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.
We spoke with Ms. Megumi Yamamoto, a JAL Furusato Ambassador in Kyoto Prefecture who introduces Uji City’s hot spots.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
NHK’s historical drama “To the Luminous Kimi” finally started airing last month. The drama depicts the life of Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji.
The Tale of Genji is said to be the world’s oldest full-length tale, spanning 54 chapters. The last 10 chapters are mainly set in Uji, which is why they are called “Uji 10 Chapters.
During the Heian period, Uji was one of the vacation homes of the aristocracy. This scenic spot, located in the Tatumi area of the capital (meaning “southeast” from the Heian-kyo capital), must have soothed many people’s hearts and minds.
The Tale of Genji has been translated by many modern writers and is still read to this day. Uji, chosen as the place to conclude the story, offers elegant scenery and historical and cultural buildings that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The JAL hometown ambassadors would like to share with you the charms of Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture, which is sure to become even more exciting in the future, on the occasion of the start of the broadcast of the Taiga Drama!
–How are you involved in this effort?
With the themes of “going back in time to the Heian Period” and “unique experiences in Uji,” Mr. Kanai of the Uji City Tourism Association and Mr. Tajima of the Industry and Tourism Department of the Uji City Office escorted us to two spots in Uji. We hope you will find some useful hints for your sightseeing in Uji.
This is the Uji City Tale of Genji Museum (8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station).
The museum, which is modeled after the Neiden-zukuri style, includes the Heian-no-Ma, which offers a glimpse into the lifestyles of Heian aristocrats, and the Uji-no-Ma, which focuses on the Ten Chapters of Uji. There is also a “Tale Room” where the story is explained in an easy-to-understand manner, so visitors can fully enjoy the Tale of Genji even if they have never read the book.
One of the features of the museum is its extensive hands-on corner where visitors of all ages and genders can enjoy learning.
Take, for example, “Genji-ko” (Genji incense). The five different scents are combined and named after the chapters of The Tale of Genji. The museum is filled with such intellectually stimulating tricks to keep visitors entertained.
With a video exhibition room, special exhibitions with periodically changing themes, and a library, this is truly a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Heian period and the Tale of Genji. There is also a café where visitors can enjoy delicious sweets made from Uji green tea in a relaxed atmosphere.
Returning from the Heian Period to 2021, the next place we will introduce is the “Tea and Uji Town History Park” (4-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station).
Since its opening in October 2021, it has been nicknamed “Chazuna.
The name was chosen by high school students in Uji City with the important thought that “Uji tea connects many people and history just like a single strand of rope.
The museum in the exchange center covers everything about tea, including its history, types, processes, and people involved. Many visitors come to Uji to enjoy matcha sweets and tea from long-established tea shops. Why don’t you enjoy learning more about tea through “Chazuna” and enrich your tea experience and sightseeing in Uji?
There are also a variety of experience programs unique to Uji, the city of tea.
This time, among the many programs, we challenged the “Choose from Japanese paper and make your own tea canister,” which is popular among foreign tourists! Original Tea Caddy Making,” which is very popular among foreign tourists.
You may think that all you have to do is to put a Japanese paper sticker on a prepared tea canister (……), but that is not the case at all! The details of the program are for those who actually experienced it, but it was an hour of heart-warming experience filled with respect for tea and Japanese culture, the spirit of passing it on, hospitality, and the spirit of service. It is a fulfilling program that we hope you will experience once!
Each time I look at my finished tea caddy, I think back to my special experience in Uji and realize the meaning behind the nickname “chazuna.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
Combined with the influence of the historical drama, the number of visitors to both facilities has been increasing even more.
And finally, on March 11, “To a Glowing Kimi, Uji: The Great Drama Exhibition – Tatsumi Miyako: The City Michinaga Built” will begin in the second floor conference room of the Exchange Center (the exhibition will run until January 13, 2025).
Thinking back to the Heian Period and following in the footsteps of the characters in The Tale of Genji. How about such a trip to Uji? It may be an opportunity for you to enjoy the drama more deeply. Even if you have not seen the drama, we would be happy if you could take this opportunity to become interested in Uji tea culture and Japanese culture in general.
The “Tea and Uji Town Historical Park” is located along the Uji River, which flows leisurely through the park. Many tea trees are planted in the park, and visitors can experience picking tea in spring. Uji City has a unique character that varies from season to season. We will continue to share the charms of Uji City with you.
–What is your message to travelers?
There are two World Heritage Sites in Uji City: Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine.
In addition, the cultural assets and historical background related to tea located in eight municipalities in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture, including Uji City, have been registered as Japanese Heritage as part of the “800-year history walk of Japanese tea” (Japanese Heritage: a story that tells of Japanese culture and tradition through the historical charm and characteristics of a region, as recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why not have a cultural experience in Uji City, a city with important historical assets? Various events are held throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you!
© Source travel watch
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