Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line

This 14.3 km long local line connects Wakayama Station and Kishi Station. Originally operated by a major operator, the line was reported to be closed due to long-standing losses. However, thanks to enthusiastic efforts by residents along the line, the local government publicly recruited a successor operator to ensure the continuation of the line, and in 2006 the line was reopened as Wakayama Electric Railway.

After the inauguration of Wakayama Electric Railway, unique sightseeing trains such as the "Strawberry Train" were introduced one after another under Mr. Eiji Mitooka of Don Design Associates, a famous railroad car designer. The station became popular when "Tama," a cat owned by a store adjacent to Kishi Station, was appointed stationmaster. Visitors came from all over Japan to catch a glimpse of "Stationmaster Tama."

Currently, four types of sightseeing trains run on the Kishi River Line: the "Strawberry Train," the "Tama-Densha" Train, the "Umeboshi-Densha" train, and the "Tama DenshaMuseum, "train which debuted in December 2021, all of which can be boarded for a fare. In 2010, Kishi Station was renovated as "Tama Museum Kishi Station" with a cafe and store and is currently staffed by the Ultra Stationmaster "Nitama."