Drawn by a calico stationmaster cat, I came to Idakiso Station and boarded the luxurious Tama train to Kishi Station. Kishi Station became famous after the cat stationmaster Tama began serving there. The first Tama, who took office in 2007, has since become an angel, and the current successor is Yontama, or “Tama the Fourth,” carrying on the lovable image and friendliness of the cat stationmaster.
The station itself also incorporates many cute cat elements. The roof is shaped like cat ears, and the walls feature cat patterns. The whole design is full of childlike charm, with plenty of cute cat-themed details inside and outside the station. Travelers who come because of its reputation get excited as soon as they step off the train. It really is a must-visit stop for cat lovers.
The cute and charming calico stationmaster not only raised Kishi Station’s profile but also boosted local tourism. Decorated around a cat theme and equipped with cat-themed facilities, Kishi Station has successfully become a famous Wakayama attraction. It has not only revitalized the local area but also made this once sparsely visited station widely known. Kishi Station is more than just a transportation hub; it is also a successful example of using creativity to promote local development. Today, its unique charm and warm atmosphere attract countless visitors who come to experience this little cat station filled with love and boundless creativity.
The souvenir shop inside Kishi Station is packed with all kinds of merchandise. Located next to Tama Cafe, it is also themed around the legendary cat stationmaster Tama and sells Tama-themed creative goods. I wanted to “splurge” on every single one and take them home 😆😆.
Across from Kishi Station is Kinokawa City’s tourist exchange center, “Kirari.” Its exterior is also very cute, with the second-floor windows resembling a pair of big doll eyes. Inside is an information center offering travel information and transportation guides, making it convenient for visitors to learn about nearby attractions and how to get around.
I fell in love with Wakayama on my first visit. Next, I’ll slowly start checking off the other attractions〜
Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan
The museum is located within the premises of the World Heritage site, Byodoin, famous for its magnificent Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) which recreates the Pure Land of Bliss in this world.
My second visit to Byodoin in Uji. Phoenix Hall sits in the middle of Aji Pond, its vermilion structure reflected on the water. It looks impressive from every angle, especially when sunlight makes the golden phoenixes on the roof stand out.
I recommend paying extra to tour the interior of Phoenix Hall. Seeing the golden Amida Buddha up close, surrounded by the variously posed Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, is both solemn and intricate, and truly more awe-inspiring than viewing them from across the pond. Photography isn't allowed, but that lets you focus on the thousand-year-old Buddhist statues and murals before you. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with flowers and trees changing through the seasons. Walking beside the pond in the gentle breeze and looking at Phoenix Hall's reflection naturally slows you down.
Photography is prohibited inside the Hoshokan Museum, so engage all five senses and take it in. The exhibits include the temple bell, Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, a pair of phoenixes, and the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, an Important Cultural Property. The Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds are especially memorable. Their poses—flying on clouds, playing music, dancing, and pressing their palms together—symbolize the Pure Land of Bliss.
Overall, Byodoin isn't just a place to see architecture and take pictures. You can also experience the aesthetics and Pure Land faith of the Heian period. If you visit Uji, it's well worth setting aside time to stroll around and appreciate it at a leisurely pace. -
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JR Central Towers
A building directly connected to the terminal station, consisting of two towers with a height of over 200m. Department stores JR Nagoya Takashimaya, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, restaurants, offices, etc. are combined.
Nagoya Station brings together transportation, dining, department stores, and specialty shops. Meitetsu, Kintetsu, and JR all converge here, and the surrounding area is packed with high-rises, making it lively and bustling. Besides looking around this time, I also wanted to visit an “old friend”—Nana-chan. She happened to be getting a wardrobe change today and was dressed in a cool outfit. Cool!
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Kayanoya
A former soy-sauce storehouse turned specialty ingredients shop. Kayanoya has spent 120 years helping more people enjoy “Washoku”, the world-recognized intangible cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine, with easy to use ingredients.
Kayanoya dashi packets are very user-friendly for someone like me who isn't good at cooking. No matter what kind of dish you want to make, just add a dashi packet—even plain water can be transformed into something special.
The Kayanoya on Dazaifu Omotesando offers a limited-edition “Japanese-Style Plum Dashi Packet.” The cute packaging makes it perfect as a gift or for yourself. They also have a limited-edition plum vinegar drink that's refreshing, thirst-quenching, and perfect for cooling off. So good! -
