MEL-SYD-HND
Although direct flights were available, business was available on the overnight flight from Sydney - Haneda, so this was the way to go. A leisurely departure time of 4.15pm meant I could meet Mum and Dad for a pub lunch before they headed to the football for Western Bulldogs v Fremantle. We tried the Mail Exchange Hotel just opposite the skybus entrance and I was very surprised at how good the meal was. It will become a go to for pre-game meals in 2026. I could barely climb over my fish and chips, which was just as well as the lounge fare was miserable.
It's been a good number of years since I had been in a Qantas lounge and I shan't be in a hurry to repeat the experience. Melbourne was the usual array of toasted sandwich options and little else. At one point a staff member came out pushing two salad bowls on a trolley and people eagerly lined up behind her to get the fresh fare. I was left sitting there perhaps unfairly thinking that this might have been what it was like in the Soviet Union where people would join a line if they saw one in case it was something good (spoiler, it wasn't).
Easy flight up to Sydney as usual, transit on the bus to international and joined the heaving throng trying to get through security. Up to the international lounge where the fare was not much better than Melbourne domestic. One curry option, salads and you guessed it, toasted sandwiches!
Onto QF25 and this was finally the business experience I had imagined. Lovely staff who kindly explained how to set up the bed, a steak dinner with a lovely potato gratin and then miraculously for me, six hours of sleep! This is about five more than I usually get on an overnight flight. It turns out that using Qantas points for business class on an overnight flight was well worth it.
Managed to catch the cap of Mt Fuji out the window, before a smooth landing and then what felt like a walk past at least 80 JAL and ANA jets as I made my way to immigration. Long lines as Air France and American Airlines had beaten us in, but it all moved quickly and I had a first sticker in my new passport. I wonder how many more I will get over the coming ten years.
Through immigration (I particularly loved the quirky stickers people had stuck all over the landing form desks), grabbed cash (which is always a relief when your card works that first time you try it overseas) and then off to the hotel Onsen for a few hours.
Friends had convinced me that it would be worth the 4800 Yen and they were spot on. Outdoor hot pools, soda baths, cold plunges, saunas and a herbal steam room (which was my favourite). It was a great way to recharge after a long flight. Dressed and fresh, I wandered up to the observation deck to wait for my friend who was picking up the hire car.
Haneda is an amazing airport and the sheer volume of plane movements were mind blowing. It was great to see a Lufthansa 747-8, and a mind trip seeing a little Korean Air jet, given I am used to seeing the heavies on the long flight between Australia and Korea.
My friend arrived, we grabbed a quick sandwich from 7/11 and we were on our way. Airport parking only 300 Yen! Next stop Izu Peninsula. Or at least that was the plan.
