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 Elena, a JAL hometown ambassador GLOBAL who belongs to the Singapore base.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello everyone, nice to meet you!
My name is Elena, a flight attendant of JAL Furusato Ambassador GLOBAL, Singapore base, and I have been an ambassador since September 2025.
Some of you may not know what “JAL Furusato Ambassador GLOBAL” is. To briefly explain, flight attendants from overseas JAL bases move to Tokyo for a year and use the city as a base from which to introduce the charms of Japan to the rest of the world. They also give lectures to introduce the culture and attractions of their home countries, and are involved in researching tourist destinations and providing tourism advice from an inbound perspective.
We will continue to carry out various activities to convey the splendor of Japan and our home country to people around the world.
–How are you involved in this effort?
Have you ever visited Miyazaki?
I visited Miyazaki for the first time this January. Unlike the harsh midwinter cold of Tokyo, Miyazaki had a pleasant, chilly climate.
On this trip, we rode the Takachiho Amaterasu Railway, enjoyed boating at Takachiho Gorge, and toured famous places such as Udo Shrine and Sun Messe Nichinan. It was my first time to experience all of them, and I could not stop being excited.
Early in the morning, we went to visit Udo Shrine, which features a main shrine built out of natural rock. This mysterious shrine stands on a precipitous cliff and is known for its blessings for matchmaking, easy childbirth, and child rearing.
I tried my hand at five “luck balls,” and on my fifth attempt, I successfully threw one into the noose. If you have any luck balls left over, you can take them home.
Rabbits are considered the guardian animal at Udo Jingu Shrine, and many of the amulets and omikuji (omikuji fortune) have cute rabbit motifs on them.
We then went to the tropical atmosphere of Sun Messe Nichinan. The seven moai statues, seen for the first time, have an overwhelming presence, and each is said to have a different “luck” as well as face and size. We recommend this spot as a good luck spot for your trip.
To enjoy the spectacular view of Takachiho, we also took a ride on the Amaterasu Railway’s Grand Supercart. The 30-minute round-trip ride took in spectacular scenery, and at the highest point, the 105-meter-high Takachiho Railroad Bridge, station staff blew shambon balls to add color to the trip.
After the train trip, we went to Takachiho Gorge! To enjoy the gorge up close, we rented a rowboat and rowed out on our own. At first, I was a little hesitant to operate the boat, but once I got used to it, it went smoothly, and the experience of rowing surrounded by nature was very refreshing.
To end my trip, I enjoyed Miyazaki ramen at a popular local restaurant, Ramen Man, which was featured on TRICO and offers a wide variety of dishes, including tonkotsu ramen, shio (salt) ramen, and chuka soba (Chinese noodles). I had the “light tonkotsu ramen” topped with spicy takana. The tenderness and deep flavor of the melt-in-your-mouth chashu (pork cutlet) blew away the fatigue of my trip. It was a perfect ending to my trip to Miyazaki.
–What is your message to travelers?
Miyazaki is a wonderful place full of nature. We recommend it as a new experience travel destination while relaxing!
Udo Jingu Shrine is a wonderful spot where you can share your power. If you have a chance, please stop by.
May your journey ahead be filled with smiles.
© Source travel watch