Cat Station Manager Sakura welcomes you at Ashinomaki Onsen Station in Aizu, Fukushima.

  • Fukushima
  • Sightseeing
Cat Station Chief at Ashinomaki Onsen Station
Did you know that there is a station where a cat stationmaster works in Fukushima Prefecture? If you are a cat lover, you must visit Ashinomaki Onsen Station of Aizu Railway in Aizuwakamatsu City. The current station master is Sakura.
Sakura, the station chief

The first stationmaster, "Basu Ekiman

Ashinomaki Onsen Station became a station with cats in June 1999. The cat was brought to the station by a local elementary school student. The cat was named "Basu" because of its resemblance to the cat bus in the animated movie "My Neighbor Totoro." The cat became popular for its adorable appearance as it saw off customers on the platform, and in April 2008, it was appointed honorary stationmaster.
Many customers were energized and comforted by "Busu Ekiman," but after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the number of customers suddenly stopped coming to the station. Even in such a difficult time, "Busu Ekiman" gently stood by the station staff and protected Ashinomaki Onsen Station.
Former station chief "Basu

The second generation was "Rabu Ekiman

Later, when "Basu Stationmaster" became old, "Rabu" joined him as his assistant and trained him to be a full-fledged stationmaster, sometimes gently, sometimes strictly (?). With his gentle and sometimes strict (?) guidance, he was raised to become a full-fledged station master, and in December 2015, "Rabu" took over as the second honorary station master. Rabu" was not only a comfort to visitors, but also steadily performed his duties. Checking every corner of the platform, crawling under the cars, walking on the rails, and enjoying cat grass buffet♪
Rabu" former station master
The first cat stationmaster, "Basu," who served as a leader, passed away in 2016. He was 18 years old, which is more than 100 years old in human terms. In 2022, "Rabu" also passed away. Many fans of "Neko Stationmaster" still come to the station to pay their respects at the Hanamomo tree where "Basu" and "Rabu" were laid to rest.
Under the peach tree

The current station chief, "Sakura Ekiman

The second stationmaster "Rabu" was succeeded by his younger sister "Sakura," who became the third honorary stationmaster in November 2023! She was promoted from an apprentice station attendant for about a year to an attendant, and her growth was recognized when she was appointed stationmaster. At first, there were some concerns about "Sakura," who has a carefree personality, going at her own pace and not interacting much with customers, but she is gradually getting used to coming to work as the "Neko Stationmaster. As stationmaster, he sees off trains and watches over the station staff's work. Naptime is also indispensable.
Sakura Station Chief seeing off the train

Please refrain from taking photos and videos.

When you see a cute "Neko Stationmaster" like this, you might want to take a picture of him, right? However, the first Nekoeki Ekiman, "Basu," suffered from eye damage caused by the camera's flash, so all photography, including video, is prohibited. Please observe the rules and watch the "Nekoeki Ekiman" at work.
Sakura Station Chief and cherry blossoms

Retired but still loved "Chief of Pichi Facility

Actually, there is another cat loved by everyone at Ashinomaki Onsen Station. His name is "Pichi," and he has been working at Ashinomaki Onsen Station as "Facility Manager" since October 2017. Similar to his older brother, "Rabu," he worked at his own pace. He stepped down from his position as head of the facility in March 2020 to focus on treatment for his atopic dermatitis, but he still comes to visit us when we hold events such as birthdays. If you are lucky, you may be able to meet "Pichi" as well.
Director of Pichi

Message from Ashinomaki Onsen Station

Sakura Station Manager is becoming more and more like his elder brother, Station Manager Rabu. From the station staff's point of view, he is becoming a splendid stationmaster. Please come to Ashinomaki Onsen Station to meet him. Please check the website in advance to see if he is working at the station.
Pichi Facility Manager and Sakura Station Manager

Let's go to Ashinomaki Onsen Station to meet "Neko Station Manager"!

How was the "Neko Ekiman" at Ashinomaki Onsen Station of Aizu Railway, who is still loved by many people even now that he is the third generation? As we mentioned, to protect the health of the "Neko Ekiman," we are not allowed to take pictures of him. Why don't you visit Ashinomaki Onsen Station and capture the work of the adorable "Neko Ekiman" in your own album?
Ashinomaki Onsen station

Ashinomaki Onsen" is recommended as a combination with sightseeing in Aizuwakamatsu City.

When you come to Ashinomaki Onsen Station, be sure to visit Ashinomaki Onsen Hot Spring. Ashinomaki Onsen is said to have been opened more than 1,000 years ago, and has been called a "phantom hot spring village" because it was difficult to reach in the old days. Today, it is accessible in about 25 minutes by car after sightseeing in Aizu Wakamatsu City, making it perfect for both overnight stays and day trips to the hot spring.

Let's go to Ashinomaki Onsen Station to meet "Neko Ekiman" (Cat Stationmaster)!

Sightseeing spots that are crowded on holidays can be fully enjoyed in a relaxed manner on weekdays! Why don't you go out and see how the Sakura Stationmaster works?

JR East is now proposing other new ways to enjoy your trip! Please check the official website for details.

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation "Fukushima area" reservations, please visit 【JR East View Dynamic Rail Package】
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