Japan’s largest airline ANA is welcoming tours of its largest training facility, Blue Base in Tokyo

Beginning in 2021, ANA has welcomed fans with Japanese tours of its largest training facility, Blue Base in Tokyo. In May 2024, the tour was expanded to offer the new ANA Blue Base English Tour, where ANA employees guide participants throughout the facility in English.

In this installment, Yusuke Nakamura, an ANA Blue Base (ABB) tour guide and pilot trainee, shares his favorite experiences guiding participants and introduces some of ABB’s most popular souvenirs.

Life as an ANA Blue Base Tour Guide

ANA Blue Base Tour Guide, Yusuke Nakamura

As a pilot trainee, Nakamura conducted his basic flight training in the U.S. He joined the ABB Tour team out of a desire to share his passion for aviation and introduce more people to ANA.

One of the most common questions participants ask Nakamura is, “Why do pilot trainees perform ground jobs before starting co-pilot training?”

“It’s so that we can truly understand the airline industry and gain insights into the scale of operations and the people involved,” he explained.

For Nakamura, the enthusiasm and curiosity of the participants motivate him to continually enhance the tour experience.

Exclusive Souvenirs from ANA Blue Base Tour

At the end of the tour, participants have the opportunity to purchase exclusive souvenirs available only at ANA Blue Base.

“In my experience, participants are not only excited for the tour, but also the unique souvenirs that can be found as they leave. The exclusivity of these souvenirs are what makes them so popular,” says Nakamura.

Nakamura shared some of his top picks and most popular souvenirs that can be found at ABB.

1. ANA Original Finger Point Gloves
The ANA Original Finger Point Gloves are used by ANA Group’s ground handling staff and cargo staff. The word “confirmed” is printed on the index finger, used by staff as a gesture for pointing and confirming tasks.

“Each pair is 550 yen, making these the most popular gift for overseas participants,” says Nakamura.

2. Flight Tags
Available in six different variations including “pilot”, “cabin attendant” and “maintenance staff”, each flight tag features a distinctive pictogram and color representing different ANA staff. At 1,320 yen, these tags make for a special and charming accessory on a bag.

“We hope that these flight tags can inspire people to find careers in the airline industry,” says Nakamura.

3. Toolbox
Used by ANA’s maintenance staff, each toolbox is customized with an embossed ANA logo. These original toolboxes are 4,378 yen, and can exclusively be purchased by participants of the ABB Tour and ANA Blue Hangar Tour.

Looking Ahead

Nakamura is eager to begin his co-pilot training. Until then, he hopes to continue conducting ANA Blue Base Tours to further bolster ANA’s reputation as a top global airline.

Gift Shop at ANA Blue Base

“During my time in the U.S., I felt like many people were unaware of ANA. I want more overseas people to recognize ANA the way we do here in Japan,” says Nakamura.

On your next trip to Japan, learn more about ANA’s training facility on the ANA Blue Base English Tour and don’t miss your chance to purchase exclusive ANA souvenirs found only at ABB!

Reservations for the English tour are now available from VELTRA. Read more about ANA Blue Base Tour and ANA Blue Hangar Tour in our past installment of ANA Stories.