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 interviewed Ms. Naho Hidaka, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in cycle tourism in Kamitonda Town, Wakayama Prefecture.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Kumaiichi” is a cycling course that circles counterclockwise around the Kumano area in Wakayama Prefecture, which is home to the World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo. Kumano” means Kumano and “Ichi” means a round-the-clock tour.
Kamitonda Town in Wakayama Prefecture, called “Kuchikumano,” meaning the gateway to Kumano, promotes “cycle tourism” combining cycling and sightseeing, and the Kumaiichi tour starts and ends in the town.
Eleven municipalities and companies involved in the region have adopted the “Kumaiichi Declaration” in 2021 with the aim of branding Kumaiichi, and are conducting monitoring tours and other activities.
The desire of the people of Kamitonda Town and KMICH, Kamitonda Cycle Station, Kishu Kuchikuma no Mirai Souzou Organization, to spread the word about “Kumaichi” and the desire of the JAL hometown ambassadors to promote the attractions of Wakayama Prefecture coincided, and the Mayor of Kamitonda Town has appointed us as PR ambassadors of “Kumaichi”. In October 2023, we were appointed as “Kumaitchi Ambassadors”.
–How are you involved in this effort?
In February, “Learn! Kumano Kodo Do you know it? Sangori – Purify Your Body and Mind and Experience the Land of Resurrection Monitor Tour” in February.
The tour begins with “Sankekuran”, which is a cleansing ritual to remove impurities from the body. Shio-gori (cleansing from seawater), mizugori (cleansing from river water), and yugori (cleansing from hot spring water) are called sankaku-ri (three cleansing processes). The mizukuri-place is like a footbath where visitors can take a leisurely soak.
Yunomine Onsen “Tsuboyu” in Yunomine is a famous World Heritage hot spring, and is so popular among Japanese and foreigners alike that you have to get a ticket to wait your turn to enter. The unique aroma of the hot spring resort was in the air, and the atmosphere at dusk was exceptional. Fresh eggs can be purchased at nearby souvenir stores, and some visitors used the free-flowing hot spring water to make onsen eggs.
In Kamitonda Town, in addition to the above-mentioned water purification experience, we toured the “three Oji” shrines. Oji are shrines that were built by Shugenja, who served as the predecessors of Kumano pilgrims, to enshrine the local people’s deities. This time, we visited the “three Oji” (Yagami Oji, Inabane Oji, and Ichinose Oji) by e-bike (mountain bike with electric power assist).
The three princes were dotted with historical sites related to Saigyo and Kumagusu Minakata, and we felt the depth of history in the records of visits by great men. Finally, we headed for Kumano, a sacred place of revival.
Walking along the quiet Kumano Kodo (Kumano ancient road) toward the sacred place, I was healed by various plants and greenery, listened to birds singing, and spent precious time away from the hectic daily life. At the Kumanomiya-taisha shrine, a large torii gate, we were able to listen to a talk by the chief priest Kuki, and were moved by the preciousness of the ancient Japanese spirit of “consideration and respect for others”.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
Kamitonda Cycle Station KMICH offers e-bike rental service.
From Tokyo, you can fly from Haneda Airport to Nanki Shirahama Airport (Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport) in a whopping 1 hour and 10 minutes.
If you would like to visit Kumano someday, but are concerned about secondary transportation, we can deliver your e-bike to Nanki Shirahama Airport or JR stations (Kii-Tanabe, Shirahama)! But I’m worried about secondary transportation.” We offer an e-bike delivery service (for a fee) to Nanki-Shirahama Airport and JR stations (Kii-Tanabe and Shirahama). In addition to the airport and Shirahama station, you can also drop off your e-bike at Kii-Tanabe station, making it a very convenient means of transportation. Please take advantage of this service.
We are also planning to offer tours that include the charms of Wakayama Prefecture, a treasure trove of World Heritage sites and a combination of oceans, mountains, and rivers that can be enjoyed together with cycling.
–What is your message to travelers?
I have ridden the first half of the Kumaiichi 130km in 3 days on a tour I participated in August 2023, and although it was my first time riding an e-bike and cycling long distances, the 3 days went by very quickly without feeling any strain at all, even on the uphill slopes. I think that even those who are not confident about their physical strength can enjoy cycling with e-bikes.
By bicycle, you can feel the refreshing breeze at a moderate speed and enjoy the contact with local people. In addition to Nanki-Shirahama, one of the best resorts in Japan, you can also experience the charms of Japan in Kumaitchi, which runs along the Kumano Kodo World Heritage Site. We hope you will visit the Kinan region of Wakayama Prefecture and enjoy a cycling tour where you can encounter the good old days of Japan.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.