Japan's Beloved 'Cat Train' Is A Decorated And Charming Journey Through Scenic Countryside

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Similar to how West Virginia's mountainous train ride belongs on any wildlife lover's bucket list, Japan's Wakayama Electric Railway is an essential attraction for cat enthusiasts. Located in Wakayama, a spirituality hub just over an hour away from Japan's most budget-friendly city, this railway charms passengers with its one-of-a-kind cat-themed Tama Train (aka Tamaden).

Wakayama Electric Railway's feline fascination centers around the adorable story of a cat named Tama-chan. Tama-chan's tale started in the '90s, when the stray kitten began gaining attention from passengers at Wakayama's Kishi Station. Amid early 2000s financial hardship threatening the train station, Tama-chan's lovable personality influenced Wakayama Electric Railway president Mitsunobu Kojima to revive the transportation hub with a cat-based marketing campaign. This project included naming beloved Tama-chan Kishi Station's new stationmaster, a role that came with a custom cat-sized cap for the feline.

How does Tama-chan's story end? Well, while curious cat fans can read all about it in the light-hearted book "Tama the Extraordinary Cat," adventurous travelers can explore Tama-chan's legacy up close and personal during a scenic ride from Wakayama, through serene countryside landscapes, and to Kishi Station aboard Wakayama Electric Railway's Tama Train. Before you go, brush up on these little-known train hacks, and you're sure to be in for a memorable ride.

Begin your cat train experience at Wakayama Station, where you can purchase a one-day pass to travel on the Kishigawa Line. It hosts several intriguing themed trains (including strawberry and plum cars), but keep your eye on the station's floor-level paw print stickers to reach the cat train. Currently, the station offers two cat train experiences. The first, Tamaden, cultivates a relaxed environment with cute cat motifs on the train's exterior and feline artwork inside. The other is known as the Tama Museum Train and it is distinguished by a refined navy blue exterior and interior cars showcasing lush furnishings and more cat-themed artwork.

Despite these cosmetic differences, both trains will take you from Wakayama to Kishi Station in about half an hour. Add some extra fun to your ride by participating in the Kishigawa Line Stamp Rally. Ask about the event when you buy your day pass at Wakayama Station, and you'll receive a card that you can get stamped four times to create a charming mini-poster featuring cats in conductor's hats. Get your first stamp at Wakayama Station, the second aboard one of the cat trains, and the final two at Idakiso and Kishi stations.

At Kishi Station, even more meow-velous attractions await. Here, even the station building itself is in on the feline hijinks, as it has a unique roof design resembling cat ears. Inside, meet the first cat stationmaster's current successor, Nitama (aka Tama 2). A nearby shrine commemorates the original feline stationmaster.

Once you've sorted out the logistics of your cat train outing and learned how to avoid common mistakes people make when traveling by train, it's time to fill out your excursion with fun local activities. Beyond the train trip, stamp rally, shrine, and cat meet-and-greet, Tama Train passengers can also look forward to visiting Kishi Station's Tama Cafe. Stop by for coffee, tea, ice cream, and other menu items that play with the station's kitten-centric theming. As you leave the cafe, swing by the neighboring souvenir shop to scope out cute mementos.

There are several worthwhile landmarks to explore outside Kishi Station, too. Located in the city of Kinokawa, Kishi Station is within walking distance of attractions like Hiraike Ryokuchi Park and Okuninushi Shrine. A little further away, travelers can also find spiritual spots like Kokawadera Temple and Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine. The former enjoys beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and the latter sports a bright red exterior year-round. In Wakayama, on the other side of the Kishigawa Line, you can also witness one of the most beautiful temples in the world, Seiganto-ji Temple.