Picture this: Japan Airlines, akin to a maestro orchestrating a symphony in the sky, elevates the entire best first class experience to new heights on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The airline partners with local Michelin-starred chefs, effortlessly surpassing the standards set by their competitors.
I embark on a 5-week journey to savor five unparalleled first-class experiences. They showcase the pinnacle of luxury travel with the finest first class choices.
This week, let’s delve into the enchanting world of Japan Airlines First Class. I unravel the exquisite tapestry of their 3-Star Michelin culinary experience at 40,000 feet from Haneda to New York.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge – Understated Elegance
The impression conveyed by Japan Airlines transcends the contemporary trend of coolness. Instead, it exudes a sense of understated elegance honed over time, enriched by both wealth and the passage of time.
After several renovations, Japan Airlines first class lounge at Haneda Airport overwhelmingly shined in every aspect. Every detail exuded an aura of unparalleled care and attention from its decor exemplified by the floral arrangements, to the diversity of its facilities in the different areas to chill and work. Not to mention the meticulous selection of food and beverages. It truly enveloped each first-class passenger in an embrace of refined luxury.
As I stepped into the First Class lounge, a voice in my head whispered, “Reserve space for the inflight delicacies and premium libations.”
In the presence of the twin virtuosos at the Champagne station, how could I resist a sip of Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs, the ever-improving English Southeast sparkling wine? And when the master sushi chef at “Sushi Tsurutei” was creating delicate hand-pressed sushi, I barely settled for merely two pieces. My appetite still yearned for more. A bowl of the renowned “Afuri” Yuzu Pepper Ramen before freshening up served as the perfect prelude to my journey ahead.
Having satisfied my appetite, I found pleasure in strolling through the “Red Suite” in the First Class lounge. No one would doubt that it was the finest section of the lounge. The design concept behind the Red Suite was an “intimate playground crafted for discerning adults”.
The exclusive offerings of “Hiryu Junmai Daiginjo” (飛龍 ひりゅう 純米大吟醸) and Joseph Perrier’s “Cuvée Royale Brut” are exceptional. What brought the utmost delight was the display of the ambitious yet unrealized Boeing 2707 model. It was showcased alongside the extensive collection of preserved vintage route maps and instruments.
Japan Airlines First Class Dining Menu – Extraordinary Collaboration
If you are about to embark on a journey with Japan Airlines First Class, you can find the complete menu and wine list on its official website. Trust me, make sure you hop on a flight departing from Tokyo.
Dual Michelin 3-Star Culinary Brilliance
Japan Airlines graciously brought me the classic menus of two Michelin three-starred restaurants to the skies. The Japanese cuisine was meticulously prepared by “Tora Shiro” and “Ishikawa.” The Western fare was crafted by the world’s first Japanese chef to receive three Michelin stars in French cuisine — Chef Shinzo Kishida of “Quintessence.” Let me tell you, getting a table there is like trying to catch a unicorn!
Unforgettable Wine Perfection
The wine list naturally shined with brilliance. Leading the way was the illustrious Champagne Salon 2013, produced in limited quantities with several years between vintages. The SONO Pinot Noir 2018 from Chateau Igai Takaha vineyard was undoubtedly a must-try.
I was on a Japan-based carrier, where I appreciated the intricacy and diversity of sake crafted by Japanese brewers. From the renowned “Juyondai Junmai Daiginjo” to the “MORISHIMA 25+ Silver”, each was a pinnacle of choice. Not to mention, for aficionados of Japanese barbecue, the perfect pairing was the “Mori Izo” Shochu, a favorite of mine. Japan Airlines even offered a special version for first-class passengers!
For those who weren’t into alcohol, fear not. Japan Airlines prepared the “Queen of Blue,” made with Taiwan’s Oriental Beauty tea leaves. Its rich honey and fruity aroma made it an excellent complement to any dish. Personally, I loved sipping on it solo as it allowed me to fully appreciate the intricate layers of fragrance found in Taiwanese tea leaves.
First Class Dining and Wine Experience – A Cocoon Of Lavish Hospitality
After takeoff, I started with a glass of Salon Champagne paired with exquisite hors d’oeuvres. The combination of Salon Champagne and cured ham was simply divine, with its delicate bubbles perfectly complementing the richness of the ham.
Then came the big decision — Japanese or Western cuisine?
East Meets West Elegance
While my mind settled on Japanese cuisine, the cabin manager surprised me with a visit. She wanted to check if I’d be willing to switch to Western fare. They kindly offered me to prepare the main course and dessert from the Japanese menu too. Having someone make the call for me was truly a blessing. Now I got to experience both Japanese and Western dishes, creating a special fullest dining experience.
Though lacking the aesthetic appeal of Japanese appetizers, I didn’t regret at all!
The Goat Milk Bavarois from Quintessence was simply, unequivocally, irresistibly delicious. I would gladly welcome multiple servings without hesitation.
The crew, gracious as ever, promptly served both Western main courses: the “Paper-Wrapped Fish” and the “Hereford Beef Steak.” While my photographic skills didn’t do justice, compared to the Japanese main course that came later, I dared say Chef Shinzo Kishida’s creations hold a slight edge in terms of flavor.
The Wagyu from Ishikawa was undeniably top-notch. However, it just couldn’t beat the thick-cut “Tatsuriki” Wagyu beef I had on Japan Airlines’ first class a few years back. It wasn’t that Tora Shiro and Ishikawa’s offerings lack in flavor. But rather, the bar set by past achievements was exceptionally high, making it a formidable task to forge new culinary horizons.
Having been through a decade of exploring all culinary possibilities, my struggle was real. I’m pretty much stuffed after indulging in dessert and the “Queen of Blue”. I reminisced about the past where there were miniature wine tastings in the air and an array of delightful snacks flowing endlessly during meals, truly a testament to the relentlessness of time.
If I had to choose with a deeper appreciation, my favorites undoubtedly would go to a sip of “Mori Izo” Shochu and yakitori before off to my dreamland.
How To Book Japan Airlines Award Tickets
There have been some changes in award availability trends lately, which means keeping a closer eye on things if you want to secure a seat.
Currently, Japan Airlines does not release “last-minute” first-class seats for all routes. The award seat calendar for the Tokyo to New York route displays a notable absence of “last-minute” seats in February 2024.
Throughout the entire year, there is only one seat available for the furthest foreseeable date in February 2025. Having said that, some routes still release a variable number of first-class seats for mileage redemption approximately one week before departure. I suggest keeping track of availability through Japan Airlines’ official website’s reward seat calendar. Persistence pays off!
If you are eager to experience the best of Japan with Japan Airlines, you can redeem their first, business, premium economy, and economy classes through the Alaska Airlines “Mileage Plan” Program, British Airlines Avios Program, American Airlines AAdvantage Program. The following credit cards help you to accumulate their miles in order to get closer to your indulgence with one of the best airlines in the world.
Alaska Airlines® Credit Card (Please Click)
Alaska Airlines® Business Credit Card (Please Click)
Chase British Airways Visa Signature® Card (Please Click)
Citi / AAdvantage Executive WorldElite MasterCard (Please Click)
Citi Business® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard® (Please Click)
Citi® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite MasterCard®
(Please Click)
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® (Please Click)
Summary
Japan stands as the undisputed king of world cuisine. Their airline is like the superhero of taste buds, teaming up with Michelin-starred chefs and top-notch technology to make sure every bite in the sky is epic. It’s like they have got this awesome recipe for success where every ingredient counts!
