Begin your adventure at JR Wakayama Station, where your guide will welcome you and assist in purchasing a one-day train pass. As you board the train, step into a world of delightful design: each carriage on the Kishigawa Line has its own playful theme, from the “Tama Train” covered in cat illustrations to the “Strawberry Train” and “Toy Train,” each reflecting the creativity that revived a once-struggling rural railway.

During the 35-minute ride, your local guide will share the inspiring story behind the Wakayama Electric Railway: how it narrowly escaped closure in the early 2000s, only to be saved through community effort—and a cat. Tama, originally a stray living near the station, was appointed honorary stationmaster in 2007, and her friendly presence turned the quiet line into a beloved tourist attraction known across Japan and beyond.

Upon arrival at Kishi Station, be greeted by the whimsical cat-shaped building designed by architect Eiji Mitooka, complete with feline ears and smiling windows. Meet the current Cat Stationmaster, visit the Tama Shrine built in honor of the original Tama, and enjoy taking commemorative photos with the adorable mascot that continues her legacy.

Afterward, relax at Tama Café, a stylish, cat-themed café adjoining the station. Enjoy your included drink while gazing out over the tracks where cats and trains coexist in harmony—a uniquely Japanese expression of affection and creativity. Finally, board the return train to Wakayama Station, closing the journey where it began.