Japan TR (include JL & CX F review)

[boomy]

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.
The flights on our two weeks trip:
SYD-NRT JL F on B777
13 nights in Japan.
HND-HKG CX F on B777
2 nights in Hong Kong.
HKG-HND CX F on B747
One night in Tokyo.
NRT-SYD JL F on B777
The reason we are going to Hong Kong for a couple of days and then back to Tokyo:
A. It's a good opportunity to try CX F on both B747 & B777.
B. It didn't cost anything extra to book those flights, so why not?

 

[boomy]

On this trip we will stay mostly in Hilton & Starwood chains to take advantage of the diamond/platinum status.
Hotels list by order of travel:
Tokyo: Conrad and Hilton
Hiroshima: Sheraton
Osaka: Hilton
Kyoto: Westin
Nara: Super hotel Lohas
Nagoya: Hilton
Takayama: Ryokan Tanabe (traditional Japanese accommodation)
Hong Kong: W hotel

 

[boomy]

We will travel by rail inside Japan on "standard" bullet trains (using pre-purchased JR Rail Pass) and will also get to try the Nozomi, which is the fastest train service currently operating in the country but is not included in the Rail Pass.

 

[TomVexille]

Have a great trip. Looking forward to reading about it.

 

[LadyC]

Love Japan - waiting for the next installment

 

[smit0847]

Subscribed

 

[yohy?!]

i think this thread is going to inspire me to book my next JP odyssey

 

[Kangol]

Can't wait! How was it booked? Revenue ticket? Or just a "normal" points redemption?

 

[boomy]

Can't wait! How was it booked? Revenue ticket? Or just a "normal" points redemption?

Revenue F?! I don't think so
It was a very very special USDM redemption

 

[boomy]

Ok, let's start...
Day 1
QF F lounge then SYD-NRT JL772 F
The JL flight from SYD departs at 9.15am. We booked the airport Rydges hotel so we could get up early and properly enjoy the QF F lounge before departure.
Alarm clock rang at 6am and after a quick shower we headed to JL check-in counters.

Not the most impressive sign to welcome F pax but at least there was no queue at all (I guess not many pax are crazy like us to check in almost 3 hours before departure). We were given express pass and QF F lounge passes (feels a bit weird to use them as P1). At that time in the morning the airport was not busy at all and we breezed through immigration walking directly to the lounge.
The F lounge was relatively empty when we got in and we had no problem finding good seats in the restaurant. It became more busy shortly after but wasn't overcrowded at any point.
Unfortunately due to our early departure it meant no massage for us today (the spa only opens at 8.30am). Hopefully we will get one at the JL F lounge on the way back.
At first we both agreed to avoid the champagne (the plan was to give the Salon a good workout onboard) but eventually we couldn't resist drinking one glass of VC each with breakfast.
Some photos of the F lounge - I never get tired of this unique design.


The private rooms

 

[boomy]

On the way to the gate we passed by the Penfolds stand. Tastings didn't start yet, too early for that I guess

 

[aaronjames000]

Sounds awesome!

 

[boomy]

Boarding was delayed by 15 minutes. We arrived to the gate a bit early and I struggled to spot another western in the waiting area. Seems like everyone there were Japanese (maybe the Aussie prefer flying QF). Even when boarding was about to start NO ONE was standing in the queue. When first and business boarding was announced ONLY the eligible pax got up and queued up at the priority line. The economy line remained empty at that stage. First time I've seen pax behaving in such a remarkable order.
We reserved the first 2 seats in the middle (1-2-1 cabin layout) and pre-booked two Japanese meals, as advised in other forums.
The F cabin was small, only two rows and looked a bit dated. Never flew JL F before so I have no idea if they also offer a more modern cabins. Anyway, the seat was extremely comfortable with plenty of space and privacy.
Our seats

Here it is, the champagne I was looking forward to try - Salon 2002.

JAL takes a lot of pride being the only airline who serve this expensive brand.
The control system is one of the best I've used, can even order food with it!

I was pretty impressed with the movie selection, some very new blockbusters were on offer today.
Bose NC headphones

Wi-Fi is complementary and unlimited for F pax (three hours after takeoff).

I'm using it right now and looks like it works pretty well

 

[drron]

Yes there are better JL F cabins.

 

[Daver6]

Two points:

1) I love how well behaved and orderly the Japanese are. What you described about boarding is exactly the order at a busy train station.
2) 2002 Salon. Wow! Retails for at least $800 in Australia. Totally jealous!

 

[boomy]

Soon after takeoff we received pyjamas, or as JAL FAs call it, "comfort clothes".

A word of warning, some bathroom photos are about to be uploaded next...
I love the stool JAL installed in the bathroom so pax can avoid sitting directly on the toilet while changing their clothes.

You know you're on Japanese territory when you see this in the toilet

Surprised by total lack of amenities except tooth brush, mouth wash and an origami bird.

We did receive an amenity kit by LOEWE.

I've never heard about this brand but the missus says it's a good one so I'll take her word for that.

 

[boomy]

Drinks menu:
Champagne

White wine

Red wine

Sake and shochu

 

[boomy]

Food menu:
Japanese

Western

A La Carte

 

[ExcuseMyFrench]

Two points:

1) I love how well behaved and orderly the Japanese are. What you described about boarding is exactly the order at a busy train station.
2) 2002 Salon. Wow! Retails for at least $800 in Australia. Totally jealous!

They are usually well behaved however I was surprised (and annoyed) to realize that none respect priority seats in the train for pregnant women or elderly.

I assume you have booked all your hotel but if you haven't, the Capitol is amazing. Beautiful mix of japanese and western culture.
Also I'll pm you with a sushi address, great price and Jiro's quality.

 

[boomy]

Before the meal we were offered some snacks, among them an interesting packet of dried prawns.