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The ANA Pikachu Jet Experience

A Little Back Story

“Sana Pikachu jet masakyan natin.” (I hope we’d ride the Pikachu jet) Aya-chan told me weeks prior.

We booked our flights in advance, as early as August 2024. We were lucky enough buy ourselves seats to the prestigious All Nippon Airways bound for New Chitose International (CTS) in Hokkaido via Tokyo Haneda (HND) for a cheaper deal. Normally, ANA’s flights from Manila would cost from PHP 40,000 for a round trip fare. But we were lucky enough to get ours for PHP 18,000 for two legs of flights round trip.

Now came the day of our flight. I was monitoring the whereabouts of ANA’s Pikachu Jet (JA894A) for the past couple of days and it came to my realization that it hasn’t landed in Manila International (MNL) for the past ten days. “Mukhang may chance.” (Looks like we have a chance), I teasingly told Aya-chan. It has been in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Jakarta, Bangkok, and other Asian cities, but not in Manila. On the day of our flight, I was surprised to see that NH819 from HND to MNL assigned JA894A on the day of our flight.

“Mimi!” I screamed.

“Ano!?” She responded.

I immediately showed her my phone, which showed NH869’s track and the aircraft assigned. She was happy to see ANA’s Pikachu jet on my phone’s screen.

“Legit?” She asked.

“Of course! There’s no way we’re going to use another aircraft. ANA only flies twice daily to Manila. One from Haneda and one from Narita. JA894A never lands at Narita! I’m 100% absolute!” I responded.

“OMG. Looks like everything is going according to plan. Thank you, Lord!” She screamed.

ANA's Boeing 787-9, with tail number JA894A, flies around Asian cities serviced by ANA. Photo from ANA's website.

The Flight

Our flight is scheduled to depart at 2:50 PM. Check-in counters open exactly three hours before. However, they open an hour earlier to accommodate a smoother check-in for priority passengers. The check-in process itself was a breeze. For our flight, we were allowed to check-in two pieces of 23kg each. The process took less than half an hour from the queue to the counters.

Our journey forward also took less time than expected. Passing through immigration and final security check, we found our way towards the boarding gate.

After about an hour of waiting, we were able to board our flight. It took just about 20 minutes to get everyone aboard.

JA894A as NH869 arriving in Manila (MNL) from Tokyo (HND).
We're now ready to board NH870 for Tokyo Haneda (HND)!
Pokemon livery on ANA's Boeing 787-9.
Modified Pokemon headrest covers
Safety video
The safety video showcases the standard information typically found in airline safety briefings, but with a creative twist featuring beloved Pokémon characters. Iconic figures like Pikachu, Machamp, and Jigglypuff guide passengers through important safety procedures, such as how to use seatbelts, locate emergency exits, and follow instructions from the crew. The playful animations and familiar faces add an engaging element to the otherwise routine safety message, ensuring that viewers not only understand the essential information but also enjoy the experience.
 
In-flight entertainment
The in-flight entertainment offered on the ANA Pikachu Jet aligns with the standard selection available on other ANA aircraft. It features a range of options, including Japanese and international films, some episodes from TV series, news, and sports. We found it to be quite enjoyable during our 4-hour flight from Manila.

Food and Beverages
The food served during our flight met the expectations associated with a full-service airline. During the 4-hour journey, we enjoyed a thoughtfully prepared meal that featured cold soba, a fresh salad, fruit, and ice cream. I opted for the curry katsu as my main course, and I found the overall quality of the food to be very commendable.

Souvenirs
Lastly, let’s discuss the souvenirs we received on our flight. Just a few minutes before our scheduled landing, the cabin crew, who were wearing aprons inspired by Pokémon in vibrant shades of pink and blue, came around to distribute special tokens to all the passengers. Each envelope contained a Boarding Certificate, which served as a unique memento of our flight, along with a colorful commemorative sticker. Additionally, we received a kifuda, a beautifully crafted Japanese wooden tag engraved with an adorable image of Pikachu, making it a delightful keepsake to remember our time with ANA’s Pikachu Jet.

Other Currently Active Pokémon-Livery Jets
ANA’s Boeing 787-9, known as the Pikachu Jet, operates flights to various cities in Asia and Australia, including Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Perth, and more. In addition to the 787, ANA also has a Boeing 777 featuring Pokémon livery, called the Eevee Jet. This jet services destinations in America, such as Chicago, Honolulu, and Los Angeles, as well as flights to London.

In addition to ANA, several other airlines have Pokémon Air Adventures livery. These include Japan’s Solaseed Air, AirDo, Skymark Airlines, Singapore’s Scoot, Taiwan’s China Airlines, and South Korea’s T’Way Airlines.

Now that we’ve experienced one, let’s make it a bucket list to fly on these Pokémon-themed jets, shall we?

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Tokyo Series: Akihabara’s Pokemons and Claw Machines

The following day, we decided to maximize our time and visit two exciting places. Included on our list was Akihabara a.k.a. AKIBA, famously known as Tokyo’s “Electric City.” Located at Chiyoda City in northeast Tokyo, it is a paradise for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and otakus.

We hopped on the Metro and took a quick stop at Nihonbashi. The area is home to the Nihonbashi Takashimaya Shopping Center, where we headed straight to the Pokemon Center DX nestled on the 5th floor of their annex building. The store boasts an impressive array of Pokemon merchandise, from plushies to trading cards, making it a must-visit for any Pokemon fan. Hoshino-chan and I relished in the opportunity to leisurely explore the shop with our primary mission in mind which is to snag a Mimikyu plush to add to our growing collection. We weren’t able to resist picking up a few items for our friends as well. The atmosphere was bustling with excitement as fellow Pokemon enthusiasts, kids and adults alike, browsed the aisles, their faces lighting up with joy upon discovering their favorite Pokemons.

After a wonderful time spent at the Pokemon Center in Nihombashi, Hoshino-san and I decided to finally make our way to Akihabara. We were excited to explore the famous electronics district of Tokyo and immerse ourselves in the world of anime and otaku culture.

On our way out of JR Akihabara station, we stopped by a Beck’s Coffee branch located just beside the exit. We were feeling a little peckish and wanted to grab a quick snack before embarking on a full day of shopping and exploration.

As we strolled towards the seemingly endless stretch of shops that lined the streets of Akihabara, we were drawn towards Ginzo, a seemingly hidden sushi restaurant located under one of the district’s bridges. The moment we entered, we were warmly greeted by the attentive staff who immediately handed us an English menu for our convenience. The cozy ambiance of the place was accentuated by the lively chatter of the locals who were busy relishing their freshly-made sushi. The restaurant’s popularity among the locals was a testament to its excellent quality and authenticity, which we experienced firsthand with every bite of the their sushi.

As we entered the neighborhood, we were struck by the impressive towering buildings that surrounded us. The streets were bustling with activity, and we could see electronic shops like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera on every corner. For fans of anime and the otaku culture, there were plenty of options to choose from, including popular shops like Mandarake and Radio Center. There’s also a huge Don Quijote, a popular shop for tourists and travelers, for whatever you need.

But what truly caught our attention were the countless Gachapons and claw machines everywhere. We couldn’t resist the temptation to play, and we ended up spending a significant portion of our day trying our luck at these machines. In the end, we had spent almost 5,000 yen and had a lot of fun doing it!

“It’s okay to spend as long as you’re having fun!”

  1. Ejii-chan, 2023

The city of Tokyo boasts an intricate web of railways that interconnects each neighborhood. With a station located within reach of almost every corner of the city, navigating through the urban conglomerate is always convenient, regardless of distance. This remarkable railway system enabled us to hop from one neighborhood to another with ease.

It was another day in Tokyo but was definitely another day for keeps!

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Tokyo Series: The Alluring Ascent to Tokyo SkyTree

Asakusa’s shrines are a must-see for anyone visiting Tokyo. The tour we took was a perfect blend of ancient and modern architecture, showcasing the area’s rich history and contemporary design. After exploring the shrines, we made our way to the Tokyo SkyTree to witness the beauty of the sunset from a bird’s-eye view. The SkyTree is an engineering marvel, towering at an impressive height of 634 meters and offering panoramic views of the entire city. Completed in 2012, the SkyTree is one of the tallest man-made structures in the world, sharing this distinction with other landmarks such as Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur and Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Rising above the Sumida skyline in Tokyo, the SkyTree is a famous tower that stands as a symbol of modern Japan’s technological advancement. The tower is home to some of Japan’s most prominent broadcast stations, including NHK, TV Asahi, Nippon TV, and TV Tokyo, which transmit their programs across the country and beyond.

At the base of the tower lies Tokyo Solamachi, a vibrant complex that offers an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This lively hub houses an impressive collection of stores, ranging from fashion boutiques to souvenir shops, where visitors can find unique items to take back home. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and cafes where one can indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine or international delicacies while admiring the stunning views of the cityscape. Lastly, the Sumida Aquarium is also located within the complex, providing visitors with a chance to explore the mesmerizing world of marine life.

We purchased our tickets in advance through Klook.com for around PHP 750, which gave us access to the Tembo Deck located at the 350m level of the tower. From the Tembo Deck, we were able to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo. The ticket purchase process was hassle-free and convenient, and we were able to avoid the long queues at the ticket counter. Additionally, Klook also offers tickets in advance for the Galleria (450m) and the Sumida Aquarium, which are both popular attractions.

As you embark on your journey to the Tembo Deck, you will be whisked away from the ground in one of the tower’s four elevators. These elevators are no ordinary means of transportation, as they are capable of reaching a top speed of 600 meters per minute. In just under 30 seconds, you will find yourself at the Tembo Deck observatory. This experience is truly amazing, especially when you think about comparing it to conventional elevators that typically travel at a much slower pace of 80 to 100 meters per minute. Prepare to be amazed as you ascend to the Tembo Deck in record time.

We arrived at about 4 pm, just in time to witness the city bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. We spent a few hours wandering around, marveling at the cityscape that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Every corner of the deck offered a new and exciting view that left us in awe. The deck offers an unobstructed 360-degree view, allowing you to take in the full majesty of this metropolis.

As we made our way to the top, we couldn’t help but notice the steady stream of visitors increasing with each passing hour. However, when we finally arrived at our destination, we were pleased to find a multitude of comfortable seating options available to us, affording us the perfect opportunity to rest and take in the stunning panoramic views. To make the most of our time, we decided to indulge in some refreshing beverages from a quaint café located on the 350m floor. With our thirst quenched, we eagerly snapped photos, capturing the magical moments as the sun slowly descended below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the sky.

As the sun began to set, the skyline gradually transformed before our very eyes. The once grey and muted buildings began to sparkle with bright white and neon lights, creating a stunning backdrop of darkness trinkled with flecks of colorful lights. It was a sight that left us speechless, and we were grateful to have witnessed such a magnificent display.

If you are lucky enough to witness a clear day, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance when you face west. The striking snow-capped peak of the dormant volcano is a sight to behold. However, during our visit, we were not so fortunate, as the mountain was shrouded in a thick veil of clouds, rendering it invisible to us.

As the clock struck past seven in the evening, we decided to leave and venture back down into the city. The bustling streets were already illuminated, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. We made our way descending through the towering structure, eager to explore its many attractions. On the 340m floor, we discovered a charming souvenir shop, filled with trinkets and knick-knacks that captured the essence of the city. Although we were unable to access the café on the 330m floor due to prior reservations, we continued exploring the tower. As we descended to the base, we further rummaged through Tokyo Solamachi’s shops and restaurants. We indulged in some window shopping and treated ourselves to a light dinner, savoring the flavors and art of Japanese cuisine. As the night drew to a close, it started to drizzle. We headed to the nearest train station, eager to return to our hotel in Toyocho, filled with memories of our wonderful visit to the SkyTree.

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Tokyo Series: Exploring Asakusa’s Shrines

“It’s one of my favorite districts in Tokyo.” Ejii-chan said.

Asakusa is a captivating district situated in the heart of Taito City. It boasts an intriguing blend of the old and new that coexist in perfect harmony, providing visitors with an exceptional opportunity to delight in the charisma of old Tokyo while still relishing in modern amenities. The main street leading to the central Senso-ji Temple is a vibrant thoroughfare that is flanked by towering Shinto temples, izakayas, and shops. The street is always buzzing with a mix of locals and tourists who converge to pay homage to the Shinto gods and immerse themselves in the area’s sights and sounds.

Asakusa’s history is steeped in rich culture as Tokyo’s entertainment district, with many of its historic buildings dating back to the Edo period. Sadly, the district was severely damaged during World War II due to air raids, which necessitated its reconstruction. Despite no longer being the city’s primary entertainment hub with the rise of Shinjuku and Harajuku, Asakusa continues to captivate visitors seeking to experience its exclusive blend of ancient and modern culture.

We embarked on a short yet exciting train ride from Toyocho and arrived at the district. As we stepped out of Asakusa Station, we were immediately struck by the stunning architecture and cultural vibrancy of the area. Our attention quickly turned to the towering Senso-ji temple, which loomed in the distance, beckoning us to come closer.

As we made our way towards the temple, we stumbled upon an inviting Oden restaurant. With our stomachs growling, we couldn’t resist the temptation and decided to stop by for a quick bite. The aroma of the hot broth and the sizzling skewers filled our noses as we eagerly dug into our delicious meal, energized and ready to continue our excursion.

Unexpected Lunch at an Oden Restaurant

We also stopped by a takoyaki and taiyaki shop along the way and grabbed a serving for each of us.

Senso-ji Temple

As we arrived at Senso-ji, we were greeted by the shrines and the peaceful atmosphere. The air was filled with the aroma of incense, and the muffled sound of people chatting and taking photos echoed throughout the area. We proceeded to explore and capture the beauty of everything around us. While strolling around, we stumbled upon an o-mikuji shrine, where Ejii-chan and I decided to try our luck.

How to draw your fortune from an O-mikuji:

    1. Place 100 yen into the shrine’s box as an offering.
    2. Pick up the hexagonal canister containing wooden sticks inscribed with numbers in kanji. Shake it well and pick a stick from the hole at one end of the canister.
    3. Match the number of the stick to the number inscribed on drawers.
    4. Open the drawer and pick the topmost paper from it.
    5. If you picked a good fortune, keep that sheet of paper.
    6. On the other hand, if you’re unlucky and picked “bad fortune“, which happened to me, by the way, roll the paper lengthwise and tie it to the racks beside the drawers. NEVER take it with you.
    7. Offer a prayer to the Shinto gods for thanksgiving.

We delved deeper into the walls of Senso-ji and strolled around its well-trodden paths, taking in every sight and sound that surrounded us. We were enveloped by a peaceful atmosphere perfumed with the scent of burning incense as we approached the dimly lit temple. We then bowed our heads in prayer, silently taking in the beauty and history of the shrine. I turned to Ejii-chan and asked her to show me the proper way to pay respect before I offered my own prayers.

We took the exit at the Nitenmon gate where we started the first step to our next destination — the towering Tokyo SkyTree.

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Ejii-chan’s Tokyo Homecoming

For the past couple of years, we have been dreaming of travelling outside the country, but the thought of the expenses and the busy schedules always held us back. Our luck finally turned around when Ejii-chan chanced upon a round-trip flight to Tokyo-Narita for an unbelievable Php 4,800 (£70). As soon as we heard about the seat sale, we immediately took advantage of it and secured our spots. The following steps are bound to eagerly anticipating our upcoming adventure in Tokyo. Ejii-chan, as a former exchange student, had the opportunity to live in Tokyo for a considerable amount of time during her high school days. She often finds herself reminiscing about those days, and each step she takes in Tokyo brings back a flood of sweet nostalgia. She often speaks about her visits to the bustling neighbourhoods of Akihabara and Ueno, where her hostess would always remind her to carry an umbrella as the city is known for its seasonal heavy rainfalls, especially during the summer and fall. She treasures the memories of the delicious meals her Japanese foster parents would prepare for her before heading off to school. Moreover, she looks back fondly on her daily commute in Tokyo, which was always a delightful experience in the world’s largest metropolis. As the chilly autumn night started to engulf Tokyo, we finally arrived at Narita Airport around 8 P.M. Our top priority was to get to downtown Tokyo as quickly and efficiently as possible. We meticulously considered the various transportation options and after weighing the pros and cons, we unanimously decided to board the rapid Keisei train to Asakusa. As we gazed out the train’s windows, we couldn’t help but marvel at the city’s bright lights and towering skyscrapers. Upon reaching Asakusa, we seamlessly transferred trains to Toyocho, where our hotel awaits literally just a few steps away from the metro station. “It’s been 15 long years.” She told me as we disembarked from the metro. “Okaerinasai, Ejii-chan.” (Welcome home, Ejii-chan) I replied.