A calico stray cat named Tama (たま) had been living near Kishi Station for years. On January 5, 2007, the railway officially appointed her as stationmaster — a publicity move that spiraled into a genuine cultural phenomenon. According to the Wakayama Electric Railway official site, Tama's main duty was greeting passengers, and she took to it naturally, sitting at her post in a tiny stationmaster's hat.
The effect was immediate and staggering. Tama generated an estimated ¥1.1 billion (~$7.3 million) in economic impact for the region, transforming a dying rural line into an international tourist destination. She became a living maneki-neko — the beckoning cat of Japanese folklore — quite literally saving the railway that had saved her.
Tama served until her death in June 2015. Her successor Nitama (ニタマ, meaning "Tama Two") took over as second-generation stationmaster and continued the tradition until her own passing in 2024. More than 500 people attended Nitama's funeral, a testament to how deeply these cats have embedded themselves in the community. As of 2025, Gotama (ゴタマ, the fifth-generation cat) serves as the current stationmaster at Kishi Station.
Three Themed Trains on the Kishigawa Line
Wakayama Electric Railway operates three specially designed themed trains on the Kishigawa Line, each celebrating a different aspect of Wakayama's identity. All three run on the same track at the regular fare — no surcharge or reservation required.
| Train | Japanese | Theme | Design Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tama Densha | たま電車 | Cat stationmaster | Cat motifs throughout, wooden interior with luxury lounge feel |
| Ichigo Densha | いちご電車 | Strawberry (local fruit) | Strawberry-red exterior, wooden benches and display cases |
| Umeboshi Densha | うめぼし電車 | Pickled plum (local product) | Plum-themed interior, warm wood tones |
All three trains were designed by Eiji Mitooka, the industrial designer behind JR Kyushu's luxury trains. The interiors feel more like a cafe than a commuter train, with wooden floors, custom lighting, and attention to detail that makes the 30-minute ride an experience in itself.
Tama Densha (Cat Train)
The flagship themed train and the one most visitors want to ride. The exterior is covered in 101 illustrations of Tama, and the interior features cat-shaped handles, paw-print motifs, and a bookshelf stocked with cat-related reading material. According to the Wakayama Electric Railway themed train page, the Tama Densha operates on select days — primarily weekends and holidays.
Ichigo Densha (Strawberry Train)
Wakayama is one of Japan's top strawberry-producing prefectures, and this train celebrates it. The bright exterior gives way to a wooden interior with display shelves showcasing local products. It is the most frequently running themed train and often operates on weekdays as well.
Umeboshi Densha (Plum Train)
Wakayama produces more umeboshi (pickled plums) than any other prefecture in Japan, and this train pays tribute with plum-colored accents and a warm, traditional interior. Like the other themed trains, it runs on the regular timetable at no extra cost.
Riding the Kishigawa Line: Schedule and Fares
The Kishigawa Line runs from Wakayama Station to Kishi Station, covering 15.2 kilometers in approximately 30 minutes. Trains run roughly every 20-30 minutes during the day, with the first departure around 6:00 and the last around 22:00.
Key details:
- Fare: ¥580 (~$4) one way from Wakayama to Kishi
- IC cards: ICOCA and other major IC cards accepted
- JR Pass: NOT valid — this is a private railway, separate from JR
- Reservation: Not required for any train, including themed trains
- Themed train schedule: Varies — check the Wakaden timetable page before your visit
The critical thing to know about the cat train schedule is that themed trains do not run every day. The Tama Densha typically operates on weekends and holidays, while the Ichigo Densha runs more frequently. Many visitors on Reddit report showing up on a weekday expecting the cat train and finding a regular commuter car instead. Check the Wakayama Electric Railway website or call ahead to confirm which themed train is running on your travel date.
Even if you ride a regular (non-themed) train, the journey itself is pleasant — the line passes through rural Wakayama countryside with rice paddies, small towns, and occasional river crossings. The destination at Kishi Station is the real draw regardless of which train you take.
Kishi Station: Meeting the Cat Stationmaster
Kishi Station (貴志駅) is the terminus of the Kishigawa Line and the heart of the cat train experience. The station building itself is shaped like a cat face — another Eiji Mitooka design — with triangular ears forming the roofline and round windows for eyes.
The Current Cat Stationmaster
As of 2025, Gotama (ゴタマ) serves as the fifth-generation cat stationmaster. The cat stationmaster's appearance schedule can be irregular, so do not assume the cat will be visible at all times. The stationmaster typically rests in a glass-enclosed office on the platform where passengers can observe without disturbing.
Many visitors on TripAdvisor note that the cat may be sleeping during their visit — which is, after all, what cats do. The experience is about the broader atmosphere: the shrine, the station design, and the story of how one cat changed the fate of an entire railway.
Tama Shrine and Gift Shop
On the station platform, a small Shinto shrine honors the original Tama. The shrine was built after her death in 2015 and features cat-themed decorations and ema (prayer plaques). Nearby, the Tama Cafe and gift shop sells exclusive merchandise — cat-shaped cookies, stationmaster hats, postcards, and plush toys — that you will not find elsewhere. Allow time to browse; the souvenirs are well-made and reasonably priced.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours at Kishi Station to see the cat stationmaster (or at least the office), visit the shrine, explore the gift shop, and take photos of the cat-shaped station building.
Getting There from Osaka and Kansai
Most visitors reach the Kishigawa Line from Osaka, which is the nearest major city.
From Osaka to Wakayama Station:
- JR Kuroshio limited express: Tennoji to Wakayama, approximately 50 minutes
- JR Hanwa Line rapid: Tennoji to Wakayama, approximately 60-70 minutes (cheaper, no surcharge)
- Nankai Line: Namba to Wakayama-shi Station (note: different station from JR Wakayama Station)
From JR Wakayama Station, transfer to the Kishigawa Line on the same station complex. The Wakayama Electric Railway departure platform is clearly signed. The total journey from central Osaka to Kishi Station takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on connections.
From Kyoto: Take the JR Special Rapid to Osaka, then transfer as above. Total time approximately 2.5-3 hours.
From Kansai Airport: JR Haruka or Rapid to Tennoji, then transfer to Wakayama. Approximately 90 minutes total.
Important: fares shown are from 2024-2025 data. Confirm current pricing on the Wakayama Electric Railway website before traveling.
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Combining with Koyasan
A cat train excursion works well as a half-day trip from Osaka. Here is how to plan it:
Recommended itinerary (half-day):
- Depart Osaka by 9:00
- Arrive Wakayama Station by 10:00-10:30
- Ride Kishigawa Line to Kishi (30 minutes)
- Spend 1-2 hours at Kishi Station
- Return to Wakayama and continue to Osaka or onward
Tips from experienced visitors:
- Check the themed train schedule on the Wakaden website before choosing your travel day
- Weekday visits are quieter but themed trains are less likely to run
- Bring cash — while IC cards work on trains, some station shops and the cafe may prefer cash
- The round trip from Osaka costs approximately ¥3,000-4,000 (~$20-27) total including JR and Kishigawa Line fares
- Buy souvenirs at Kishi Station — the exclusive cat goods are the best souvenirs on the line
Combining with Koyasan: Some travelers want to visit both the cat train and Mount Koya in one trip. While technically possible in a single long day, it makes for a rushed experience. The Kishigawa Line and the Nankai Koya Line run in different directions from Wakayama, and transferring between them adds time. A two-day itinerary — cat train one day, Koyasan the next — is more enjoyable. For the Koyasan route, see our Osaka to Koyasan train guide for detailed schedule and ticket information.