Kinokawa, Japan
Kishi Station (Tama Cat Station)
The Wakayama Electric Railway terminus famous for its cat-faced station building and cat stationmasters, starting with Tama.
Before you go
- Check the official cat stationmaster schedule before visiting — days off and temporary absences happen.
- No parking at Kishi Station; use the train from Wakayama or Idakiso.
- Do not tap the stationmaster-room glass, use flash, or try to touch the cats.
About Kishi Station (Tama Cat Station)
Kishi Station is the terminus of the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture. It became world-famous after the calico cat Tama was appointed stationmaster in 2007, helping revive the local line. The current station building (Tama Museum Kishi Station), opened in 2010, is shaped like a cat’s face with a hinoki-bark roof. Inside are a Tama shop and café; on the platform stands Tama Shrine, dedicated to Tama as the railway’s guardian. Today the stationmaster is Yontama (with other cat stationmasters and trainees on the line). Schedules and days off change — check the official site before you go. Please do not tap on the glass of the stationmaster’s room, use flash, or try to touch the cats.
How to get to Kishi Station (Tama Cat Station)
From JR Wakayama Station, take the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line from platform 9 to the terminus, Kishi (about 30 minutes).
There is no parking at Kishi Station — do not park on the street. If you come by car, park at Wakayama or Idakiso and continue by train.
Cat stationmasters generally work around 10:00–16:00 on duty days (Yontama’s regular days off are Wednesday and Thursday, but schedules can change). The shop and café are typically open about 10:00–16:00 / 16:30 — confirm on the official site.
- Go to JR Wakayama Station and find Wakayama Electric Railway platform 9.
- Ride the Kishigawa Line to the terminus, Kishi Station (about 30 minutes).
- See the cat-faced station building, Tama Shrine on the platform, and — if on duty — the cat stationmaster. Check the official work schedule first.
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