Japan Jaunt to Hakodate and Tokyo (ScootBiz, Vanilla Air, ANA Biz and SQ Biz)
Jul 1, 2017, 12:03 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Motomachi Roman Catholic Church. There is pretty much of European influences around the Motomachi district.
Right across from the church is a Japanese Buddhist temple.
Walked back forn to the red brick warehouses for a light tea of Snaffle's cheesecakes. Just realised that Snaffle's actually originated from Hakodate!
As dusk falls, we took the Mountain Climbing bus up to Mt Hakodate, a must do when in Hakodate. The bus ride is included in the tram/bus day-pass. The view from Mt Hakodate is voted one of the best in the world, especially during the evenings. Thus, this explains the throngs of tourists at the peak during sunset, and this is not even the peak tourist season!
It got rather chilly at the peak at dusk. Hence, when we got down from the mountain, we went to Ajisai to try their recommended Hakodate styled ramen. Different from other japanese ramen, Hakodate-style ramen uses a salty clear soup base, and this ramen eatery produces one of the best examples in Hakodate.
We also had to try Lucky Pierrot, a famous burger chain found exclusively in Hakodate. We tried their top-seller burger and sundae, and both were great!
On the last morning, it was again a trip to the Morning Market for a dose of healthy breakfast before doing some last souvenir shopping and heading to the airport.
Right across from the church is a Japanese Buddhist temple.
Walked back forn to the red brick warehouses for a light tea of Snaffle's cheesecakes. Just realised that Snaffle's actually originated from Hakodate!
As dusk falls, we took the Mountain Climbing bus up to Mt Hakodate, a must do when in Hakodate. The bus ride is included in the tram/bus day-pass. The view from Mt Hakodate is voted one of the best in the world, especially during the evenings. Thus, this explains the throngs of tourists at the peak during sunset, and this is not even the peak tourist season!
It got rather chilly at the peak at dusk. Hence, when we got down from the mountain, we went to Ajisai to try their recommended Hakodate styled ramen. Different from other japanese ramen, Hakodate-style ramen uses a salty clear soup base, and this ramen eatery produces one of the best examples in Hakodate.
We also had to try Lucky Pierrot, a famous burger chain found exclusively in Hakodate. We tried their top-seller burger and sundae, and both were great!
On the last morning, it was again a trip to the Morning Market for a dose of healthy breakfast before doing some last souvenir shopping and heading to the airport.
Jul 1, 2017, 11:47 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
It was a 20min Airport Limousine Bus ride back to the airport from Hakodate JR station. Reached the airport domestic terminal 1.5hrs prior to departure. The international terminal 5min walk down the road. It is smaller and seperated from the domestic terminal
Check-in hall.
There are no dedicated check-in counters for ANA's premium pax at Hakodate, unlike the other major airports. Luckily the check-in and baggage drop queue moved fast. There are also no dedicated ANA lounges here. Hence maybe that explains the lower Premium Class fares from Hakodate, which is only 5000yen more than economy, inclusive of 40kg luggage, 125% miles and the full Premium Class experience onboard.
Boarding pass
There is a huge shopping area above the check-in hall before security, offering all the usual Hakodate and Hokkaido snacks and souvenirs.
As with almost all Japanese airports, there is an open-air viewing gallery. Hakodate is definitely not a very busy airport.
Our B772 touching down slightly late from Haneda and taxiing in.
Check-in hall.
There are no dedicated check-in counters for ANA's premium pax at Hakodate, unlike the other major airports. Luckily the check-in and baggage drop queue moved fast. There are also no dedicated ANA lounges here. Hence maybe that explains the lower Premium Class fares from Hakodate, which is only 5000yen more than economy, inclusive of 40kg luggage, 125% miles and the full Premium Class experience onboard.
Boarding pass
There is a huge shopping area above the check-in hall before security, offering all the usual Hakodate and Hokkaido snacks and souvenirs.
As with almost all Japanese airports, there is an open-air viewing gallery. Hakodate is definitely not a very busy airport.
Our B772 touching down slightly late from Haneda and taxiing in.
Jul 2, 2017, 6:14 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
This 5yrs young Boeing (for a B772) will be performing the short sector to Tokyo.
FIDS
Domestic security was swift but for some reason, we were provided with another boarding pass-like slip to indicate that security was cleared.
The departure was fully packed with the B772 passenger load.
View of our widebody. Air DO was seen taxiiing in as well.
Due to the late arrival, our boarding and departure time was rescheduled later by 15min.
24 June 2017
All Nippon Airways ANA
NH 554
Hakodate (HKD) - Tokyo Haneda (HND)
B777-200
JA742A
Premium Class
Flight Time: 1H04M
As expected in Japan, boarding was very orderly and priorities were strictly followed.
Was wamly welcomed by the ANA crew upon boarding. ANA's domestic B772s are fitted with 21 Premium Class seats (equivalent of domestic business class)in 2-3-2 configuration in the Premium Class cabin. The crew serving our aisle also introduced herself and informed that she would be taking care of us on this flight. Really personalised service on my first ANA experience and this is the start of the really awesome ANA service on this very short flight. Lets see if ANA deserves its 2nd World's Best Cabin Crew award (according to Skytrax 2017).
My seat for the flight. These are the new Premium Class seats which are currently being fitted on the domestic fleet. A blanket was already placed on each seat.
A personal reading light and a small storage compartment at the side.
FIDS
Domestic security was swift but for some reason, we were provided with another boarding pass-like slip to indicate that security was cleared.
The departure was fully packed with the B772 passenger load.
View of our widebody. Air DO was seen taxiiing in as well.
Due to the late arrival, our boarding and departure time was rescheduled later by 15min.
24 June 2017
All Nippon Airways ANA
NH 554
Hakodate (HKD) - Tokyo Haneda (HND)
B777-200
JA742A
Premium Class
Flight Time: 1H04M
As expected in Japan, boarding was very orderly and priorities were strictly followed.
Was wamly welcomed by the ANA crew upon boarding. ANA's domestic B772s are fitted with 21 Premium Class seats (equivalent of domestic business class)in 2-3-2 configuration in the Premium Class cabin. The crew serving our aisle also introduced herself and informed that she would be taking care of us on this flight. Really personalised service on my first ANA experience and this is the start of the really awesome ANA service on this very short flight. Lets see if ANA deserves its 2nd World's Best Cabin Crew award (according to Skytrax 2017).
My seat for the flight. These are the new Premium Class seats which are currently being fitted on the domestic fleet. A blanket was already placed on each seat.
A personal reading light and a small storage compartment at the side.
Last edited by ycp81; Jul 2, 2017 at 6:44 am
Jul 2, 2017, 6:42 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Mechanical seat controls for the recline, leg and foot rests. The seat slides forward to recline instead of the conventional recline method. It is not a lie flat but more than sufficient for the domestic sectors that this aircraft is deployed on.
Innovative indicators on whether you would like to be disturbed.
The flight attendant, upon realising that we were not Japanese, offered either English or Chinese newspapers for our reading pleasure. We chose the English papers.
Leg room is very generous. A pair of slippers and headphones were available in the magazine compartment. IFE is limited to radio channels and short features shown oon the monitors.
View out the window.
Amenities and inflight magazines.
Premium Class service information and beverage menu.
View of the Premium Class cabin. Only 3 rows of seats in 2-3-2 configuration.
Innovative indicators on whether you would like to be disturbed.
The flight attendant, upon realising that we were not Japanese, offered either English or Chinese newspapers for our reading pleasure. We chose the English papers.
Leg room is very generous. A pair of slippers and headphones were available in the magazine compartment. IFE is limited to radio channels and short features shown oon the monitors.
View out the window.
Amenities and inflight magazines.
Premium Class service information and beverage menu.
View of the Premium Class cabin. Only 3 rows of seats in 2-3-2 configuration.
Jul 2, 2017, 7:00 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
With Japanese efficiency, boarding was completed rapidly. Doors closed and armed, and we pushed back.
Safety video was played.
Taxi to Rwy30.
Departure from Rwy30.
Service started immediately after seatbelt signs were turned off. 3 flight attendants were serving in Premium Class today.
Scenery outside.
Safety video was played.
Taxi to Rwy30.
Departure from Rwy30.
Service started immediately after seatbelt signs were turned off. 3 flight attendants were serving in Premium Class today.
Scenery outside.
Jul 2, 2017, 7:33 am
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
On this noon flight, the Premium Gozen meal was offered along with the full range of beverages. The crew described the meal while offering it, and also offered miso soup to go with the meal. I also ordered a shochu with ice and apple juice. A packaged wet cloth towel was also provided.
The meal was served at room temperature, and comprises of 2 beautifully arranged bento boxes.
This first bento consisted of salmon, omelette and various side dishes.
The second bento box was grilled chicken with rice. All the items were very tasty!
Shochu with ice.
Sake, which my friend ordered.
After we were done with our meal, the crew immediately collected the meal trays, and came back with another tray to offer rice crackers and mixed nuts. We were also asked if we would like any more drinks. Awesome service!
We asked the crew if they have any postcards or memorables, and the very nice crew came back with sets of 4 different postcards for us to choose from! I had one of each design for keepsake.
View of my half-reclined seat.
Visit to the lavatory, which was huge but only offered the basic amenities.
Flight map shown on the monitors.
Just when we started our descend, the crew came round again and ask if we would like coffee or tea. I gladly accepted a coffee and it was brought rom the galley and offered with a tasty matcha cookie!
The meal was served at room temperature, and comprises of 2 beautifully arranged bento boxes.
This first bento consisted of salmon, omelette and various side dishes.
The second bento box was grilled chicken with rice. All the items were very tasty!
Shochu with ice.
Sake, which my friend ordered.
After we were done with our meal, the crew immediately collected the meal trays, and came back with another tray to offer rice crackers and mixed nuts. We were also asked if we would like any more drinks. Awesome service!
We asked the crew if they have any postcards or memorables, and the very nice crew came back with sets of 4 different postcards for us to choose from! I had one of each design for keepsake.
View of my half-reclined seat.
Visit to the lavatory, which was huge but only offered the basic amenities.
Flight map shown on the monitors.
Just when we started our descend, the crew came round again and ask if we would like coffee or tea. I gladly accepted a coffee and it was brought rom the galley and offered with a tasty matcha cookie!
Jul 2, 2017, 7:54 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Descending into Haneda.
Just when we have thought that the service has ended, the lovely ANA crew appeared with a basket of snacks and sweets to offer to Premium Class pax halfway through the descent. A lovely touch! We were all in praises for the ANA cabin crew for the wonderful service on this very short sector.
Nearing Haneda.
Descending over Tokyo Bay.
Landing on Tokyo Haneda Rwy23.
Taxied to and parked at Terminal 2, which is ANA's domestic base.
A last look at ANA's Premium Class seat for the flight.
Disembarking, where a final pleasant surprise awaits...
Just when we have thought that the service has ended, the lovely ANA crew appeared with a basket of snacks and sweets to offer to Premium Class pax halfway through the descent. A lovely touch! We were all in praises for the ANA cabin crew for the wonderful service on this very short sector.
Nearing Haneda.
Descending over Tokyo Bay.
Landing on Tokyo Haneda Rwy23.
Taxied to and parked at Terminal 2, which is ANA's domestic base.
A last look at ANA's Premium Class seat for the flight.
Disembarking, where a final pleasant surprise awaits...
Jul 2, 2017, 10:21 am
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
While passing the crew during disembarkation, the Premium Class crew serving us passed us a postcard and thanked us for flying ANA. It was with great surprised that they actually wrote a thank you card on behalf of the entire flight and cabin crew after we had sang praises of their service and how it was our first time flying ANA!
Among all my limited premium class experiences on short-hauls, this flight on ANA has certainly ranked as the best. Service was personal, attentive and non-intrusive, and the small touches by the crew do make a difference and left a lasting impression on this very short flight. Having experienced ANA's fabulous service, I am now more keen then ever to fly on ANA again in the near future!
Walking down the jetbridge.
ANA land
Missed the Star Wars plane by a digit! The registration of the Star Wars aircraft is JA743A.
One of ANA's many 787s
Our luggage were one of the first to be out as they were priority tagged for Premium Class.
From Haneda T2, it was a 19min monorail ride to Hamamatsucho, and a 10min walk from the station later, brings us to Mitsui Gardens Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai. Hotel offers reasonable sized rooms for Tokyo standards and has deluxe amenities such as a Nespresso machine.
The hotel is also about 10-15min walk away from Shimbashi and Ginza districts.
It is pedestrian-friendly in Ginza on Saturdays.
Among all my limited premium class experiences on short-hauls, this flight on ANA has certainly ranked as the best. Service was personal, attentive and non-intrusive, and the small touches by the crew do make a difference and left a lasting impression on this very short flight. Having experienced ANA's fabulous service, I am now more keen then ever to fly on ANA again in the near future!
Walking down the jetbridge.
ANA land
Missed the Star Wars plane by a digit! The registration of the Star Wars aircraft is JA743A.
One of ANA's many 787s
Our luggage were one of the first to be out as they were priority tagged for Premium Class.
From Haneda T2, it was a 19min monorail ride to Hamamatsucho, and a 10min walk from the station later, brings us to Mitsui Gardens Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai. Hotel offers reasonable sized rooms for Tokyo standards and has deluxe amenities such as a Nespresso machine.
The hotel is also about 10-15min walk away from Shimbashi and Ginza districts.
It is pedestrian-friendly in Ginza on Saturdays.
Jul 2, 2017, 10:52 am
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Yayoi decor in a new shopping mall, Ginza 6.
It has always been a must to have Ichiran ramen while in Japan. The Shimbashi branch is much less crowded than the Shinjuku branch.
Another must have are cakes from Harbs. Tried a few during the short stay in Tokyo as well.
A simple but deliciously good beef bowl from Matsuya.
Katsukura tonkatsu at Takashimaya. One of the famous katsu restaurants.
With the BAKE craze in Singapore, why not have it in Tokyo where there is barely a queue!
And oh-so-yummy Zaku-Zaku as well.
It was also my first time having a meal at Coco Curryhouse in Japan.
Back to busy Shimbashi area for some last minute shopping on the final day before departure.
And chanced upon this small eatery with OMG-ish delicious buta-don!
It has always been a must to have Ichiran ramen while in Japan. The Shimbashi branch is much less crowded than the Shinjuku branch.
Another must have are cakes from Harbs. Tried a few during the short stay in Tokyo as well.
A simple but deliciously good beef bowl from Matsuya.
Katsukura tonkatsu at Takashimaya. One of the famous katsu restaurants.
With the BAKE craze in Singapore, why not have it in Tokyo where there is barely a queue!
And oh-so-yummy Zaku-Zaku as well.
It was also my first time having a meal at Coco Curryhouse in Japan.
Back to busy Shimbashi area for some last minute shopping on the final day before departure.
And chanced upon this small eatery with OMG-ish delicious buta-don!
Jul 3, 2017, 7:16 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SYD
Programs: Too many golds, no plat: OZ*G, AC*G, NZ*G, VA Gold, QF Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 5,350
All that food! *drool*
I always eat at Ippudo ramen when in Japan. It's in a completely different league to the Ippudo branches elsewhere (like here in Australia).
As for Zaku-Zaku, after seeing your picture (and then googling it) I'm now obsessed with finding it. I love those Japanese choux cream things (I can never walk past a Beard Papa) and the cruncy Zaku-Zaku looks even better.
I always eat at Ippudo ramen when in Japan. It's in a completely different league to the Ippudo branches elsewhere (like here in Australia).
As for Zaku-Zaku, after seeing your picture (and then googling it) I'm now obsessed with finding it. I love those Japanese choux cream things (I can never walk past a Beard Papa) and the cruncy Zaku-Zaku looks even better.
Jul 5, 2017, 7:27 am
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Heading back to Haneda, it was a 13min monorail ride from the station near our hotel to the international terminal. The monorail statio is directly linked t the Departure hall and a couple of min after alighting from the monorail, we were at SQ's check-in counters at Row A.
Immigration and security was not too busy and soon we were doing a bit of last minute shopping at the duty free area.
Heading up to the ANA lounge to grab some light bites. I have been to this lounge a couple of time and knew what to expect. F&B is not bad for a first-timer, but will become quite repetitive for frequent visitors to the lounge as the food offerings rarely change much.
Star Wars figurines
Lounge interior
Buffet offerings and the noodle bar
Immigration and security was not too busy and soon we were doing a bit of last minute shopping at the duty free area.
Heading up to the ANA lounge to grab some light bites. I have been to this lounge a couple of time and knew what to expect. F&B is not bad for a first-timer, but will become quite repetitive for frequent visitors to the lounge as the food offerings rarely change much.
Star Wars figurines
Lounge interior
Buffet offerings and the noodle bar
Jul 5, 2017, 8:09 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Another set of Star Wars figurine with Star Alliance FIDS.
A smaller F&B area at the other end of the lounge.
I have learnt not to binge too much in the lounge. This was half of what I used to have in the lounge.
The lounge has a great view of the tarmac and runway. Our A350 arrived just as I reached the lounge.
Left the lounge shortly before boarding commenced. FIDS.
Queue for boarding.
Boarding started on time and the blue cabin it was this evening!
Jul 5, 2017, 8:45 am
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
26 June 2017
Singapore Airlines
SQ 633
Tokyo Haneda (HND) - Singapore (SIN)
A350-900
9V-SMC
Business Class
Flight Time: 6H46M
Welcomed at the door and entered the Business cabin. As reviewed by many, the A350 is fitted with the New Business Class long-haul seats, which is one of the most comfortable Business Class seats in the market.
It would be 12K for me on this mid-haul.
More shots of the seats and cabin.
From 12K, the engines are way behind.
IFE welcome screen, and of course a champagne to start.
New noise-cancellation headphones (a crew mentioned that they are from Hitachi) are in use. This fitted more comfortably than the Phitek headphones. There is also a volume adjuster on the headphones.
Magazines and stuff.
Menu for the flight
Selections on this flight.
And the incoming SQ632 SIN-HND sector.
Singapore Airlines
SQ 633
Tokyo Haneda (HND) - Singapore (SIN)
A350-900
9V-SMC
Business Class
Flight Time: 6H46M
Welcomed at the door and entered the Business cabin. As reviewed by many, the A350 is fitted with the New Business Class long-haul seats, which is one of the most comfortable Business Class seats in the market.
It would be 12K for me on this mid-haul.
More shots of the seats and cabin.
From 12K, the engines are way behind.
IFE welcome screen, and of course a champagne to start.
New noise-cancellation headphones (a crew mentioned that they are from Hitachi) are in use. This fitted more comfortably than the Phitek headphones. There is also a volume adjuster on the headphones.
Magazines and stuff.
Menu for the flight
Selections on this flight.
And the incoming SQ632 SIN-HND sector.
Jul 5, 2017, 10:01 am
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Beverages selection
The usual ritual of newspapers and hot towels offered, and doors were closed for departure. Safety video played.
It was only a short taxi to the runway.
Takeoff from Rwy16R. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy day and no views were to be had of Mt Fuji which is along the flight path after departure.
Shortly after takeoff, a inflight wifi promotional and instructional video was played.
Followed by the instructional video of the New Business Class seat.
The usual ritual of newspapers and hot towels offered, and doors were closed for departure. Safety video played.
It was only a short taxi to the runway.
Takeoff from Rwy16R. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy day and no views were to be had of Mt Fuji which is along the flight path after departure.
Shortly after takeoff, a inflight wifi promotional and instructional video was played.
Followed by the instructional video of the New Business Class seat.