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 on board. 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 Sayaka Matsubara, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the Tenryu Hamanako Railway collaboration tour at the Chubu Branch Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello, this is Matsubara, JAL Furusato Ambassador for the Chubu region.
Have you ever heard of the Tenryu Hamanako Railway (Tenhama Line), a local line running along the northern shore of Lake Hamana in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture?
In this issue, we will introduce the “Flower Relay Project,” which aims to revitalize local communities by planting and beautifying flowers along the Amahama Line, and the “JAL Hometown Ambassador Amahama Line Ride Tour,” which was created through these activities.
First, Tenryu Hamanako Railway has three characteristics.
Tenryu Hamanako Railway opened in 1987, taking over a section of the Japan National Railways’ Futamata Line, which was a specified regional transportation line. Tenryu Futamata Station has a turntable that is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan and a railroad history museum where visitors can actually see the railroad up close.
And because the train runs through the rich nature of the western region of Shizuoka Prefecture, including Lake Hamana and tea plantations, passengers can enjoy scenic views from the train windows.
We operate a variety of sightseeing trains, including retro trains and those offering dining options. Many of the trains are unique and very popular not only with railroad fans but also with tourists, such as the “Flower Relay Project” train designed by British horticulturalist Dr. Keiko Yoshitani, and others that are collaborations with anime.
In 2018, the Hamamatsu Iwata Shinkin Bank took the lead in the “Flower Relay Project” to revitalize the community by decorating the areas along the Amahamaji Line with flowers, in cooperation with local businesses.
Different flowers are planted at each station and along the train line to beautify the scenery from the train windows. JAL has been participating in this activity since 2021.
–How are you involved in this effort?
I also participated in volunteer weeding work at Hosoya Station in November 2024. Through this activity, we have created the JAL Hometown Ambassador Crew Tour in the hope that even more people will learn about the charms of the Amahama Line and Hamamatsu City.
This is the first JAL hometown ambassador tour in the Chubu region, and is a one-day sightseeing train that will operate only on March 30, 2025.
The train will operate from Kakegawa, the first station on the Amahama Line, to Shinkyobara, the last station on the line. Tour guides from Tenryu Hamanako Railway will be on hand to welcome passengers and guide them to the sights along the line, and will offer a variety of activities to make their time on the train enjoyable, including guided tours of the sights along the line, a special cocktail using JAL’s in-flight beverage “Sky Time,” a special eel lunch box, and quizzes related to airplanes and trains, We have prepared a variety of plans to ensure that passengers have a pleasant time on the train. During the cherry blossom viewing season in spring, passengers can enjoy the scenery of beautiful flowers planted along the train line from the train windows.
At Hosoya Station, a lovely white flower called “Yukiyanagi” is planted, which is at its best in March and April.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
We would like to cherish the circle of relationships we have formed not only with this tour but also with local residents through the “Relay of Flowers Project. We will continue to cooperate with local residents and be actively involved in planning events and developing tours that convey the charms of the Amahama Line, Hamamatsu City, and the Tokai region.
–What is your message to travelers?
In addition to this JAL Furusato Ambassador crewed tour, many other sightseeing train tours are operated on the Amahama Line, including a train to enjoy Lake Hamana Amazing Garden and a trip to enjoy local sake.
Reservations for the “Amahama Line Relaxing and Leisurely Journey with a JAL Cabin Crew Member” will be available from January 30, 2025. Why don’t you come and enjoy the Amahama Line trip with me? I look forward to your participation.
© Source travel watch
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