aw

Hi there,

Hope you all had a great holiday season and best wishes for 2012.

My trip to Tokyo was a result of opportunistic timing and as a Christmas present I decided to take advantage of the half miles promotion that AA offered in conjunction with JL from SFO-HND. Although I visited Japan for the first time six months ago on a quick trip to Kyoto and Osaka, I was curious about Tokyo after having read and heard so much about it. I had the last week of December off so I said "why not". I redeemed 50,000 miles for a business class ticket and paid $71 total ($46 for taxes and $25 for ticketing over the phone). Deals can't get any better than this, especially on a quality carrier like JL. Ever since my first trip on JL long time ago (MEX-YVR) and a subsequent trip years later (BKK-KIX), I was hooked to JL's quality inflight service. I must add that these two trips were in Y and I was impressed by the attentive and professional service that I received. Since I am also an airline enthusiast I have watched the evolution of JL's logo with great interest and am glad that it has reversed to the classic red crane. Why on earth did JL mess with such a recognizable and well respected trademark? It was like watching someone go through an identity crisis, a malaise that also afflicted DL for a time.

Ok, let's move on to the "raison d'etre" for this report and talk about my experiences starting with the lounges. As an AA PLT I get access to all Oneworld lounges on an intl tkt and will take full advantage of this benefit. After all I worked hard to get to this level so I will now reap the fruits of my labor (truth be told, I was EXP in 2010 but on my own dime so I soft landed into PLT this year - thanks AA.)


CX First and Business Lounge

I arrived at SFO at around 10:40A and my first target was the newly opened CX First and Business lounge. The JL flight did not leave until around 1800 so there was plenty of time for indulging into a little "club hopping" until departure time.

I printed my boarding pass online and went straight to security. I flew out on Dec. 24 and I was not the only one planning to travel on that day. The lines to the A concourse were long and even the "express" line was slow. Families traveling with children and a slight malfunction of the detector contributed to the "joy" of standing in line for longer than usual. Since I had all the time in the world I could care less. I noticed the frustration on some fellow traveler's faces which became somewhat comical at times.

After what seemed like a century going through security, I ventured into the duty free shop to purchase something and browse the collection of ties from some respectable brands. My favorites are always the ones whose brand starts with an H.

The hallway leading to the CX lounge had an assortment of interesting vintage pictures of the airline. The nice signage and reception desk gave a promising look of things to come. On the left side of the room there were a couple of workstations with internet connection and the different sections of the club were well lit and stylishly appointed. The counter had a nice variety of breakfast items in addition to the noodle counter where one can order shrimp and pork wonton noodle soup or spicy peanut noodles. I had an enjoyable stay at this lounge and I never felt pressured to leave, even when all the guests departed for the HKG flight.








Reception desk






Counter














Do you think I was going to leave without trying the noodles?




Seating areas












Restooms




to be continued with BA Terraces and First Lounge....

glu800

Cool report so far! I was wondering how the new CX lounge at SFO looked.

vecta

Agreed, looking forward to the rest.

aw

British Airways Terraces and First Lounge


Located between gates A4 and A6, the BA lounge is a well appointed, cozy, and colorful place to relax before the flight. When I arrived at 12P, the lounge was empty and one of the kitchen crew let me in. I literally had the lounge to myself and my companion for about 3 hrs. There is a small room after reception dedicated to First class passengers with drinks, soup, packaged snacks, crudites and pasta salad.

I stayed in the more spacious Terraces side and surfed the internet for a couple of minutes. The only food availabe were minestrone soup, crackers, packaged goods, and crudites with ranch dressing packs. If you love to drink, this lounge will be more to your liking given the wide assortment of alcoholic beverages available. Since I am not a drinker, I couldn't appreciate this particular benefit.


Reception area









Closets in the hallway




Bathroom





First Class section











Main Terraces side

























to be continued with Sakura lounge and JAL 1 SFO-HND.....

aw

Sakura Lounge

Sharing the 4th floor of Terminal A along with the CX lounge, JAL's Sakura lounge is the most underwhelming of the three lounges that I visited this day. Lacking style and space, the lounge can be described as utilitarian with a lack of privacy. In all fairness, the attendants were very approachable and polite, and there is a decent assortment of munchies ranging from trimmed sandwiches to onigiri rice balls to snack on before the flight. I situated myself in an enclosed room by the reception desk enjoying some privacy but that was short lived. As departure time got closer, the lounge was filling up with passengers and I decided to leave my claustrophobic surroundings with plenty of time.














Egg salad and ham sandwiches




My snack tray




Side room with some privacy

aw

JAL 1 SFO-HND
EQP- 772 Seat 4H
J/C - Dept. 1805 Arriv. 2220


I took some pictures of the plane at the gate and then decided to head down to the gate area. Once below I saw about 6-7 agents at the counter which was reassuring but honestly I have never encountered that many agents working a flight before. One agent went to each passenger checking the passports and another gathered the passengers who needed assistance for pre-boarding.

Boarding was very smooth and conducted in a very efficient way. As I approached the door of the aircraft one of the agents inside the jetbridge bowed down thanking me for flying JL and a technical crew at the door did the same. The purser and 2 other FA's were at the door greeting passengers and directing them to their seats.

4H is the last row of the first J cabin and once I settled down a FA came over to take my coat. As others have mentioned JL does not do a pre-departure drink service at the gate so beverages were offered while on the ground. The door was closed early at 5:55P and we were on our way for departure. Our taxiing and departure was played on the screens through the outside camera. Shortly after take off the FA's sprang into action and a tray of orange juice and champagne was offered followed by the passing of menus and coats to wear onboard.


JAL plane






MENU

Japanese


Perfect with Sake & Wine (top row 3 dishes from bento tray)

Steamed Angler Fish Liver & Radish - Tuna "Sashimi" - Cuttlefish & Glass Shrimp w/Egg Yolk Soy Vinegar Sauce.


Cold Delicacies (middle row 3 dishes from bento tray)

Fluke "Sashimi" w/White Vinegar Sauce - Grilled Fillet of Beef - Steamed King Crabmeat w/Herring Roe.


Hot Savory Delicacies (bottow 3 dishes from bento tray)

Steamed Conger Eel & Radish - Simmered Sea bream & Turnip - Simmered Winter Vegetables.


Steamed Rice/Japanese Pickles/Japanese Delicacy/Miso Soup
We are proud to offer freshly steamed Koshihikari rice.

Pina Colada Panna Cotta

Green Tea



Western

Amuse Bouche

Feta cheese, turkey ham & sundried tomato
Kalamata olive dip w/bread stick


Hors-d'oeuvre

Maine lobster
Seasonal vegetable w/roasted yellow pepper cream dressing


Main dish

Grilled fillet of U.S. prime beef with red wine sauce
Blackened salmon with maitre d'hotel butter
(there was an inserted page wishing everyone Happy Holidays with an additional entree of roasted turkey with gravy instead of the salmon.)

Bread or Steamed Rice

Pina Colada Panna Cotta

Coffee/Tea/Herbal Tea



Anytime You Wish

We will be pleased to offer you the following items anytime after the first meal service. Please ask your cabin attendant by one hour and 30 minutes before landing.

Order in the Sky

Deep-fried breaded pork with curry sauce on steamed rice


Mariage - for the side of your favorite wine -

Assorted cheese


Sky Bistro

Hamburger
Tokyo Curry Lab x Japan Airlines - Japanese vegetable curry with rice
Ravioli & Mushroom with tomato cream sauce
Fresh seasonal salad
Manhattan clam chowder with oyster cracker


Sora Men Tei - noodle shop in the sky

Japanese "udon" noodles in soup with kelp


Boulangerie

BLT sandwich w/chicken & egg
Focaccia sandwich


Japanese Finger Food

Grilled skewered free range chicken "yakitori"


Sora-Gohan Japanese set plate

Kobachi - Egg cake/fish cake/simmered kelp/pickled plum
Dainomono - Grilled sablefish "saikyo miso" flavor
Steamed rice Miso soup


Gochisou - plate Western set plate

Relish - Fresh fruits
Main dish - Quiche Lorraine with bacon & chicken apple sausage
Roll


Dolce

Chocolate
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh fruits


Hot towels on a lacquer tray were passed before the meal service. The amuse bouche arrived which were appreciated and then some rice crackers and cheese sticks (really good) followed by a very good lobster dish. Quite a refreshing change from the jaded smoked salmon or shrimp appetizers that some competitors love to serve. I had Skytime and water as drinks. The beef fillet was tender and juicy, easily one of the best I have ever had onboard. There were 2 pieces of bread already placed on a plate when they bring you the tray. No choice for dressing or dessert, but the panna cotta was good. I decided to order the cheese plate right after that and the FA happily obliged. Another round of hot towel was passed at the end of the meal service and FA made the rounds with a basket of toiletries and bottles of water. Right after the meal service FA's patrolled the aisles quite frequently. I saw one walking the aisles like every 15 min. Towards midflight the frequency ceased a bit but you could tell that they were actively checking the cabin.


The J cabin viewed from row 4






After departure drink




Hot towel




Amuse bouche








Rice crackers




Cheese sticks




Lobster appetizer





Nice piece of claw




Main dish




Creamy panna cotta




Cheese tray



JAL's JEN entertainment system is decent if not the best out there. CX has better entertainment options in my opinion. After catching up on some movies, I visited the bathroom and it was disappointing to see the lack of facial mist, moisturizers or perfumes. Even UA has these on intl premium cabins. However, there were ample supply of toothbrushes and mouthwash packets in the lav. The seat is a bit hard and not the most comfortable out there. When it is in the flat sleeping position, it is angled but I did not have too much of a problem with that. Having said that, I felt a protrusion in my lower back when I tried to sleep so I placed my pillow behind me to cushion it. If you are in a window seat that is not the bulkhead, good luck trying to get out when your neighbor is extended.

I then checked the galley in hopes of looking at some Canon pics but I guess this feature is only available on the 773 models. There were some chocolates (generic brand made somewhere in Kansas), cheese sticks, coconut tarts and chocolate ginger cakes in tightly sealed bags and bottles of water. I took some post cards and the purser came by to ask if I needed anything else. I asked if they still had playing cards and she said that she will bring them to me. Afterwards she appeared apologizing that they did not have any. About 8 hrs into the flight I ordered a couple of dishes, starting with the Japanese set and later the udon noodles. They hit the spot and were served promptly by the FA's. The service onboard was top notch as expected with FA's being proactive, courteous and always smiling.


Galley




Japanese set plate






Udon noodles




Soon we landed in Tokyo about half an hour earlier and going through Immigration and Customs was quick and painless.


to be continued with IC ANA and impressions of Tokyo.

yerffej201

Very Nice!

aw

Due to the late arrival in Tokyo, my companion and I decided to stay at the Toyoko Inn Haneda hotel nearby (there are 2 properties identified as #1 and #2). There was a free shuttle service at determined times and after waiting about 40 min. it finally arrived. The bus was packed with fellow guests and the seats were narrowly uncomfortable but thankfully it was a short ride of no more than 10 min. We were some of the first ones to get off the bus and raced to the front desk to check-in. After a friendly and efficient registration, I was given the key and I headed to my room to crash. There is not much to report about the room except that it was clean, utilitarian and small. The rate was 8,980 yen a night. After getting a few hours of sleep I headed into the city.



IC ANA Tokyo

We faced a dilemma during the planning stages of my trip and had to choose among 3 IC properties - The Strings, Tokyo Bay or ANA. After some research we selected the ANA for its central location and the hotel was within steps of the Tameike-sanno metro station exit 13. However, there is quite some walk once you are inside the station and heading to the train, as this station is a connecting point between lines. The Ginza line is particularly convenient because it can take you directly to Shibuya or Ginza and Asakusa on the other direction without having to change lines.

We were booked in a Club room for 25,500 yen a night and as Ambassador members we were upgraded to a Japanese Tatami suite. The room proved to be spacious, and elegant in a minimalist way that afforded great views from its two big windows. There was a small sofa in one corner and a tatami seating area in the middle of the room. The toilet was separated from the sink and the shower/tub. The shower was one of the best I have ever had with different settings and we were provided with L'Occitane toiletries. A thoughtful selection of gifts was presented during check-in and inside the room there was a fruit plate, two bottles of water and an envelope of local snacks.

Service was superb and this is expected of the Japanese, who are one of the few cultures that have mastered the art of hospitality - from a respectful bow upon entering the premises to encountering a staff member exiting the elevator while you wait and holding the door for you to enter with another bow. We arrived early and the room was not ready, so the agent offered to hold our luggage and ask you to come later. After she tabbed a few strokes she then informed us that if we are willing to wait about half an hour the room will be ready. She asked a co-worker to escort us to the lounge to wait and instructed the staff there to advise us when the room was ready. After about 20 minutes a club member escorted us to the room personally and made sure that everything was ok. Now that is what I call service.

Having said that, one issue that I need to point out is that the staff are really "by the book". What I mean by that is that on the last night of our stay we redeemed points for an award. We were told that we needed to check out and check back into a standard room and unfortunately no upgrades could be applied. That was not such a big deal to me and when in Rome, do as the Romans, but I have found that other IC properties were much more flexible and "generous" in that aspect. For example, at the IC Le Grand Paris I was able to stay at a suite on a free night on two occasions.

One thing that I was not expected and took me a bit by surprise was during the check-in. We were early and the room was not quite available yet, so we sat in the lobby. A few minutes later a clerk came to me and addressed me by name, apologizing that the room was not ready yet. I was sitting down and she literally knelt down on the floor and established eye contact looking up to me. To be honest I felt a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds. She then explained that they were getting the room ready and gave me the keys to the room asking me to wait 20 minutes before heading there.

The Club was on the 35th floor and it was fairly large with breathtaking views of downtown Tokyo. There are 2 computer stations in the living room behind the reception desk and plenty of comfy seating affording some privacy throughout. For afternoon tea small canelles, macarons and some cookies were offered. Later on during the evening cocktail hour a few assortment of hors d'oeuvres, sushi and tidbits were available. Not really dinner but if you make enough rounds and pace yourself then it serves the purpose. I was way too tired to venture into a restaurant after walking the whole day so I stayed at the club.


Sculpture outside the hotel




Approaching the hotel from the metro exit




Hotel lobby










Champagne bar






Front desk




Tatami suite










Bathroom

Toilet to the left, bath/shower to the right.












The view from the room at night

aw

The Club
















Afternoon tea








Evening cocktail




Breakfast buffet










Great view from the club

slodki

Superb and comprehensive TR - awesome pictures. I always love seeing how other lounges look through out other airports.

31dany

Great report! Lot of time to put it together I presume.. ^

aw

Thank you glu800, vecta, yerffej201, slodki and 31 dany for stopping by and commenting.

@31dany - it can be time consuming putting a report together between uploading pics into a site, getting a link and then upload them back on flyertalk, writing and typing a report. However, if your work is able to inspire, inform, help or even entertain fellow readers, then the satisfaction of making a small contribution is priceless and worth every second that you put into creating the report.


Tokyo

Tokyo is unique and there is no other city like it on earth, that's for sure. I was taken under its spell and I now rank it one of my favorite cities in the world right behind Paris. During my short 6 days stay I felt that I barely scratched the surface of this huge metropolis which can be described as relatively safe, energetic, trendsetting, stylish, clean and polite among other things. It is a place of infinite possibilities that seems to cater to every whim and desire and that is what makes it exciting at the same time.

The sheer size of it can be overwhelming and Tokyo is best tackled one neighborhood at a time. Like Paris, I noticed that each neighborhood had its distinctive character that contributed to the charm of the city as a whole. Within downtown Tokyo the subway system is pretty convenient to get around. Just remember that underground transportation is divided into two major systems - the Toei and the Tokyo Metro lines. Some stations are also connected to the JR (Japan railways) lines and at times it is quicker and more direct to just use the JR between certain points. The first couple of days I purchased an all inclusive Tokyo Transport Pass that allowed me to use all transportation systems (JR trains, Tokyo Metro and Toei subway, Toei streetcars and buses) within downtown Tokyo for 3,000 yen for 3 days. This pass is only sold at Haneda or Narita JR East Travel Service Centers. Eventually due to my hotel central location, I only used a 700 yen daily pass valid for Tokyo Metro subway only.


Traditional Asakusa












Senso-ji temple















Ginza















Dalloyau at Ginza




Matsuya Dept. Store @ Ginza

aw

Shinjuku










Omotesando










Dior @ Omotesando




Prada @ Omotesando






Issey Miyake




Omotesando Mall




Ramen







Pork curry

aw

Around the Imperial Palace










Shibuya













Toyokawa Inari Shrine








Elsewhere around town

Garage




Tokyo Intl. Forum






Whimsical water tank?




What goes around comes around

aw

JL's Sakura Lounge @ Haneda

On my last day in Tokyo I decided to take the airport limo bus in the evening from the IC ANA to Haneda. Ticket was 1,100 yen per person one way and I conveniently purchased it from the concierge. There is a waiting area one floor below the front desk and an attendant will ask you for your ticket upon checking in. Once on the bus, the attendant and bellman will give you a last farewell bow as you go on your way to the airport. Within 30 minutes we arrived at Haneda and the JL counter was pretty empty. I inquired if seats 1AC were open and the agent gladly changed us to our new seats.

Going through security was painless, quick and efficient. Afterwards the immigration agent stamped my passport and I was inside. I proceeded to the Sakura lounge and once there the front desk attendant welcomed me with a smile. First impression was very positive. I passed through a glass wall that was softly lit with the silhouette of a cherry blossom tree. What a way to make a visual impression and at the same time convey the beauty of Japanese culture. On the opposite side of the wall you can find lockers with a security camera hovering at the top. The showers are located near the entrance as well and I noticed several stalls - maybe 5 or 6 and there was already a waiting list when I inquired about using them. The attendant gave me a buzzing device to page me when it was my turn. I waited about 35 minutes and then the buzzer went off.

The shower room was small and there was no toilet, just the shower and a sink. There were some basic toiletries and soap/shampoo came from a big dispenser by the shower. After an invigorating shower I hit the buffet for some munchies. There were several attendants in plain view making sure that dishes were replenished and cleaning up after customers.

The lounge is divided into different seating areas with a nice buffet layout offering hot food such as curry pork, steamed rice, udon soup with duck, dim sum, an assortment of cold salads, rice crackers, pickles and other tidbits. Soft and alcoholic drinks were readily available to help yourself to.


Wall




Lockers




Showers








Sakura bar




Seating areas






Buffet