benjahman

Quick 15 minute ride to TSA and was dropped curbside. Walked in and headed to JAL desk which was buzzing with activity. JL has two flights to Tokyo within a half-hour of each other. Business class line had a few people and check-in was completed efficiently and quickly.








Invite to VIP Lounge




Followed signs to lounge



Lounge entrance is just after security, before going down ramp into terminal concourse. You can also find currency exchange and restrooms down this hallway








Food options were slim but acceptable, with some mini croissant sandwiches, cakes, dim sum, fruit and drinks












Spent about 45 minutes in the lounge and then made my way down the concourse to the gate. Boarding happened 2 minutes after scheduled and was efficient.







Gate 4




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Regional business class shell seating on this 767. Very comfortable and in good condition. The IFE was very laggy and not responsive to touch or remote control. Lunch was offered and was tasty. Service was amazing and friendly, no language barrier and very proactive. Overall a great and quick flight to HND.











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Oshibori were distributed




Lunch




Arrived at HND on time. Immigration was swift and then went directly to the bus ticket counter. Airport Limo Bus to Andaz was leaving in 15 minutes.












Arrived at the Andaz at about 3pm and was greeted by a handful of staff. We were escorted into the arrival lobby and then into an elevator up to the 51st floor, where check-in happened at a large communal wood table. Coffee and other drinks were offered and keys were presented quickly. The rooms are below, on floors 47-50. Very impressed with all the finishes and overall vibe of the Andaz Tokyo.

Andaz Tokyo is on the top floors of the Toronamon Hills tower.























Andaz has a pedestrian entrance as well, around the corner from the driveway


Elevators to guest room floors




Hallway leading to the Gallery at the Andaz






Off the elevator into the gorgeous hallways


Gorgeous room and views




Cabinet with mini fridge and nespresso machine












Very nice bathroom finishes. Large rain shower/tub room.







It's the little things in the life that make you smile






Views















Had breakfast at the Andaz Tavern. Nice looking spread, with a decent amount of choices. Loved all the different types of plates available.















Stopped by the pool and gym for a few. Nicely equipped gym and great pool/spa area. They did ask me to cover my tattoos as they mentioned they offer memberships to the public.

You're greeted by a beautifully designed tea room



































Up next: Tokyo, food, and JL F HND-JFK

benjahman

It's been a long 8 months and I've found some time to revisit this report and finish it.

I love Tokyo, something so energetic yet so calming about the city. I could spend my whole time there just wandering the streets and getting lost. So many nooks and crannies to explore and something new at every corner. It's nice having a friend who lives there and the two times I've been, always makes time to see me, even if it's mid-week and late night. It usually involves a lot of food and a lot of drinking. I couldn't ask for more.

First time in Tokyo for my BIL, so we walked around and worked up an appetite. Spotted a nearby Ichiran - Shinbashi location, so we dove in and grabbed a few large bowls of ramen and some dessert.












The matcha almond pudding was lovely.




Maybe it was intimidation, maybe it was lack of sleep, but my first time in Tokyo, I found the metro to be a bit daunting. This time however, I managed it with ease and we navigated effortlessly all over town.







The pachinko arcades are a sensory overload.




Received a text to meet my friend at a local restaurant and so we trekked over that way.






After a few passes, we found the place. We walked in the it felt like the record scratched, but only for a second, and then back to regular programming.







The food was outstanding. The place was near Tsukiji market and had some amazing fresh fish, uni, clams and oysters.














After an amazing meal, we made our way to a local bar that my friend knows of. He's friendly with the owner, who after tapping on the door a bit and unlocking the place for us, let us in. It was the three of us and the bartender. A minute later, a local salary man friend shows up and the games begin. Literally, the games. UNO was on deck. Anyone who lost or didn't say UNO, had to take a shot. That ended up being UNO too many.






We were drinking some sort of concoction with milk. They all referred to it as "milkee-boy"







Safe to say, we stumbled back to the Andaz and woke up with some killer headaches. The headaches didn't stop us though, we got up and out and explored a bit more before crashing for a few before Sushi Yasuda.

Woke up to a beautiful, clear sky







Tooled around for a bit and found some more ramen at Kuro-obi, right near the Andaz, which is an Ippudo spin-off.









Strolled around the Palace gardens for a bit




Made our way to Yasuda for another great meal, one of which I have no pictures of.






Back to the Andaz to pack and get ready for JL F in the morning.

Woke up to clear skies and headed down to the lobby to catch a taxi to HND. HND is the perfect airport to fly in and out of Tokyo. It was about a 20 minute ride to HND. We checked in quickly at the JL F counters and then walked around the terminal for a bit.

"Front desk" at Andaz had some seasonal cookies for the taking.




Christmas tree made up of bonsai's. Very cool.



Nice E-wagon as we arrived to the International Terminal at HND




Escalator up to departures














Checked out the observation deck






Navigated myself towards the JL F lounge















One of the most important machines known to mankind



Booze




Red Suite with the good bubbly











These rye wheat egg galettes were really tasty







Overall, a nice experience in the JL F lounge. While being decently occupied, the space did not feel crowded, food was plentiful, drinks were flowing and a nice, relaxed vibe to get you ready for a 13 hour flight home. We headed down to the gate bout 10 minutes before boarding.




This was our ride for the day



Dedicated jet bridge for F passengers.




You've all seen the JL F cabin many times, so I won't bore you with too many photos. The seat is nicely padded, spacious and semi-private. I could lean forward and chat with my BIL easily.




PDB's and oshibori proactively offered



Complimentary wifi that worked reasonably well, albeit a bit in and out.



Nice amount of storage for a large backpack and shoes under the ottoman




Bye guys, see you again soon.



Salon 2006 was being offered.



BEDD Menu. The name is absurd. The food is legit.










The color scheme leaves a bit to be desired, but the presentation and service was executed flawlessly










Not a traditional caviar service, but it was excellent and the seasonal decoration was a nice touch. This is post devouring most of it.










You can start to tell how many glasses of Salon I've had by the framing of my pictures.










Entered the always fun food coma and had the bed made up and proceeded to toss and turn for a few hours.




Over Alaska, the FAs came into the cabin and noticed I was awake. They told me to open the window shades and I looked out at the Northern Lights. What a special sighting. The lights were flowing and seemed to follow us for a few hours.









Pork Cutlet sandwich, a lot smaller than I expected



Curry hit the spot



Sunrise as we approach JFK



First time on JL F and it was a great experience. I would not hesitate to burn some more AS miles for another flight. Another successful trip in the books. Great to spend some time with my father and brothers in law.

Next up is a trip Manila this August via DL J, OZ F/J, and EY J with our almost two year old. Planning to stay at the Shangri-la Fort and Grand Hyatt Manila. Looking forward to sharing our next trip with you.

chongl

Thanks for finishing off this awesome report! Let me know how things go with the almost 2 year old and any tips you might have. Our little one will be walking soon so we're stuffing in one more trip next year before he requires his own seat.

benjahman

Thanks chongl, the furthest we've done is LA from JFK so this will be a whole new world for us. Will report back.