A cat as the stationmaster? Enjoy a leisurely trip like a cat on the Wakayama Electric Railway

• Table of Contents
• Tama Honorary Permanent Stationmaster
• Tama Train & Tama Train Museum Train
• Greeting the stationmaster
• Access
• Relax like a cat and enjoy your trip on the Wakayama Electric Railway!

Tama Honorary Permanent Stationmaster

The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line is a railway line that runs from Wakayama Station in Wakayama City to Kishi Station in Kinokawa City.

Due to continuous losses, the line was in danger of being closed, but thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of local residents to keep it running, the local government decided to open a public call for a successor operator and continue operations. However, there was no railway company willing to take over the unprofitable line, so at the request of local residents, a streetcar company volunteered to take it on, and founded Wakayama Electric Railway.

The calico cat, Tama, and her comrades had been kept at a shop next to Kishi Station, but the owner had been ordered to remove the cat house on public land by the time of the handover, so on the day that Wakayama Electric Railway began operations, the owner ran up to the president, who was attending the ceremony, and asked him to keep Tama and the other cats at the station.

Seeing the owner in such a difficult situation, the president wanted to help somehow, so he decided to meet Tama. When Tama said to him, "I'll be the stationmaster," the president decided to appoint her as the official stationmaster so that she could continue to stay at the station.

Stationmaster Tama

Then, in January 2007, the first "cat stationmaster" of a private railway was appointed at Kishi Station, which became a hot topic not only in Japan but also overseas. According to calculations by a well-known university professor, the economic impact that "Stationmaster Tama" brought to Wakayama Prefecture that year was an astounding 1.1 billion yen.

In this way, Stationmaster Tama has become known as a symbol of the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line and the revitalization of local public transportation. With his adorable appearance and friendly personality, he has attracted many fans and greatly increased the recognition of the Wakayama Electric Railway.

In June 2015, "Stationmaster Tama", who made a great contribution to the survival and revitalization of the Kishigawa Line, passed away at the ripe old age of natural causes. After that, she became the "Honorary Permanent Stationmaster" and was enshrined as a god at "Tama Shrine" within the Kishi Station premises, where she still watches over the Kishigawa Line and welcomes customers.

Tama Shrine

In addition, as the successor to Stationmaster Tama, Ultra Stationmaster Nitama has been appointed to Kishi Station, and Manager Stationmaster Yontama has been appointed to Itakiso Station. They are carrying on the legacy of Stationmaster Tama and continue to watch over the passengers with their adorable appearances.

When you visit Wakayama, why not take the time to see the stationmasters hard at work?

Tama Train & Tama Train Museum Train

Wakayama Electric Railway has six trains with unique designs. In this article, we will introduce two trains that are related to Tama, the Honorary Permanent Stationmaster.

Click here for details on the colorful tourist train

Tama Train

In 2009, the "Tama Train" was redesigned with a theme based on Stationmaster Tama and began operating.

The exterior of the Tama Train is characterized by a black and brown design of Tama's face on a white background. Tama's footprints and illustrations are scattered on the windows and doors of the train, creating a fun atmosphere as if Tama is running around the entire train. Of course, the cat ears on the train's head are also an attractive feature not to be missed.

Tama Train exterior

Once inside the train, the cat-themed design catches your eye. The interior is decorated with photos and illustrations of Stationmaster Tama, and the ceiling features a cat motif, while the floor is designed to resemble cat paw prints, making the entire train feel like you're immersed in a cat world.

Tama train interior

The cat-themed design on the inside and outside of the carriages makes it fun to ride, and it is especially popular with cat lovers and families. By riding the Tama Train, you can experience the history of Wakayama Electric Railway, the warmth of the local community, and the story of Stationmaster Tama.

Tama Train Museum

In 2021, a new train themed around Tama's museum, the Tama Train Museum, was introduced.

In contrast to the bright and playful white design of the previous "Tama Train," the "Tama Train Museum Train" has a calm, black design. The chic, subdued color scheme creates a museum-like atmosphere, while also conveying the strong desire to turn the company's deficit into a profitable one.

Exterior of the Tama Train Museum

Inside the train, there are many photographs, illustrations, and memorabilia related to the cat stationmasters who work for Wakayama Electric Railway. The train is like a small museum, and passengers can feel the charm of the stationmasters just by riding the train.

Tama Train Museum interior

We hope to convey to passengers the unique history of Wakayama Electric Railway and the deep bond with the cat stationmasters, and to allow even more people to experience the charm of this line.

Greeting the stationmaster

Currently, "Nitama" and "Yontama" serve as stationmasters on the Wakayama Electric Railway.

Of these, "Nitama" works at Kishi Station five days a week, while "Yontama" basically works at Itakiso Station three days a week and Kishi Station two days a week.

Get on the Kishigawa Line and say hello to the gentle and adorable stationmaster! Of course, no flash allowed.

Stationmaster Nitama

Yontama Stationmaster

There is a cafe and shop inside the station building at Kishi Station, the terminal station of the line, where you can purchase lots of cute goods. The station building itself has a cat motif, and is designed to look like it has cat ears attached. It is a popular spot that is often visited by tourists.

Kishi Station

Access

There are many convenient ways to get to Wakayama Station, the starting station of the Wakayama Electric Railway. You can either go from Namba Station on the Nankai Main Line to Wakayamashi Station and then to JR Wakayama Station, or take the Hanwa Line from JR Tennoji Station to Wakayama Station.

We also recommend purchasing a one-day pass so you can enjoy a variety of tourist trains at once. With a one-day pass, you can get on and off at any station on the Kishigawa Line, allowing you to fully enjoy the attractions of the Wakayama Electric Railway line.

1daypass

One-day pass information (multilingual)

In addition, a stamp rally is also being distributed, so please ask at the counter. Stamps are available on the four trains (both have the same stamp) and at three stations on the Kishigawa Line. Get four stamps and make a poster card to commemorate your ride.

*Applicable to those who have a one-day pass or round trip pass

Overlapped stamp rally completed

Overlapped Stamp Rally

Relax like a cat and enjoy your trip on the Wakayama Electric Railway!

In this article, we introduced Wakayama Electric Railway's Tama Train, Tama Train Museum Train, and one-day pass. The journey between the starting and ending stations takes only 30 minutes, but with the one-day pass you can enjoy not only the Tama Train, but also unique themed trains such as the Strawberry Train and the Plum Blossom Train all day long. It is easily accessible, making it perfect for a day trip.

Be sure to take a ride on the Wakayama Electric Railway and experience a special, leisurely journey, like a cat sleeping curled up on a veranda!

Tama Stationmaster Goods

* All photos used in this article are credited to → Design: Eiji Mitooka