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Traveling to Japan in the autumn of 2026 comes with an exciting bonus for aviation enthusiasts and pop-culture fans alike: the launch of the highly anticipated ANA x Chiikawa Jet. Combining Japan’s premier airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), with the country's most beloved mascot characters, this collaboration is set to be one of the highlights of domestic travel late in the year.
Whether you are planning a massive cross-country itinerary or simply want to catch a glimpse of the special Boeing 767-300 aircraft taking off from Tokyo, navigating the schedules, locations, and campaign details can be daunting for an inbound tourist. The Japanese domestic flight network operates at a lightning-fast pace, and character collaborations of this magnitude draw massive crowds of dedicated local fans.
This exhaustive, 5,000+ word guide is tailored specifically for inbound tourists visiting Japan in late 2026. We will cover the strictly confirmed flight schedules, the exact inaugural flight numbers, where you can photograph the aircraft (complete with precise Google Maps locations and access details), and crucial information regarding the highly sought-after collaboration merchandise and lottery campaigns.
If you are planning your domestic transit, make sure your transit cards are sorted before heading to the airport. Consider reading our guide on What is the Best IC Card for Tourists in Japan 2026? | Suica vs Pasmo vs ICOCA so you can tap through the monorail gates with ease.
1. The ANA x Chiikawa Jet: Confirmed Aircraft Details
Before we dive into the routes, it is essential to know exactly what you are looking for on the tarmac. ANA operates a massive fleet, and special livery aircraft are carefully rotated through the schedule.
The Aircraft: Boeing 767-300 (Registration: JA609A)
The official ANA x Chiikawa Jet utilizes a specifically designated Boeing 767-300 aircraft. For aviation geeks and character hunters, the most important piece of information is the aircraft's registration number: JA609A.
Why does the registration number matter? If you are a tourist trying to spot this plane or book a last-minute flight on it, flight tracking applications (such as Flightradar24) will allow you to search for "JA609A." This is the only guaranteed way to track the real-time physical location of the Chiikawa Jet, as airlines often have to make last-minute equipment swaps due to maintenance or weather. If you see JA609A assigned to your gate at Haneda, you know you are in for a treat.
The Boeing 767-300 is a wide-body workhorse of the ANA domestic fleet. Known for its twin-aisle configuration, it provides a comfortable ride for short-to-medium domestic hops. Because it is a larger aircraft, ANA typically deploys it on high-demand trunk routes, which perfectly aligns with the confirmed schedule for the Chiikawa collaboration.
2. The Inaugural Flights: October 19, 2026 (Haneda to Nagasaki)
The collaboration officially takes to the skies on October 19, 2026. ANA has confirmed the exact flight numbers and times for this highly publicized maiden voyage. If you are a tourist hoping to fly on the very first day, or a photographer wanting to catch the water-cannon salute (a frequent tradition for inaugural special liveries, though not explicitly guaranteed), this is the schedule you must know.
The inaugural route will connect Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) with Nagasaki Airport (NGS) in Kyushu.
ANA661: Tokyo (Haneda) to Nagasaki
- Date: October 19, 2026
- Departure: 08:15 AM (Haneda)
- Arrival: 10:10 AM (Nagasaki)
- Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes
ANA664: Nagasaki to Tokyo (Haneda)
- Date: October 19, 2026
- Departure: 11:00 AM (Nagasaki)
- Arrival: 12:45 PM (Haneda)
- Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Tourist Tip: Nagasaki is an incredible tourist destination, offering a rich blend of Japanese, Dutch, and Chinese historical influences, stunning harbor views, and profound World War II history. If you manage to book the inaugural outbound flight (ANA661), you can seamlessly transition into a beautiful Kyushu itinerary.
If you are basing yourself in Tokyo before this early morning flight, you will want a hotel with easy access to the Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku line to connect to the Tokyo Monorail. Check out our recommendations for the Best Hotels Near Akihabara 2026 | Value Location Convenience for some great staging points.
3. Phase 1 Schedule: October 19 to October 24, 2026
Following the inaugural round trip to Nagasaki on October 19, the ANA x Chiikawa Jet will spend its first week flying a dynamic, high-density schedule across Japan's major hubs.
Between October 19 and October 24, 2026, ANA has confirmed that the JA609A aircraft will operate out of three primary bases:
- Tokyo Haneda (HND)
- Osaka Itami (ITM)
- Nagoya Centrair (NGO)
From these hubs, the aircraft will service the following confirmed destinations:
- Sapporo (New Chitose - CTS): Perfect for tourists hoping to catch the early autumn foliage in Hokkaido.
- Fukuoka (FUK): The gateway to Kyushu, famous for Tonkotsu ramen and vibrant Yatai (food stalls).
- Okinawa (Naha - OKA): Ideal for late-season beachgoers looking to escape the cooling autumn temperatures of the mainland.
Important Note for Tourists: During this initial six-day period, the aircraft will rotate unpredictably between these routes. ANA usually updates the exact daily schedule for special livery jets on their official Japanese website the day before departure. As a tourist, if your absolute priority is flying this specific jet, you must maintain flexibility and check the ANA special flight status portal daily.
If you find yourself waiting in Osaka or Tokyo for your flight and need a way to pass the time hunting for more merchandise, be sure to read our Chiikawa x MatsukiyoKocokara Summer 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to see if any overlapping promotions are still running in the cities.
4. Phase 2 Winter Schedule Expansion: October 25, 2026 Onwards
On October 25, 2026, the Japanese aviation industry transitions to its official Winter Schedule. Concurrently, the ANA x Chiikawa Jet will significantly expand its footprint.
Starting October 25, 2026, ANA has confirmed that the route network for the Chiikawa Jet will expand to include four major regional destinations, all flying out of Tokyo Haneda (HND):
- Hakodate (HKD): Located in southern Hokkaido, famous for its star-shaped Goryokaku fort, incredible morning seafood markets, and one of Japan’s top three night views from Mount Hakodate.
- Kumamoto (KMJ): Located in central Kyushu, home to the magnificent Kumamoto Castle and the gateway to the Mount Aso caldera.
- Hiroshima (HIJ): Essential for first-time inbound tourists wanting to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the floating torii gate of Miyajima.
- Ishigaki (ISG): A stunning tropical island in the Yaeyama archipelago of Okinawa, famous for manta ray diving and crystal-clear waters.
This expansion is phenomenal news for inbound tourists. Instead of the aircraft being restricted to the major business trunks (Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa main island), you can now incorporate the Chiikawa Jet into more specialized, culturally rich itineraries like Hiroshima and Kumamoto.
While planning your regional trips, make sure you know how you're going to pay for things when you land. Regional Japan is still quite cash-heavy compared to Tokyo. Read our comprehensive guide on Cash vs Card in Japan 2026: How Much Cash Do You Need?.
5. CRITICAL INFO: The Merchandise and Campaign Details (As of October 2026)
When an airline collaborates with a massive IP like Chiikawa, tourists immediately want to know: What can I buy, and how much does it cost?
Here is the most critical fact you must know as of October 2026: The actual, for-sale collaboration merchandise line has been officially announced by ANA as "details to follow later" (後日発表).
There are currently no confirmed prices, no confirmed product names, and no confirmed physical shop locations for general retail merchandise for this collaboration. Do not fall for third-party resellers or online rumors claiming to have pre-orders for in-flight Chiikawa x ANA plushies or keychains. Until ANA updates their official primary press release, general sales are completely up in the air.
If you want a sense of how difficult securing Chiikawa merchandise can be in Japan, and to prepare your strategy for when ANA finally drops the details, read our Chiikawa Movie Merch Guide 2026: How to Buy Limited Edition Items in Japan.
What IS Confirmed: The Non-Sale Lotteries
While direct retail purchases are still pending, ANA has officially confirmed two exclusive, non-sale giveaway campaigns designed to celebrate the launch. These are lottery-based systems.
1. The ANA App Registration Lottery (500 Acrylic Stands) ANA is giving away 500 exclusive collaboration acrylic stands. To enter, users must register via the official ANA mobile application.
- Tourist Accessibility: Difficult but possible. You will need to download the ANA app, create an ANA Mileage Club (AMC) account, and navigate the campaign entry page. Shipping is often restricted to Japanese domestic addresses for these physical prizes. If you are a tourist, you will likely need to use a proxy shipping service or input a friend's Japanese address.
2. The Domestic Flyer Campaign (100 Passport Cases) ANA is giving away 100 highly limited, special-design passport cases. To be eligible, you must actually fly on an ANA domestic route during the designated campaign period and enter your reservation details into the lottery portal.
- Tourist Accessibility: High eligibility, low probability. As a tourist, taking a domestic flight makes you perfectly eligible. However, with only 100 passport cases available nationwide across millions of domestic passengers, the odds of winning are incredibly slim. If you do fly, definitely enter your ticket number on the official ANA campaign site—you might just get incredibly lucky!
If you are a hardcore collector looking to protect any acrylic stands you do happen to win, you can easily find affordable carrying cases in Japan. We highly recommend checking out our Daiso & Seria Oshikatsu Supplies Guide 2026 | 100 Yen Shop Acrylic Stand Cases, Uchiwa Kits & Deco Stickers.
6. The Ultimate Plane Spotting Guide: Where to Photograph the Chiikawa Jet
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Since guaranteed merchandise sales are still unconfirmed, the absolute best, most guaranteed way to experience the ANA x Chiikawa Jet is to photograph it! Plane spotting is a massive hobby in Japan, and Japanese airports feature some of the best, most photographer-friendly observation decks in the entire world.
Below is an exhaustive list of the best specific physical locations to photograph the JA609A aircraft across the confirmed October 19–October 25+ route network. We have included specific access instructions tailored for inbound tourists and Google Maps embeds to help you navigate.
1. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Terminal 2 Observation Deck
Since Haneda is ANA’s primary domestic hub and the origin for the inaugural flight, Terminal 2 is the epicenter of the Chiikawa Jet operations. The Terminal 2 Observation Deck is vast, features wire fencing with strategically placed cutouts for camera lenses, and offers sweeping views of Tokyo Bay and the C-Runway.
- Location: Haneda Airport Terminal 2, 5th Floor.
- Opening Hours: Usually 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM (subject to weather).
- Access for Tourists: From central Tokyo, take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Hamamatsucho Station. Transfer to the Tokyo Monorail and ride it directly to Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station. Alternatively, take the Keikyu Line from Shinagawa Station to Haneda Airport Terminal 1·2 Station. The deck is easily accessible via the central escalators to the 5th floor.
- Photography Tip: Because the deck faces east, morning light (when the Oct 19 08:15 inaugural ANA661 flight departs) is absolutely stunning here, illuminating the side of the aircraft perfectly.
2. Haneda Innovation City (Foot Bath Sky Deck)
If you want a more relaxed spotting experience away from the terminal crowds, Haneda Innovation City is a brilliant alternative. Located one stop away from Terminal 3, this complex features a free rooftop foot bath (ashiyu) where you can soak your feet while watching planes take off and land on the B-Runway.
- Location: Haneda Innovation City, Roof Level.
- Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
- Access for Tourists: Take the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line to Tenkubashi Station. The complex is directly connected to the station exits. It is about a 20-minute ride from central Tokyo (Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho).
- Photography Tip: If the Chiikawa Jet takes off to the south or west (like towards Nagasaki, Fukuoka, or Okinawa), it will often use the B or D runways, making this a prime, comfortable spotting location.
3. Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) - Itami Sky Park
Confirmed for the October 19-24 Phase 1 schedule, Osaka's Itami Airport is widely considered by aviation photographers to be the best airport for plane spotting in Japan. Unlike Kansai International (KIX), which is out in the ocean, Itami is nestled in the city. The adjacent Itami Sky Park runs parallel to the single runway, offering unprecedented, incredibly close views of aircraft taking off and landing.
- Location: Itami Sky Park, Hyogo Prefecture.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (April to October).
- Access for Tourists: From central Osaka (Umeda), take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Sone Station. From Sone Station, it is about a 20-minute walk or a short 5-minute taxi ride to the park. Alternatively, local buses run from Itami Airport terminal directly to the park.
- Photography Tip: The aircraft are so close here that you don't even need a massive telephoto lens. A standard 70-200mm lens will get you phenomenal shots of the Chiikawa livery as it rotates off the runway.
4. Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport (NGO) - Sky Deck
Also featured in the Phase 1 rotation (Oct 19-24), Nagoya's Centrair features one of the most uniquely designed observation decks in the world. The Sky Deck extends out towards the runway like a pier, putting you incredibly close to the taxiways. It is completely unobstructed by heavy fencing, utilizing only low wire barriers.
- Location: Centrair Terminal 1, 4th Floor.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Access for Tourists: From Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Airport Line (the semi-express "μ-SKY" is the fastest, taking just 28 minutes). Disembark at Central Japan International Airport Station. The deck is a 5-minute walk from the station gates, located atop Terminal 1.
- Photography Tip: Because the deck juts out, you can get unique head-on shots of the Boeing 767 as it turns onto the taxiway.
5. Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Observation Deck
For those looking to capture history, Nagasaki Airport is the destination for the inaugural flights (ANA661 and ANA664) on October 19. The airport is built on an island in Omura Bay, meaning the backdrop for your photos will be stunning blue water and distant green mountains.
- Location: Nagasaki Airport, 3rd Floor.
- Opening Hours: 6:15 AM to 9:30 PM.
- Access for Tourists: Nagasaki Airport is a bit removed from central Nagasaki City. The most practical way for a tourist to arrive is via the Airport Limousine Bus from Nagasaki Station (approx. 45 minutes). If you are coming from Fukuoka, there are highway buses that connect the regions.
- Photography Tip: Since ANA661 arrives at 10:10 AM and departs at 11:00 AM, the mid-morning sun over the bay will provide bright, even lighting on the aircraft. Be prepared for massive crowds of local media and fans on this specific morning!
6. Fukuoka Airport (FUK) - Observation Deck
Fukuoka is a core destination during the Oct 19-24 window. Fukuoka Airport is famous for being situated directly in the middle of a bustling urban center. The newly renovated observation deck provides an excellent, wide-open view of the single, extremely busy runway.
- Location: Fukuoka Airport Domestic Terminal, 4th Floor.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Access for Tourists: Fukuoka Airport has arguably the best access of any major airport in Japan. Take the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line from Hakata Station (the main Shinkansen hub). It is only a shockingly fast 5-minute ride to Fukuoka Airport Station. The deck is easily accessible from the domestic terminal lobby.
- Photography Tip: Because the airport is in the city, you can capture the Chiikawa Jet against a backdrop of dense urban high-rises, offering a very unique "cityscape" aviation photo.
7. Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) - Observation Deck
Operating in the Phase 1 schedule, Sapporo's New Chitose Airport offers a distinct northern backdrop. In late October, the air is crisp, and while there likely won't be heavy snow yet, the surrounding nature offers a distinct seasonal feel.
- Location: New Chitose Airport Domestic Terminal, 4th Floor.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Subject to closure in winter/heavy snow).
- Access for Tourists: Take the JR Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station. The journey takes about 37 minutes and drops you off right at New Chitose Airport Station beneath the terminal.
- Photography Tip: New Chitose is a massive facility. Keep an eye on the ANA domestic gates on the southern side of the semi-circular terminal.
8. Hakodate Airport (HKD) - Observation Deck
Beginning October 25, the Chiikawa Jet will start servicing Hakodate. Hakodate Airport is much smaller and quieter than New Chitose, offering a more intimate plane-spotting experience.
- Location: Hakodate Airport Domestic Terminal, 3rd Floor.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Access for Tourists: The easiest way to reach the airport from central Hakodate is via the Hakodate Teisan Bus from Hakodate Station (approx. 20 minutes) or from the Yunokawa Onsen area (approx. 10 minutes).
- Photography Tip: The backdrop of the Tsugaru Strait and surrounding hills makes for stunning regional aviation photography.
7. How to Book ANA Domestic Flights as a Tourist
If photographing the plane from the deck isn't enough and you want to actually be on the Chiikawa Jet, you need to understand how to navigate ANA's domestic booking system as an international tourist.
Step 1: Use the ANA Discover Japan Fare
ANA offers special, heavily discounted domestic fares exclusively for foreign tourists visiting Japan. The "ANA Discover Japan Fare" can save you hundreds of dollars compared to booking a standard domestic walk-up ticket.
- To qualify, you must reside outside of Japan and possess an international return ticket (on any airline).
- You must book this fare on ANA’s international website (not the Japanese domestic site).
- These fares are subject to availability, so book your Haneda-Nagasaki or Haneda-Sapporo flights as early as possible.
Step 2: Track the Boeing 767-300 (JA609A)
When you are looking at the booking screen for the dates between Oct 19 and Oct 25, you will see the aircraft type listed for each flight.
- Look for "76P" or "763" (Boeing 767-300).
- If the flight operates on an A320, Boeing 787, or Boeing 777, it is 100% not the Chiikawa Jet.
- Even if it says Boeing 767, remember that ANA has many 767s in its fleet. Check the ANA special livery scheduling website exactly one day before departure. They will post a PDF schedule detailing exactly which flight numbers JA609A will fly the next day.
Step 3: Embrace Flexibility
Because the schedule outside of the October 19 inaugural flight is dynamic, you might book a 767 flight from Haneda to Kumamoto on October 26, only to find out the day prior that ANA swapped the Chiikawa Jet to fly the Hiroshima route instead. This is the nature of aviation.
If you are a hardcore fan, the best strategy is to fly a lot. Consider reading about other ways to immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture during your trip, like visiting the Anime Pilgrimage in Japan: A Beginner's Guide, to round out a deeply character-focused itinerary.
8. Navigating the Airport Retail Space (Preparing for Merchandise Drops)
As repeatedly stated, while specific merchandise pricing and availability are labeled strictly as “details to follow later,” experienced character goods hunters in Japan know that airport merchandise is usually handled through official airline retail chains.
When ANA finally announces the retail details for the Chiikawa goods, it is highly likely they will be sold at ANA FESTA gift shops. These shops are ubiquitous in every airport ANA services.
- Haneda Terminal 2 ANA FESTA: There are multiple ANA FESTA locations in Haneda T2. Some are located before security in the main departure hall (accessible to the general public), and some are located after security near the boarding gates (accessible only to ticketed passengers).
- Tourist Strategy: If you want to buy merchandise when it is eventually announced, but do not have a flight ticket, you will need to rely on the landside (pre-security) ANA FESTA shops. Be prepared for massive lines. Character goods in Japan routinely sell out within hours of launch.
If you are hunting for souvenirs before your flight back home, airports are also great places to buy famous snacks. For example, if you miss out on Chiikawa goods, you can still read up on Chiikawa x Tokyo Banana Ikebukuro: Where to Buy the Most Wanted Character Souvenir to find other character treats in the city before you head to Haneda.
9. Conclusion: Preparing for the Hype
The ANA x Chiikawa Jet is poised to be an incredible, joy-filled addition to the Japanese skies starting October 19, 2026. From the inaugural flight to Nagasaki (ANA661/664), through the Phase 1 blitz across Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa, to the expansive Winter Schedule covering Hakodate, Kumamoto, Hiroshima, and Ishigaki, there are ample opportunities for inbound tourists to cross paths with this special Boeing 767-300 (JA609A).
Remember to monitor official ANA press releases closely for the eventual un-veiling of the retail merchandise line, as those details are still tightly under wraps. Enter the app lotteries if you can navigate them, and make sure you register your domestic flights for a chance at that incredibly rare passport case.
For now, pack your camera, load up your Suica card, and head to the observation decks. Experiencing a Japanese airport deck surrounded by enthusiastic local fans waiting to catch a glimpse of Chiikawa taking flight is a cultural experience in itself—and a perfectly unique memory for your 2026 trip to Japan.
If you have extra time in Tokyo after your plane spotting adventures and want to explore more shopping, check out our Don Quijote Shopping Guide | Late Night Tax-Free Discounts to finish off your souvenir list!
FAQ
Q: When does the ANA x Chiikawa Jet launch?
The collaboration officially launches on October 19, 2026, with inaugural flights ANA661 and ANA664 between Tokyo Haneda and Nagasaki.
Q: What is the registration number of the ANA x Chiikawa Jet?
The official ANA x Chiikawa Jet is a Boeing 767-300 with the registration number JA609A. You can use this number on flight tracking apps to find its real-time location.
Q: Where does the Chiikawa Jet fly during its first week?
Between October 19 and October 24, 2026, the jet will fly out of Tokyo Haneda, Osaka Itami, and Nagoya Centrair to destinations including Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.
Q: Are there official ANA x Chiikawa merchandise items available for purchase?
As of October 2026, ANA has stated that details for retail merchandise will follow later. There are currently no confirmed prices or physical shop locations for general sales.
Q: How can I get the exclusive ANA x Chiikawa passport case?
ANA is giving away 100 limited-edition passport cases via a lottery. You must fly on an ANA domestic route during the designated campaign period and enter your ticket reservation details on the official campaign portal.
Q: Where is the best place to photograph the Chiikawa Jet at Tokyo Haneda Airport?
The Terminal 2 Observation Deck on the 5th floor is the best location. It offers sweeping views of the C-Runway and excellent morning lighting for the inaugural outbound flight.