When Tama died in 2015 at the age of 16, thousands turned out to attend her funeral. Wakayama Dentetsu, Wakayama Picture: Cat Train - Check out Tripadvisor members' 6,219 candid photos and videos. On the train, you will be amazed by their unique seats and decorations, and they have even small book shelves which allow you to enjoy reading on the train! That would have been the end of the story, had it not been for Tama, who managed to endear herself to the president of the Wakayama Electric Railway, Mitsunobu Kojima, after he heard that the closure of Kishi Station would leave the little calico cat homeless. It’s not too far from Osaka, it takes an hour and half to reach Wakayama Station from Tennoji Station (Osaka). Kishi Station Hours: Visit and take pictures of Nitama or Yontama in their glass enclosed office everyday from 10:00-16:00. NY 10036. It … It features an Omocha (toy), an Ichigo (strawberry), a Tama (cat) train and an Umeboshi (pickled plum) train will also debut in Spring 2016. Nitama, the current stationmaster, needs her days off. From the eye-shaped windows and cat ears on the thatched station roof to the assortment of cat-shaped baked goods in the museum cafe and the meows that greet you when the station doors open, it soon becomes clear that Kishi Station is not your typical railway station. Aeo, The cat café NEKO NO MISE (ねこのみせ) was opened in 2005. Your cat’s character revealed: Which one of the five cat personalities does your kitty have? Fares are valid as of the visit date and are subject to change. Re: Wakayama one day trip . Unfortunately Tama the cat has retired, but the new station manager NiTama (second Tama) is doing a great job. Things To Know Station hours and details. L, Forgot your username or password? If Kishi Station and the story of Tama are anything to go by, perhaps these powers really do exist. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-cat-stationmaster/index.html Level Contributor . Japan - In the late 1990s, a calico kitten named Tama began hanging out near Kishi Station, the last stop on the Kishigawa railway line in Japan’s Wakayama prefecture. Feb 16, 2014 - The cat train of the Wakayama Electric Railroad Japan. But by the mid-2000s, things were beginning to change at Kishi Station and not for the better. Believed to be able to ward off evil spirits, cats are known throughout Japan as a symbol of good luck. In 2006, with commuter numbers at an all time low, and financial hardship a constant issue, all Kishigawa's 14 stations were unstaffed, and the line was threatened with permanent closure. from Osaka) it’s very easy to get to the train that will bring you to JR Kishi Station. This is the station of the famous station master, Tama the cat. The train car room design was also cute. And for many years that’s how it stayed, with Tama revealing in the love lavishly dished out to her by all those who came and went through the station doors. Cute Eye-catching Trains: the Kishigawa Line Guest rooms are decorated with chic interior and come with free wired/wi, This shop is known for its cat tail-shaped grilled doughnuts. Station masters were selected from employees of local businesses near each station, and Koyama was officially chosen as the station manager. It was the late 1990s when commuters first got to know Tama, the affectionate little fur baby who spent her days hanging out at Kishi station lapping up the attention of many passers by. Report inappropriate content . The first train for Kishi departs at 5:55 A.M., and trains depart two or three times an hour. For a start, she's a cat. The Kishigawa line running in Wakayama is famous for its cute feline station master, Tama. Around this time, Koyama adopted Tama. A heart-warming trip to see “Tama”, the station master. Here in Wakayama you can ride the cat themed train and meet Nitama, the station master cat. All aboard the Tama Train as we take you on a very special journey through the history of the Japanese railway station cats. Tama quickly rose to stardom in Japan, becoming the face of the railway, garnering media coverage and delighting customers with her frequent appearances in the ticket booth and on the platform. She spends most of the day sleeping, even when she is supposed to be on duty and yet, she is the most important employee of the Wakayama Electric Railway. Wakayama line local train: Hashimoto, Gojo #8: Kiei line local train: Wakayamashi #9: Wakayama Electric Railway (Wakayama Dentetsu) Kishigawa line: Kishi: Ticket gate/Exit. She would return the favour by happily posing for photographs with delighted travellers. 4 years ago. The Tama Train - The station master is a cat. First go to JR Wakayama station from Osaka, by rapid train. Wakayama Electric Railway, home to the first feline stationmaster of a private Japanese railroad, is a local Wakayama Prefecture railroad that runs from Wakayama Station　in Wakayama City to Kishi Station in Kinokawa City, in an approximately 30-minute-long trip. Jan 22, 2016 - Explore MTH Electric Trains's board "Cats & Trains", followed by 360 people on Pinterest. Cat Stationmaster Nitama, the cat stationmaster at Kishi Station in Wakayama, Japan is not your regular railway employee. West Japan Railway Company Wakayama Line Ōtani Station Many people have fallen in love with this cat! Helpful. Drink a cup of tea in Momijidani Garden. I had to wait for a while for the return train to come since the operation was less frequent. Recover your account. Visit our corporate site. https://zoomingjapan.com/travel/station-master-tama-the-cat From JR Wakayama Station (~ 90min. At the southernmost tip of Japan’s largest island of Honshu sits the coastal city of Wakayama, the final stop on an electric railway line that connects small rural communities with the region's main hub. The ticket office is on the platform. In the space of just a year, Kishi Station was officially back from the dead. On the train, you will be amazed by their unique seats and decorations, and they have even small book shelves which allow you to enjoy reading on the train! When you arrive at Wakayama Station, first you have to pay the transportation fee from Osaka to Wakayama. With this it belongs to the oldest cat cafés in Japan, it even claims to be the first one in Kanto area. Upon meeting Tama, it was love at first sight for Kojima and after adopting her he ordered a customized stationmaster’s hat and officially gave her the title of ‘Stationmaster of Kishi Station’. 04-jun-2018 - ROYAL SKILLS TRENDS descrubrió este Pin. This article is all about the unique trains modeled after the cat train master, strawberries, and toys! In fact, far from being typical, this is perhaps Japan’s most famous station, a station that wouldn’t be here today were it not for the sweet nature of a little calico kitten. Wakayama Dentetsu: with family,cat train.. - See 139 traveler reviews, 454 candid photos, and great deals for Wakayama, Japan, at Tripadvisor. Eventually the decision to close the station was withdrawn after the citizens demanded it to stay open. The Tama Train (or Tama-den) is themed around Tama, a famous cat that has become a stationmaster of Kishi station. Please refresh the page and try again. Tama the cat sits at her post as stationmaster at Kishi train station in Wakayama, western Japan. Date of experience: March 2019. How to Get to the Cat Stationmaster. This is the station of the famous station master, Tama the cat. ETflyer. Platform #1 just beside central ticket gate. It wasn’t long before a fleet of new trains was unveiled, the control car decked out with whiskers and ears to look like the face of a cat. Journey 14.3km along the Kishigawa railway line to its northernmost end point and you will find yourself disembarking at Kishi Station, part of the Wakayama prefecture known for its mountainous vistas, temples and spiritual pilgrimage trails. In Wakayama, you can take a cat train full of cute cats design running between Wakayama station to Kishi station. She's also a cat. Get the best advice, tips and top tech for your beloved Pets. Note that only certain trains to Kishi Station are the "Cat Train", so consult the Wakayama Electric Railway train schedule link below to find out the "Cat Train" schedule. It's one of a seemingly ordinary little calico cat who won the hearts of a nation and saved a Japanese railway line from becoming obsolete. It features an Omocha (toy), an Ichigo (strawberry), a Tama (cat) train and an Umeboshi (pickled plum) train will also debut in Spring 2016. Now, after a wait of 50 days -- the traditional mourning period according to Japanese Shinto beliefs -- there's a new cat in charge. 7. I tried and ride a train. 8,154 posts . PetsRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. At west side, there are three ticket gates, Central, Mio second floor and Mio underground. Keio Plaza Hotel Tama is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Tama Centre Station. But when Wakayama Electric Railway took over the line they found a unique way make it more popular. Sun-tama-tama, originally whisker-marked to be the original Tama’s successor, was sent away to Okayama for training only to have her temporary foster dad bond so deeply with her that he refused to send her back. Wakayama City may be where the story ends but Kishi Station is where our tale of the Japanese railway station cats begins. Kishi Station was known for Tama the stationmaster cat, who became the mascot for … The Tama train runs from platform 9 from Wakayama station along the Nankai line to the famous Kishi train station in 30 minutes. Wakayama Dentetsu station (aka cat train) is in the same area as JR station. Wakayama City may be where the story ends but Kishi Station is where our tale of the Japanese railway station cats begins. (Image credit: Creative Commons - Takobou), (Image credit: Creative Commons - E56-129), (Image credit: Creative Commons - Sanpei), How to groom a dog: A vet's guide to brushing, bathing and clipping. The best dry cat foods: Find the perfect kibble for your kitty, Best fish tank stand: Safe and stylish stands to support your aquarium, Best toys for pet lizards: Stimulate and entertain your reptile friend. Nitama, Tama's … Just follow Tama’s foot pawsteps! Transfer to Wakayama Dentetsu Kishigawa line, at Wakayama. A few followers actually told me that they met Tama before she passed away at 16 years old. Shimohyōgo Station 下兵庫駅, Shimohyōgo - eki is a train station in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture Japan. Wakayama station has several ticket gates at both sides of the station. The Tama train runs from platform 9 from Wakayama station along the Nankai line to the famous Kishi train station in 30 minutes. It's a relatively quiet, unassuming city with a fascinating story to tell. In Wakayama, you can take a cat train full of cute cats design running between Wakayama station to Kishi station. Jan 3, 2016 - Stationmaster Tama is 16 years old and has been in charge of the Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan since 2008. From the moment you walk into the café you feel as, 20160811_153749.jpg 1.41 MBWith movies like The Cat Returns and a global cat mascot named Hello Kitty (Kitty-chan), it’s no surprise that Japan likes cats. Hello, I rented a car in Osaka for my trip to Wakayama prefecture. Step 2 : Answer to the question "What country has appointed cats as train station masters?" The station was near closure in 2004 because of financial problems on the rail line. And while she will always be known as the first, commuters were delighted to learn she wouldn’t be the last. The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line travels from Wakayama Station in Wakayama City to Kishi Station, on a 14.3 km, 30 minute train service. See more ideas about Cats, Cat training, Crazy cats. There was a problem. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Unfortunately Tama the cat has retired, but the new station manager NiTama (second Tama) is doing a great job. The original station master was Tama, a Calico cat who was on duty from 2007 until 2015. You can take the Wakayama Electric Railway train from Wakayama station. She was the first feline station master in the world and remained one of the most loved cat in Japan even after her death. Visit the Famous Cat Station Master at Kishi Station in Wakayama Take a 30-minute train ride from Wakayama Station to Kishi Station. Many people have fallen in love with this cat! Wakayama Dentetsu: Cute ride on the most famous cat train in the world - See 169 traveler reviews, 454 candid photos, and great deals for Wakayama, Japan, at Tripadvisor. But appearances can be deceiving. Wakayama Dentetsu: with family,cat train.. - See 169 traveler reviews, 454 candid photos, and great deals for Wakayama, Japan, at Tripadvisor. So hop aboard the Tama Train as we take you on an enchanting journey through the spiritual heart of this mystical island. Kishi Station - where it all began . So hop aboard the Tama Train as we take you on an enchanting journey through the spiritual heart of this mystical island. Please note, some trains don't go to Kishi. © The Kishigawa line running in Wakayama is famous for its cute feline station master, Tama. In the years before Tama died, Kishi Station appointed an apprentice, the now nine-year-old Nitama, which literally translates to 'Tama Two'. … At first glance you’d be forgiven for thinking that Kishi Station is much like any of the other 8,000 plus train stations dotted throughout Japan. Descubre (y guarda) tus propios Pines en Pinterest. Jan 9, 2019 - Wakayama Electric Railway (和歌山電鐵, Wakayama Dentetsu) is a private railway line that operates just one 14.3 km (8.9 mile) train line, the... More information Station Master Tama: The Cat That Saved A Railroad, Wakayama, Japan She works five days a week, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays are Nitama’s days of rest. Feb 16, 2014 - The cat train of the Wakayama Electric Railroad Japan. Among all the cats, mikeneko is considered to bring you the best of luck in Japan. And of course, there’s Tamaden or Tama’s Train, a tribute to Wakayama’s savior cat, festooned with 101 depictions of Tama, a library of cat books and Tama memorabilia for commuters to peruse. Wakayama Dentetsu: with family,cat train.. - See 169 traveler reviews, 454 candid photos, and great deals for Wakayama, Japan, at Tripadvisor. Japan. Either way, the story of how a little calico cat saved a railway line from extinction and won the hearts of a nation, is sure to go down in history as one of the greatest fur baby feats ever accomplished. Kishi Station (貴志駅, Kishi-eki) is a train station on the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan, operated by the private railway operator Wakayama Electric Railway. In April 2006, the Wakayama Electric Railway destaffed all stations on the Kishigawa Line to cut costs. On the way to the coast I stopped at Kishi Station for a small break. investigator2 wrote a review Jan. 2019. Now serving as the Stationmaster at Kishi Station, she is supported by a feline assistant, five-year-old Yontama (literally: 'Tama Four') who works several stations away in Idakiso. You will receive a verification email shortly. Momijidani Garden is right near Wakayama Castle and it … Located in Yanaka, the small storefront has a cat theme, with paw prints, cat faces, and tails ins, Cat Cafés are always magical places to be, but Temari no Ouchi (てまりのおうち) Cat Café takes it to another level! Cat owners must know that some cats are acting like they’re the boss. This article is all about the unique trains modeled after the cat train master, strawberries, and toys! In 2007, they appointed Tama, a cat owned by a local family, as the Station Master. New York, At the last stop, Kishi Station, the station master Nitama will greet you Known now as the ‘Honorable Eternal Station Master', Tama is the original feline stationmaster. The trains for this service, called the Kishigawa Line, run from Platform 9 (rather like Harry Potter trains depart from Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross). Thank you for signing up to Petsradar. Knighted by the governor in 2008 for her services to the railway, a study by professor Katsuhiro Miyamoto estimates that Tama’s presence at Kishi Station in her official capacity as stationmaster between 2007 and 2015, contributed to an additional 1.1bn yen (£7.85m) worth of profit for the railway. Tama is a calico cat (mikeneko, 三毛猫). The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line travels from Wakayama Station in Wakayama City to Kishi Station, on a 14.3 km, 30 minute train service. The story behind Tama was quite a touching one. Tama Three now works at the Okayama Electric Tramway and is the acting director of the Okaden Museum. Share. And as for Tama Three? Tama Museum Kishi Station, Kinokawa Picture: The famous Tama Cat Train - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,028 candid photos and videos. 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