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Thanks to a “very very special USDM redemption”, our member boomy is travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks with a quick side-trip to Hong Kong… and what better way to get to Tokyo than on board the Japan’s national carrier in first class?
On our next holiday we are heading to the Land of The Rising Sun for a couple of weeks.
As a big admirer of everything Japanese I can’t think of a better way to fly there then on their flagship carrier in first class.
After enjoying some time in the Qantas First lounge, it’s time to board the Japan Airlines Boeing 777 from Sydney to Tokyo. Although the first class cabin on this particular aircraft is a bit small and dated, the seats are very comfortable and the service is top-notch, as one would expect.
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly in first class? This trip report will almost make you feel like you’re there, with detailed descriptions and photos of everything from the seat, to the menus, to the technologically-advanced Japanese toilets on board.
As well as offering a delicious degustation menu, Japan Airlines takes pride in serving Salon champagne. This brand sells for over $800 in Australia and is of top-notch quality. But for first class, it’s just part of the offering! JAL’s on-board wifi also gets a work-out. We know it works well as Boomy was using it to start posting his trip report during the flight! On the whole, the service lives up to some high expectations!
The service during the flight was attentive and super polite. One thing I appreciate is attention to details. Just a small example, when I changed to PJ the FA took my clothes to hang them up and after I changed back she took my PJ, folded it nicely, put it in the cover and handed it back to me later. These kind of small gestures complete a first class experience and Asian airlines seem to do it best.
After experiencing yet more luxury at the Tokyo Conrad on arrival, the adventures around Tokyo begin the next day. There is a lot to see and do. Among visits to various temples, parks and markets, the local food is a big hit.
Dinner was booked at Ginza Kyubey. At first I was a bit worried that we are not going to understand most of the dishes we are going to have because of the language barrier but fortunately the chef new basic English and was very communicative. There was another foreign couple (from Mexico) sitting next to us and the chef end up talking more to the four of us then with the locals! We also got to meet the owner who gave some background about the business and was proud to name all kinds of celebrities who are regulars.
We chose set menus that included appetisers, sashimi and sushi. We ate all kinds of interesting fish and seafood we never tried before and I had 2 bottles of a very good 55% alcohol sake so it was an excellent night
What other adventures will Boomy get up to in Tokyo, and later on in Osaka and Hong Kong? And how will Cathay Pacific’s first class compare to Japan Airlines? Click HERE to follow this first-rate trip report!
