JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”), and in August 2020 launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors,” cabin crew members selected through an in-house recruitment process who move to the area to promote initiatives in their respective regions. In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL Hometown Cheering Troops” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving as flight attendants. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
This time we spoke with Haruna Uesugi, an Osaka hometown ambassador.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Tamba Sasayama City in Hyogo Prefecture offers a castle town with an old-fashioned atmosphere, delicious food, and many fascinating historical activities. During the summer season, when a campaign* is held to allow visitors to walk around Tambasasasayama in kimono, you will see many visitors strolling around in colorful kimonos.
This time, Ms. Imai, who is in charge of public relations for the Tamba Sasayama City Tourism Association, guided us to experience walking around town in yukata as a hometown ambassador to promote the charm of the region.
*The period of the event has already ended.
–How are you involved in this effort?
Every year in August, a folk song festival called “Dekansho Festival” is held as a summer tradition in Tanba Sasayama. At the Dekansho Pavilion in the Aoyama Historical Village, we were taught the “Dekansho Odori” dance to the folk song “Dekansho-bushi,” which has been sung since the Edo period. The dance consists of four main movements. The dancers add foot movements to the hand movements and dance to the music. Although I struggled at first, it was a very enjoyable experience. The song is about the long history of Tamba Sasayama City, and the lyrics are added every year as the song goes on.
The Sasayama Castle Ruins, surrounded by bright cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer, is also a popular place for visitors to try on armor. Visitors can have their pictures taken wearing handmade armor modeled after the armor of warriors and feudal lords who were active in the Warring States period. This is a spot where visitors from overseas can fully enjoy themselves while getting a sense of history.
We also encountered beautiful rural scenery. Tanba Sasayama tea is one of the traditional agricultural products that have been produced since the Heian period. We dressed up in tea-girl costumes and experienced picking tea. The lush green tea fields were very beautiful!
After picking tea, we visited Suwaen Honten, a store specializing in tea and Japanese sweets, for a lesson on making tea in a teapot. The first cup of tea, timed with an hourglass and brewed slowly after steeping, is very tasty with a strong astringent and sweet taste. The refreshing aroma of the tea through the nose is also soothing. I couldn’t help but say, “Phew……,” as I spent a blissful and relaxing time.
At Odagaki Mamado, a popular cafe in the city, we enjoyed dishes using Tanba’s famous black beans and Tanba Sasayama beef. The homemade roast beef open sandwich was very satisfying, the meat moist and tender and full of flavor, and the salad with lots of black beans was very filling. The restaurant is also prepared to welcome international customers with a meat-free vegan hamburger steak and an English-language menu.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
In the coming season, a fair will be held where visitors can fully enjoy local specialties such as Tamba chestnuts and black edamame (green soybeans). On October 16, the Tamba Sasayama Kasuga Shrine Autumn Festival, which has a history of 350 years, will be held. The sight of floats parading through the castle town of Sasayama is a sight to behold!
–What is your message to travelers?
Ms. Imai hopes that many people, both in Japan and abroad, will discover the charm of Tamba Sasayama City, which offers beautiful scenery that will make you feel at home just by coming here, away from the crowded city.
In Tamba Sasayama City, you can enjoy the scenery, gourmet food, and history while experiencing the beautiful four seasons of Japan. Why not take a step away from your busy daily routine and enjoy a digital detox with nature? It is a very rare experience in the city. Please come to Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture!
© Source travel watch
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