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 Naho Hidaka, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in premium shaved ice in Nara Prefecture.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
WEST NARA is an area of 9 cities and towns (Yamatokoriyama City, Hiraguni-cho, Misato-machi, Ikaruga-machi, Asu-machi, Kamimaki-machi, Oji-machi, Koryo-cho and Kawai-machi) located in the northwest part of Nara Prefecture, about 30 minutes from Osaka City.
In Nara Prefecture, “Himuro Shrine,” which is believed to be the guardian deity of ice houses, is located in Nara City and Tenri City, and is said to be the birthplace of the ice eating culture. WEST NARA has launched a premium shaved ice project in cooperation with JAL.
Starting in April, “West Nara Premium Shaved Ice Certified Shaved Ice Shops” will gradually offer premium shaved ice that incorporates local attractions (9 certified stores are scheduled to participate, as of May).
There are a total of eight sauces and syrups supervised by JAL’s international first-class in-flight patissiers, and certified stores use these recipes with local fruits and specialties to create original “premium shaved ice.
In addition, the premium shaved ice “Nagomi Sakura” is available only at Wa CAFE Fukokuizono.
We tasted shaved ice made with “sudachi and yuzu syrup,” which has been available at Nara Shoraku Horyuji Honten since May 1.
The rich mascarpone in the refreshing shaved ice with Japanese sudachi syrup was not too sweet, and it was a perfect match with the thick and sweet local Ikaruga blueberry jam made with organic sugar. The jam was so good that we could not stop eating it by itself.
–How are you involved in this effort?
We conducted PR activities when we held a tasting event at the general meeting of the WEST NARA Wide-Area Tourism Promotion Council.
At this tasting, visitors were able to try three types of syrups: “Caramelized Narazuke Sauce,” “Sudachi and Yuzu Syrup,” and “Mixed Berry Black Rice Vinegar Syrup.
Particularly recommended is the Caramelized Narazuke Sauce, which is filled with a gorgous amount of Nara pickles. The ratio of saltiness of the Nara pickles to the sweetness of the caramel is exquisite. At the tasting, many people said, “I’ve never tasted anything like this before, it’s delicious! I want another bowl!” It was a big hit with the guests.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
The shaved ice with caramelized Narasuke sauce will be available at ZADAN, a home-roasted coffee café, from July 1 (by advance reservation up to two days in advance).
The combination of handmade koji amazake sauce creates an adult shaved ice with excellent compatibility, and the fermentation power of Nara zuke and koji approaches the intestinal environment, making it delicious to eat and gentle on the body.
This shaved ice with my very favorite sauce. I can’t wait for it now.
–What is your message to travelers?
A must-see for those who collect red seals. In this area, there are still existing temples and shrines with a history of 1,400 years, including the World Heritage Site “Horyu-ji Temple. Visitors can also experience culture, lodging and ascetic practices, and obtain a variety of red seals.
We are planning to start selling original red seal booklets with information on 23 recommended temples and shrines, as well as offering guided tours that include the red seal booklets, lunch, or premium shaved ice.
© Source travel watch
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