Start your day with a comfortable departure from Osaka, either from Nipponbashi Exit 2 or with optional hotel pick-up within the Osaka Loop Line area. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive as you head south to Wakayama, leaving the city behind for a day filled with stories, seaside landscapes, and relaxing onsen culture.
Your first stop is Kishi Station, home of the world-famous Cat Stationmasters. This small rural station became a symbol of regional revival thanks to Tama, the legendary cat who was appointed stationmaster in 2006 and saved the Kishigawa Line from closure. Learn about Tama’s heartwarming storey, her successors Nitama, Yontama, and Gotama, and how “cat culture” continues to support the local community today. Stroll around the beautifully designed station, browse adorable cat-themed souvenirs, collect stamps, and soak up the charm that makes this a must-visit spot for cat lovers.
A special highlight follows as you board one of the themed Wakayama Electric Railway trains for a short but memorable ride from Kishi Station to Idakiso Station. Each train has a unique design—such as the Tama, Strawberry, or Toy Train—so every ride is a surprise. The experience fee is included, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun to your journey.
Continue on to Shirahama and visit Toretore Market, the largest seafood market in western Japan. Enjoy free time for lunch at your own pace, choosing from a wide range of ultra-fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, rice bowls, or even a DIY seafood BBQ. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the exciting tuna-cutting show, where skilled chefs expertly break down a massive tuna while explaining each part—an impressive and rarely seen performance. The market also offers plenty of local specialities and souvenirs to take home.
After lunch, you may opt to relax at Toretore Onsen (optional, at your own expense). Shirahama Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring areas, with over 1,300 years of history. Soak in soothing bicarbonate-rich waters and experience the calm atmosphere that has attracted emperors and travellers for centuries.
In the afternoon, explore Shirahama’s dramatic coastline. Walk across the vast rock formations of Senjojiki, shaped by centuries of Pacific Ocean waves, and admire panoramic sea views. Then visit Sandanbeki Cliffs, where towering rock walls plunge into the ocean. Those who wish can descend by lift into the sea cave beneath the cliffs, once said to be a pirate hideout, for an adventurous underground exploration.
As the day comes to an end, return comfortably to Osaka, arriving in the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori area. End your journey surrounded by Osaka’s most famous shopping streets and food districts—perfect for dinner, street snacks, or last-minute shopping—bringing a relaxing and memorable day trip to a close.
