Not sure if this is the best place for this thread so mods, please move if necessary.My partner and I tend to spend 3-4 weeks in Japan every year (for 6 of the last 8 years anyway) and would like to do the same again this year, around 23.10 -> 20.11.
We’ve previously used different airlines and routes went from the cheap and nasty Air China Economy to the very pleasant Premium Economy with Swiss and ANA.
Nowadays, we’re happy to pay extra for Premium Economy (as long as it’s not double economy price) so we can sit together just the two of us, enjoy feeling more comfortable as although we’re not tall (173cm and 164cm), the extra legroom makes us feel much less claustrophobic and relaxed.Of course, improvements to dining, IFE, boarding etc. are all greatly appreciated. We are based in Berne, Switzerland so Zurich is our best departure airport (followed by BSL and then crappy GVA)
When flying PE with Swiss, when passing through economy I was shocked at how cramped the 10 abreast cabin felt, happy to avoid that.

We flew with Swiss PE 2 years ago and really enjoyed it, new cabin, 15.6” screens and I found the hardshell seats that so many people dislike, comfortable and loved not having people in front reclining.
Downside is the price and Narita being the destination, as everyone knows, further from Tokyo than Haneda, not as nice and less useful for domestic connections.

We intend to visit Western Japan this time so would probably get a connection to Kochi or Matsuyama but flying to Fukuoka or Osaka instead of Tokyo would be fine.
Post-Corona not so many options to Osaka sadly.
We have both 31K M&M miles, we’re not going to get status with our amount of flying (1-2 long hauls per year plus a few European short-haul trips) but it would be great to end up getting a flight with points at some stage.

So, I’ve compared the different options for us and see it as follows:

Swiss

Direct Flights from ZRH - > NRT
+ practical with no stopover, it’s on a 777 refitted 2 years ago so cabin is very fresh.
- Very expensive, usually at least CHF2000, Narita not Haneda

ANA

Most connections via MUC or FRA , best price around CHF1650
+ Great service and Haneda better than NRT, Lounge access
- Cabin a bit dated on 787-9 on those routes.

JAL

Connections via LHR or HEL
+ Great service and lots of space, Haneda better than NRT, Lounge access
- Expensive, usually around CHF1900, connection in Heathrow or Helsinki (adding to duration in the air).

ITA

Connection in FCO
+ Cheapest
- Poor reputation, long connection in FCO

LOT

Connection in WAW
+ Good price, easy airport for connection.
- PE not as good as best rivals, fly to NRT not Haneda

Cathay

Connection in Hong Kong
+ Good Service, prices was very cheap (CHF1250) but was a sale, now CHF1500
- Long layover in Hong Kong on way back.

Air France

Connection in CDG
+ Decent service, decent price CHF1500
- CDG

Anything I’m missing?
What do all the experts here recommend?

If the war wasn’t ongoing I’d be very keen on JAL via Helsinki but with that sad situation, I tend towards ANA because of the great service and lounge access.
I'd of course be delighted for some amazing business class deal but they seem rare to Japan sadly.
Last year we booked at this time of year, I take it best to do the same this year or better to wait till full winter timetable is out?

Thanks for any help.

P.S I just realised that KLM/AF to Osaka via Amsterdam may also be an option.