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Meet the cat stationmasters in idyllic Wakayama!
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Joined 2023
There is a dreamlike railway in Wakayama, just an hour away from Kansai International Airport. You will ride many fantastic trains. At the last stop, you will meet the cat stationmaster, Nitama. Her name is Nitama. It will feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
You can also enjoy idyllic Wakayama and the impressive Wakayama Castle.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kansai International Airport or other places in Osaka/ Wakayama
- We can also meet at Izumisano or Rinku Town.
Wakayama Castle
This is a wonderful historic castle on the hill.
Lunch
How about trying some local ramen restaurant, Hishio, or a nice vegetarian restaurant, Foi, for lunch?
Take the train to Kishi Station
Take the train to Kishi Station.
Local Kishigawa Railways.
There are many types of trains depending on the time.
Kishi Station
You will meet the cat stationmaster, Nitama. And you will enjoy the Tama Museum Cafe.
Take train to Idakiso station
I wonder if we can meet Yontama at Idakiso Station.
Idakiso Station
You will see the Yontama cat.
Take another train at Idakiso Station
Ending
At your hotel or a nearby place
Ending Point
At your hotel or a nearby place
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- guide fee
- transport fees: we use the local trains and the Tama trains (800 JPY)
- lunch
- insurances
- entrance fee (Wakayama Castle 410 JPY)
Tour Important Information
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Jeffrey M.
“A Quiet Day Exploring Ohara”
Our first day in Kyoto was in Ohara, a small but historically significant town NE of the city. Our guide reached our multiple times prior to our meeting to confirm day/time, but also inquired about what our hopes were for the day together. Shuji was on time and we found him to be the ultimate guide for this all day experience. As a retired history teacher, and native to the area, we had a guide with deep insight to places we explored together, which included 800 year old temples punctuated with hip coffee and lunch spots along the way. This was exactly what we were looking for after a hectic pace in Tokyo! If you are looking for a professional and knowledgeable guide to show you to the lessor seen corners of Kyoto, Shuji is the man.
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! We had a nice day with you two. You knew how to enjoy the tour and appreciate the place and its history. We could travel to places that are less crowded but still charming. We enjoyed Ohara very much. We can't expect such a nice tour often. Thank you for the happy talk, too. Have a great time in Japan!
Dana W.
“Nara Park is key to visit”
We have an interesting visit to Nara Park which we learnt.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your review. You were very good at traveling, especially for your age. We enjoyed the statues and shrines. I hope you enjoyed the nice restaurant we went to for lunch. Thank you for choosing my tour for the last part of your trip to Japan. I hope this trip makes great memories for both of you!
Dana W.
“The Hongu temple is outstanding to learn about as well as the Turkey Museum history created an excellent relationship between Japan and Turkey.”
We have learnt from Shuji O on Japan history, traditions & culture.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we learned many things. First, we learned about the culture of Kumano. Second, we learned about the good relations between Turkey and Japan. We visited the museum where we learned about the sad and touching stories of the Turkish ship. During a storm, Japanese people saved many Turkish sailors. Thank you for a great experience. I was happy to be with you both.
$222/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.
Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Wakayama
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Wakayama Castle 2 hour tour
Wakayama Castle is located in the city center and a symbol of Wakayama city. It takes only 40 minutes from Kansai International Airport. The grounds of the castle contain other features such as the Ohashi Roka Bridge , Nishinomaru Teien Garden , and the Koshoan teahouse , a traditional Japanese teahouse where you can enjoy a cup of tea. In every season of the year,different kinds of flowers and trees welcome you . You can enjoy not only historic spots but also a panoramic view of Wakayama city from the observatory of the castle. Also in and around the castle, you will find 'Ninjas’ . There is a small zoo in the ground, too. Please, come pay a visit to Wakayama Castle!
Wakayama Castle 2 hour tour
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Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route and Nachi
Start at Shirahama station. Short walks or drive through along Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage route. Visit hot springs and some attraction.
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route and Nachi
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Kumano Nachi and Shirahama walking
Yuo can learn Japanese nature, history and custom from walking ancient pilgrimage route in Kumano and coast line in Shirahama. Nachi is the final distination of pilgrimage to Kumano. Kumano Kodo in Nachi is the most beautiful ancient road from Kyoto or Ise. There are many beautiful sites in southern Wakayama. Nachi water fall, Sandanbeki and Senjo-jiki are the typical ones.
Kumano Nachi and Shirahama walking
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To Koyasan from Wakayama city : the corridor of nation building history
Why don't you add one day from Wakayama city( or Kansai airport) to Koyasan. There are many historic sites on this route. Wakayama has one of the longest history in Japan and well reserved.
To Koyasan from Wakayama city : the corridor of nation building history