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 Chiaki Kobayashi, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in planning Tokachi food and sake tours at the Obihiro Branch in Hokkaido.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello everyone. I am Kobayashi, JAL Furusato Ambassador Hokkaido, and I belong to Obihiro Branch.
Today, I would like to introduce a tour that I was involved in from the planning stage, which will allow you to fully enjoy the charms of Tokachi.
–How are you involved in this effort?
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Tokachi”?
I think of blue skies, vast fields, cows grazing on grass, and shiny yellow “cheese. Of course, there are also fresh and delicious vegetables and meat, seafood in the areas near the sea, and high-quality azuki beans and wheat, making Tokachi famous for its red bean paste and other Japanese and Western sweets. Tokachi is also home to wineries and sake breweries, and is a “culinary treasure” filled with “deliciousness” that will satisfy both sweet tooths and spicy gourmets. Tokachi is a “culinary treasure trove” filled with “delicacies” to satisfy everyone from sweet tooths to picky eaters.
We hope that people who do not yet know about the real Tokachi will come to know and taste the delicious Tokachi, and that they will fall in love with it and come back again and again. It is with this in mind that we have planned this tour.
Here in Tokachi, there is a cheese specialist who not only produces natural cheese, but also has the skill to cut and display cheese beautifully called “cheese plateau” and won the third place in the world cheese knowledge competition in his first entry. He is a specialist in cheese knowledge and skills.
This tour will be led by Ms. Chisato Nagahara, Director of TOYO Cheese Factory located in the town of Memuro in Tokachi, Hokkaido, who will give you a hands-on “cheese plateau” experience. The cheese plateau will be paired with MEMURO wine, which is carefully produced in the same area, and tasted.
Also, for dinner on the first day, we will be treated to a variety of finger foods made with Tokachi ingredients from “Northern Jewelry,” another beautiful eating jewel for the eyes, along with a Tokachi cheese plateau created by Ms. Nagahara.
After dinner, it is up to customers to go to “Kita no Yatai” (North Stalls) in Obihiro’s nightlife district!
On the second day of the tour, we will visit Ikeda Wine Castle in Ikeda Town, where the foundation of Tokachi wine was laid. You will have a chance to listen to the story of the birth of Tokachi’s unique wine varieties and enjoy a wine tasting. At Makiba-no-ie Winery, also in Ikeda Town, you will have the opportunity to make crackable cheese with a visiting instructor from NEEDS Cheese Factory!
Crackable cheese is a fun and delicious cheese made by stretching the base of the cheese, called card.
Only a tour with a private car can allow you to enjoy food and drinks together without worrying about driving, such as a lunch of meat with Tokachi wine and a sake tasting at a sake brewery that has been revived in Obihiro.
You can choose from three itineraries: 1 night/2 days departing on March 15, 2 nights/3 days in Obihiro, or 2 nights in Tokachigawa Onsen. Please feel free to join us alone or with your family or friends. Please click here for more details.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
We hope that this tour will introduce you to the charms of Tokachi’s food, and that next time you will experience the delicious food of a different season. In addition to food, Tokachi offers beautiful seasonal scenery and activities, so we hope you will come back again and again.
We invite you to experience the charm of Tokachi, Hokkaido, which is not limited to Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate.
–What is your message to travelers?
We invite you to join us on this tour to experience the “deliciousness” of Tokachi! We are sure that you will be gripped by the charms of the culinary treasure trove that is Tokachi.
You may gain some weight during this tour, but please be prepared for that and come hungry.
We look forward to your participation. I remember you.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.