Club Tourism International Inc., a local Japanese travel agency, offers over 6,000 travel plans across the country. One of them is a one day trip in Wakayama, which is also open to foreign tourists!
The tour includes must-see Instagram-worthy spots like the “Japanese Uyuni Salt Flat” Amanohashidate, the thrilling Zao Bridge, and the lively Kuroshio Market. Plus, we’ve got first-hand impressions from Machi, who joined the tour and shared her experience.
Overview of the One Day Tour in Wakayama
This one-day trip in Wakayama starts from the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) in Namba, Osaka.
You’ll hop on a bus headed for Kishi Station—home of the adorable cat stationmaster. From there, you’ll transfer to a uniquely themed train to reach Idakiso Station.
Next, it’s back on the bus to Kuroshio Market for a delicious seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the dramatic Zao Bridge and Aragi Island, a terraced rice field area with scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons. The day ends with a sunset view at Amanohashidate, often called the “Sky Mirror” of Wakayama.
This itinerary is packed with Insta-worthy spots and eliminates the hassle of transfers by using a chartered bus. Riding the locally themed train is another highlight—each one has its own unique design, so which one you’ll get is part of the fun!
The Famous Cat Stationmaster of Wakayama Electric Railway
Since January 5, 2007, Kishi Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway has been famous nationwide for appointing Japan’s very first “cat stationmaster.” Tourists from Japan and abroad have been flocking to the station to meet the feline celebrity. Although the original Tama, the first cat stationmaster, has passed away and become the guardian spirit of the Kishigawa Line, her legacy lives on through her successors.
Currently, “Tama II” continues her duty as the stationmaster. Except on Wednesdays and Thursdays (her days off), you can catch her “working” at the station between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. And now, starting January 7, 2025, “Tama V” has officially taken office! Be sure to say hello to the cat stationmaster when you visit.
In addition to the cat stationmasters, the Kishigawa Line also features six uniquely designed trains by renowned designer Eiji Mitooka. One standout is the “Umeboshi” train, inspired by Wakayama’s famous local specialty—the Nanko Ume (plum). Its shiny red exterior gives way to a gorgeous interior featuring washi paper, wooden ceilings, and traditional kumiko latticework. The train’s elegant design and gentle wooden scent create a truly immersive experience.
There’s also a themed train featuring the red and blue characters from the Chuggington series, a mascot of Okayama Electric Tramway Co., Ltd.
You can check all the train designs and schedules on the official Wakayama Electric Railway website.
As part of the day tour, you’ll ride from Kishi Station to Idakiso Station, where Tama IV is currently stationed. The ride takes about 12 minutes, but the specific train you’ll board depends on the day’s schedule and conditions—so it’s a surprise! If you’re lucky, you might even spot more than one of the themed trains. Also, don’t miss the chance to browse adorable cat-themed merchandise at Kishi Station—cat lovers, guard your wallets!
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Kuroshio Market
If you’re visiting Wakayama City, Kuroshio Market is a must! This bustling seafood market offers a wide variety of freshly caught seafood every day. You can pick what you like, and they’ll prepare it for you on the spot—whether as sashimi or cooked dishes. There’s also a great selection of ready-to-eat meals for you to grab and enjoy.
One of the biggest highlights? The tuna-cutting show! Every day, expert fishmongers put on a live performance as they skillfully break down a giant tuna with incredible precision. On weekends, you can catch the show three times a day. Watching them work the knife with such speed and grace really does feel like watching a performance.
Since you’re in a market known for ultra-fresh seafood, it’s the perfect place to indulge in seafood rice bowls, tuna dishes, and more. While lunch isn’t included in the day tour package, you’re free to explore and enjoy any food you like right inside the market. If you enjoy cooking your own food, there are also grill stations where you can barbecue the seafood you’ve just bought. It’s a feast you won’t forget!
Zao Bridge
After a satisfying meal, it’s time to continue the adventure! Hop back on the bus and head to Zao Bridge, located in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture.
Zao Bridge is a striking red suspension bridge that stretches about 160 meters across the Futagawa Reservoir. The bridge floor is made of open metal mesh, so as you walk across, you can see straight down to the flowing water below. In summer, the increased water flow turns the reservoir into a sparkling lake, making the view from above both thrilling and breathtaking.
In spring, Zao Bridge transforms into a cherry blossom hotspot. Around 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full glory, creating a sea of delicate pink blossoms. Combined with the emerald green lake below and the lush mountains surrounding it, the entire scene feels almost magical—an unforgettable sight for every visitor.
Wakayama’s Aragi Island
After a brief stop, we head to our next destination—Aragi Island in Wakayama. Don’t let the name fool you: it’s not an island at all! Instead, Aragi Island is a stunning rice terrace area where fields are layered in a circular, island-like shape. It’s not only listed among Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, but it was also designated in 2013 as an Important Cultural Landscape under the name “Aragi Island and the Agricultural Mountain Villages of Mita and Shimizu.”
Each season transforms the view, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. While you’re here soaking in the scenery, be sure to try the region’s famous budō sanshō (grape peppercorn)—Wakayama is Japan’s top producer! You’ll find a variety of sanshō-based products, including something quite adventurous: sanshō leaf ice cream. It has a spicy kick, so if you’re feeling bold, give it a try!
Wakayama’s Uyuni Salt Flats – Tenjinzaki
Our final stop takes us to Tenjinzaki, often called the “Uyuni Salt Flats of Wakayama.” Just like the famous Bolivian destination, Tenjinzaki becomes a “mirror of the sky” when water levels are high, perfectly reflecting the surrounding landscape on its glass-like surface.
Catch it during golden hour and the scene is surreal—an orange-pink sunset mirrored across the water creates a dreamlike atmosphere. While this trip didn’t line up with sunset, the clear weather still provided amazing opportunities for reflection shots that looked almost otherworldly.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Tenjinzaki wraps up the day with an unforgettable, romantic view—making it the perfect ending to this magical one-day journey through Wakayama.
Check out Club Tourism International Inc.
A one-day tour that saves time and lets you visit multiple destinations—perfect for those who just want to enjoy the must-see spots without the hassle!
When traveling in Japan on a fully self-guided trip, you’ll end up spending a lot of time and energy just researching places to visit, transportation options, must-eat foods, and must-buy items. You might even find yourself with no time to learn about the background of each destination. And when relying on public transport, you might only be able to visit 1–2 places in a day.
As tourism bounces back, more and more one-day tours are becoming available not only for locals but also for international visitors. For travelers who want to explore different prefectures in Japan in a deeper and more efficient way, these tours are truly convenient. Thanks to the carefully planned itineraries by travel agencies, you can explore famous spots without much planning on your part.
Next time you’re planning a trip to Japan, be sure to check out the Club Tourism International Inc. website to see if there’s a perfect tour for you!
