Just flew NH F via ORD-NRT just last week. Two of us, had 2A and 2D. 2A seat was broken, would not recline, they tried to fix it but were unsuccessful. We had a full cabin except one empty seat next to 2D, luckily. You have to lean way forward to talk, but actually that is easier with the two central seats than the window+center as you can kind of lean close to the divider. Traveling as a couple, simply consider that NH is designed for solitude, other airlines are better suited for couples. This same trip we also had EY F (A345) NRT-AUH, EY F Apartments (A380) AUH-LHR, and LH F (A346) FRA-PHL. EY Apartments set a completely new definition of "Suites", this while having enjoyed SQ F Suites on four flights in the past. LH F was also better for couples.
Anyway, with the NH cubes, the window seqts have some extra room next to the window which makes it feel slightly larger than the center seats. Hard product was very comfortable, I'm 6ft and 195. Storage is fine, the crew will hang your clothes in the large closest so it's not stuffed in the cube closet. The cabin temp was nicely cool for sleeping. Champagnes and wine selection was superb, and even enjoyed a taste of the Habiki21. I tend to drink a lot on flights, and the offers never disappointed. Some of the best I've had in the last couple of years.
DW ordered the Japanese meal and wasn't really enamored, I had some bites of hers, thought it okay. Even the flight attendent remarked it's better ex-NRT but she wanted to try it anyway. I had the western and it was quite good, better than EY ex-NRT but lesser than EY LHR and LH to PHL. Mid-flight (I never really slept, and typically don't do well on planes), I had the Ramen and Tempura both were very pleasing even though it's plane food and not a restaurant.
We toured all our flights J and Y sections, in our pajamas of course. NH J is more cramped than EY/LH newer products, except the single widow seats offer better privacy (if flying solo) as you are tucked away at the bulkhead/window.
We kept the NH pajamas for sleeping while in Tokyo, but left them as they really don't feel like they would hold up over time (we have at home pajamas from SQ, OZ, EK, EY, CX, QR, TG, BR and others), but they were comfortable and not too warm as I would rather be on the cooler side than hot. We did not bother to take the Samsonite amenity kits, just wish a couple of minor items from it, not worth any effort on eBay
. The cardigan sleeves are far too short and the neck make up was too uncomfortable for me, don't see why anyone bothers to five finger discount these from the plane (they are to be "rentals").
The crew on ANA was superb. I've heard of them being more formal, reserved, our crew was always friendly, smiling, and we're extremely attentive. Felt more like a SQ/TG experience than what I had preconceived would be the case from reports here on FT.
One bathroom is far more comfortable, the other is not conducive for changing, etc. Like many superb crews, ours cleaned and tidied after each persons use.
ORD lounge is UA GFL, which I prefer over other UA lounges except the LHR GFL which is their best. We did not partake in the NH arrivals, we went straight into Tokyo. The NH lounge for use outbound by EY is a big yawn, we even went to the UA NRT club just for something different after trying out the NH lounge and showering. UA food and drink options are better. I would presume the NH F lounge in NRT to be much more superior to the UA lounge. (If you've tried the LH FCT, then not many lounges are going to come close to that experience).
Security at both ORD/NRT was a breeze, the only downside to our EY flights out of NRT is the long walk down to club, but not a huge factor.
Go with NH if the alternative is UA. I would never hesitate to fly NH over UA to NRT, there is no debate, NH is solidly better.