Let's take "Tama Train Museum" and meet with the cat station master!

▲DESIGNED BY EIJI MITOOKA+DONN DESIGN ASSOCIATES

　Wakayama, an hour's train ride from Osaka city or Kansai International Airport, has must-see spot for cat lovers. There's a train where every carriage is a cat stationmasters museum, a station building where a cat serves as the stationmaster, and even a waiting room and a cafe. Let's take a look around on the Tama Train Museum from Wakayama Electric Railway's Wakayama Station!

■'Tama Train Museum'

The moment you step on board, you'll be impressed by the cat stationmasters that are from the floor to the ceiling. There is no special fee to ride, so anyone can freely enjoy the cuteness of the cat stationmasters. The two-car train is designed like a luxurious hotel lounge, and you can sit in any seat you like to enjoy the ride.

■ Kishi Station: A unique station building located about 30 minutes from Wakayama Station

▲"Nitama", the stationmaster of Kishi Station. Image source: Wakayama Electric Railway

The station building is designed with cats, and three cats are on duty in shifts: Ultra Stationmaster "Nitama", Manager Stationmaster "Yontama", and Vice Stationmaster "Gotama". The work schedule of your favorite stationmaster is posted on the website, so please check it before heading out.

・ Tama Cafe, located next to Kishi Station, where you can buy food, drinks and merchandise related to the cat stationmaster

・ Recommended menu at Tama Cafe: The very cute "Tamanitama Senbei Sandwich Set" 700 yen (tax included, same below)

　The set includes a vanilla gelato sandwiched between two popular snacks called "Tama Nitama Senbei" featuring Tama and Nitama, and a drink. You can choose from four types of drinks: coffee, tea, juice, or strawberry soda.

・ Among the 30 or so souvenirs, the most popular one is "Tamanitama Senbei" (16 pieces) for 1,100 yen

　Tama and Nitama are drawn on the surface of Wakaura Senbei (egg rice crackers), a famous Wakayama snack. It is a snack that has been loved by everyone for a long time, with its gentle sweetness. The packaging tin is also very cute, making it a perfect souvenir.

・ New souvenir: "Charm ballpoint pen (Gotama)" 540 yen

　This souvenir was newly released to coincide with Gotama's debut and is very cute, with five of Gotama's fun expressions printed on it. Other souvenirs available include good luck and matchmaking charms, towels, figurines, mugs, postcards, and more.

■ If you want to enjoy the "Tama Train Museum Train" as well, we recommend purchasing a one-day pass for 800 yen.

　If you are taking the Tama Train Museum Train from Wakayama Station to Tama Museum Kishi Station, where the cat stationmaster is, this is the recommended ticket, which allows you to get on and off as many times as you like in one day. The 1-day pass can also be purchased online.

■ Message for guests visiting Japan
　Take the "Tama Train Museum" and meet the three adorable cat stationmasters, Nitama, Yontama, and Gotama. The "Kishigawa Line Festival" is also held every November, and in the past, various events have been held, such as tug-of-war with the train and concerts on the train.

■How to board the Wakayama Electric Railway "Tama Train Museum Train"
　From Osaka City, take the JR West "Limited Express Kuroshio" or the Hanwa Line "Kishuji Rapid" from JR Osaka Station or JR Tennoji Station and get off at JR Wakayama Station. After getting off, move to platform 9 and board the Wakayama Electric Railway "Wakayama Station".
　The Tama Train Museum Train departs from Wakayama Station, but please check the operating days and departure times before boarding.
※For more information, please check the Wakayama Electric Railway website.