Kishu Railway's Kameyama Station: A Retro Slow Travel Guide to Owase City

Kameyama Station on the Kishu Railway is like a time capsule, opening up a journey filled with retro charm and unique style. Here's a travel guide to Kameyama Station, ready to show you the charm of this hidden gem. 1. Getting There 🚆 (1) By Rail From Nagoya, take the JR Line to Shingu Station, then transfer to the Kishu Railway to Kameyama Station. From Osaka, take the Kintetsu Line to Kii-Tanabe Station, then transfer to the Kishu Railway. The Kishu Railway's trains have a retro feel, traveling at a slower pace that lets you leisurely enjoy the scenery along the way. Trains generally operate from 6am to 8pm, with departures every 1–2 hours. Check the specific schedules at the departure stations. (2) By Car Drivers can follow navigation from Owase city center along the highway towards Kameyama Station. The roads are relatively flat, and the drive takes about 40 mins. There is a small parking lot near the station for convenient parking. 2. Special Attractions 🚂 Kameyama Station itself is a unique attraction. The retro station building, wooden platforms, and waiting room seem to transport you back in time. Old railway equipment, such as signal lights and switch tools, are displayed inside the station, showcasing the history of the railway. As the train slowly pulls into the platform, accompanied by a crisp whistle, a retro railway scene unfolds. Not far from the station, there's a small cherry blossom path. Every spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, pink petals flutter down, creating a romantic carpet. Strolling along the path feels like stepping into a dreamy fairy tale. There are also large farm fields nearby, offering different scenery throughout the year: tender green seedlings in spring, rolling waves of rice in summer, golden ears of rice hanging heavy in autumn, and a peaceful rural landscape in winter. 3. Food and Drink 🍱 (1) Station Bento Kameyama Station's bento boxes are unique. They are filled with locally harvested fresh vegetables, homemade pickles, and fried pork cutlets made with local pork. The rice is plump and fragrant. A bite of rice paired with a bite of the side dishes creates a rich and unforgettable taste. (2) Country-style Grilled Corn At the small food stalls near the station, country-style grilled corn is very popular. Fresh corn is grilled over charcoal, giving it a slightly charred exterior and a sweet, soft interior. It's brushed with a special sauce that blends butter and spices, adding a rich, milky aroma to the sweetness. 4. Travel Tips 🎈 (1) Itinerary It is recommended to depart from your city in the morning and take the train to Kameyama Station. Upon arrival, visit the station to experience the retro atmosphere and take photos. Then, stroll along the cherry blossom path (if in season) or around the farm fields to enjoy the natural scenery. Have lunch at the station, enjoying a station bento. In the afternoon, you can browse the small shops around the station and buy some unique souvenirs, such as keychains and postcards with the Kishu Railway logo. In the evening, find a suitable spot near the station to wait for the train to arrive and capture the picturesque scene of the retro train against the sunset. You can choose to return to Owase City for the night or experience the tranquility of the countryside at a nearby guesthouse. (2) Preparation Bring a light backpack for your belongings. Prepare some cash, as some food stalls may not accept mobile payments. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the station and strolling along the paths and farm fields. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the unique beauty and wonderful moments of Kameyama Station. Kishu Railway's Kameyama Station, a place full of retro charm and rural scenery, awaits your exploration. Come and embark on a unique retro slow travel journey.