Kishi Station — Attraction in Kinokawa

Kishi Station is a delightful spot that any cat lover or family should check out. This whimsical station is renowned for its feline stationmaster, Tama-chan, and now it proudly features two stationmaster cats: Ni Tama and Yon Tama. On my visit, I was lucky enough to meet Ni Tama, who was as charming as I’d hoped!

The station itself is a unique attraction, with its design resembling a cat, which adds to the fun and quirky atmosphere. Inside, there’s a cozy café where you can relax, as well as a shop offering local souvenirs. You can also visit the shrine dedicated to Tama-chan, which adds a special touch to the experience.

Kishi Station’s playful cat-themed environment makes it a fantastic place for kids, who will undoubtedly enjoy the vibrant setting and the opportunity to see the famous stationmasters. The location is also quite convenient, with easy access from Wakayama Station. Multiple train options make it simple to reach Kishi Station, making it an ideal day trip or a fun addition to your travel itinerary.

Overall, Kishi Station offers a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a cat enthusiast or just looking for a unique outing, this station is definitely...

Amazing marketing (and very successful!) gimmick. Two cat station masters working on different shifts through the week. The station is aesthetically built to resemble a cat face. You arrive at the station, jostle around the glass display cases housing the cats and then rush into the gift shop and snap up cat-themed merchandise. Then you nip into the cafe and consume cat-faced waffle and hot drinks in cat-design paper cups. Dont expect the cats to be dressed in station master uniforms with the hat tilted jauntily over their heads, waving at you.

(Note: 2nd station master Yontama was housed in a relatively small glass cabinet like a kitten in a pet shop waiting to be sold! I think thats unkind as he has no where to go to stretch. And you know, cats just need to wander and stretch)

But the train rides to and from Wakayama to Kishi Station are amazing! Its like riding in a toy train with amazing colours and designs and displays and gachapon...

There are 3 (or 4) trains running on this route, the cat train, strawberry train and toy train on the day we visit. The ticket cannot be purchased at the ticket office of Wagayama JR station. You can only get the ticket on the Platform (platform 9). you will need to tell the staff at the gate that you are travelling on the train so they can get you into the platform area. Buy a day pass if you want a return ticket.

Once get to the terminus, there is really a cat in the shop/museum. Also tried the cat cafe next door. the appearance of the food are also "cats". Once arrived, suggest you visit the cafe and make your order first, then go and visit the shop. you can spend about 30 minutes there and then take the next...