chongl

Without time for breakfast the following morning, we hopped on the metro towards Haneda





We found the JL counters and proceeded to check in for our flight to DFW



Once through security, we had a quick browse of the duty free shops before making a beeline for the lounge





We took our time exploring the multiple areas of the lounge. But first, we had some brunch with sushi, ramen, and bento box









Delicious toro, Hamachi, and tamago



The kids devoured the ramen



Bento box for myself





Then another round of toro and hamachi



Exploring the red suite portion of the lounge which has darker tones







Views of CX and NH birds



Then it was over to the other side that JL calls Sushi Tsurutei. This area was much quieter with just a few people. With both buffet and a la carte options, this was the nicer space to eat without the buzz. We definitely wished we came to this area first once we ordered more sushi as the toro was more fatty













Sushi counter where a chef prepares each nigiri



Dining area



Then we went upstairs to the Salon as our last stop












Some Yamazaki 12 was requested neat, but came on the rocks



Taking in the views before our flight was about to board



We head to the gate at T-10, only to find out that boarding had been delayed. We decided to go back to duty free to kill a few minutes before returning to the gate



I had booked a tighter connection than normal from DFW to LAX, banking on some strong tailwinds and our early morning arrival helping get us through customs and immigration in the US. What a relief when we were boarded without further delays! Time to get comfy in the middle seat









We were in the air before we knew it





Today’s menu





























Amuse



Being airborne meant it was finally time to pour the Salon!





I had opted for the Japanese menu, which you can’t go wrong with ex-Japan









Since mini-ChongL #2 had fallen asleep by this point, the wife and I dined together. She opted for the western menu. Her amuse was quite tasty as well



Her shrimp with quinoa



My (first) soup



Scallop and vegetable Mille Feuille



Steamed rockfish with caviar





The wife got her own rockfish in a plastic bag lol



Time to switch it up to one of my favorites, the Queen of Blue tea



Wife was ecstatic to find the Juyondai sake on the menu



Time for my mains





Steak from the western menu didn’t look particularly appealing but apparently it tasted better than it looked. Mrs. ChongL didn’t have a chance to finish as mini #2 woke up from his nap and wanted some attention





Mini #1 had the ramen of course



At this point, we took turns with our naps and movies to burn the time until we were hungry again. Almost to the west coast when I ordered some chicken skewers



Coupled with some more tea



Over the continental US and almost to DFW



Mini #2 was startled by some turbulence as we descended into DFW. Other than that, it was a lovely flight and a perfect way to wrap up the long hauls. The Salon, Queen of Blue, and Juyondai were as tasty as ever. We landed early as I had hoped and cleared customs in no time with just enough time to spare to hop into the Capital One lounge for a quick bite. What a wonderful and memorable anniversary trip it was! But as usual, it’s great to be back home. Thanks for following!

757

What an amazing report and incredible photos of everything. I would love to visit Japan, and I am even more excited now than I was before reading!

offerendum

I have never seen something like that. Did I miss something?

chongl

I think you ought to finish your own TR as well so I can see what YOU did in Tokyo

Thank you again for the kind words!

I must say that Tokyo is one of our favorites, if not favorite city. Appreciate the love, 757

No idea, but I saw another trip report somewhere where they were served the same plastic bag. Interesting presentation I guess?

HaleiwaFlyer

That is such a win, they carried the 14th generation Sake....that is a special treat.

Jaysonb22

My wife and I are taking our 10-year trip next week (Paris and Champagne). I need to make sure she doesn't see this trip report or I'm going to look bad.

Daytona

These are not plastic bags but heat resistant film. These type of film can go up to 425F and is safe for oven use. Often used in sous vide or baking where one need to keep the moisture from the food sealed during the cooking process.

offerendum

We call it "Bratschlauch" in Germany. But never saw you serve something with it.