Meet the cat stationmasters in idyllic Wakayama!
Located just an hour from KIX, Wakayama features a dreamlike railway with unique, themed trains. At the end of the line, you'll meet the feline stationmaster, Nitama. Beyond this fairy-tale experience, you can enjoy idyllic Wakayama and the magnificent 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
Lunch options include Hishio for local ramen or Foi for a great vegetarian meal.
Take the train to Kishi Station
Ride the local Kishigawa Line to Kishi Station. Unique, themed trains run throughout the day depending on the schedule.
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?
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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
- pick up
- 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
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
Chelsea E.
“Amazing tour of Kyoto with Shuji!”
We had a wonderful walking tour of Kyoto with Shuji! The tour covered all the major highlights while being thoughtfully tailored to our interests and preferences. Shuji was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent information and explanations throughout the tour, which really helped us appreciate the history and culture of each place we visited. He also took many amazing photos of us, finding creative, unique, and varied angles that made for truly special memories. He was especially thoughtful and considerate about our dietary restrictions, taking care to find a lunch spot that could accommodate our needs. The entire tour was engaging, informative, and personalized. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to explore Kyoto and highly recommend Shuji to anyone visiting!
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Shuji O.
Thank you so much. I’m truly happy to receive such a wonderful review. It brought back memories of all the amazing places we visited and the restaurants where we got lucky. We even went to some pretty unusual spots, didn’t we? It was a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it will be a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan for both of you as well!
Tom B.
“Shuji is an extraordinary guide, do not miss out on this opportunity”
Shuji is known and respected in Kyoto and his decades of experience shine through in his explanations. He led us on a beautiful downhill course beginning at Kiyomizu Temple. Each time he said "and around this corner, you'll find another world," we were truly in another world. We will always be grateful to him.
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Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review! Yes, there are so many wonderful things in Kyoto. We discovered amazing places just by turning the corner. It was like entering a different world! But I'm sorry, I made you walk so much when you were jet-lagged. I hope this trip will be a good memory for your family!
Lauri S.
“Beautiful day in Nara”
A bit crowded but we'll worth seeing. Another excellent day with Shuji.
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Shuji O.
I feel happy whenever I visit Nara. The deers in Nara are always friendly. They look like old friends of ours. We could see things that were much older than Kyoto. Every old building is unique. We were very happy on that day with you all. Thank you! Shuji
$221/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years! With so many historic sites and stunning sights, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Just tell me what you're interested in, and I'll design a customized itinerary tailored to your schedule, the season, and ease of access. Whether you prefer hidden gems off the beaten track or iconic highlights that are well worth the crowds, I’ll share fascinating stories along the way to bring each location to life!
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Western Kyoto: Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Since my tour is always flexible, you can add seasonal events and other activities you like. I will suggest options based on the season. Arashiyama is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. This area also has many other beautiful places with touching stories. We can visit two World Heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji.
Western Kyoto: 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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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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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
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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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