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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
Simon W.
“Fantastic day trip of Kyoto with a true expert”
My family were lucky enough to have Shuji show us around Kyoto on a day trip to all the key sites. Shuji advised us to start early at 7am which was great advice to avoid the crowds and the heat. Shuji has a wealth of knowledge on Japanese history and the key facts at all the spots we stopped. My two daughters in the early 20s and my wife and I found Shuji interesting in a wealth of subjects and we were so happy to spend time with him. If you are looking for a very professional tour guide Shuji has our full recommendation without reservation. Thank you Shuji - it was great having all your help and wisdom - and also your kindness and good humour! Simon
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Shuji O.
Yes, I was also so happy to spend time with you. This is one of my fondest memories! Despite the heat, we enjoyed exploring the Kiyomizu Temple early in the morning. We ended in the Gion district, which interested you all very much. I was so happy to have such great conversations with you. Thank you very much for telling me all about our favorite, Mark Knopfler!
Alberto R.
“Osaka with Shuji”
Shuji is an excellent guide. My only recommendation is that when doing a tour in Osaka, you should understand the city and where you want to go; otherwise, you may end up short after completing the tour. There are too many places to go, and driving from one site to another takes time.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review! We were actually in Kyoto, not Osaka. It was a very hot day. Thank you for being cooperative in such hot weather. I hope you enjoyed Japan a lot.
Peter G.
“Visit to Kyoto September 2025”
I highly recommend Shuji as a guide. He was very well organized with excellent communication in the lead up to our trip. He prepared the perfect itinerary for 4 adults and 2 teenagers across two half days. He was also flexible and we changed our start times (to early morning) to accommodate for the hot weather. Overall a great experience. Thank you Shuji.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. Even in the terribly hot weather, we could still had fun on our tours. I owe this to your wonderful understandings and supports. Yes, everything, including the breakfast at the cafe, was very nice. I was really happy with you all. Please enjoy Hakone! Thank you very much.
$233/ 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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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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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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Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Wakayama
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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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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 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