Review of Japan Airlines flight from Helsinki to Tokyo in Economy

After the truly awful Customer Relations from TK ( see TK1995 report of March 2017 ) after 8 flights in which I blogged and promoted the inflight service, I really couldn't be bothered considering Turkish Airlines for my first ever trip to Japan even though they had very very cheap Manchester-Hong Kong fares from where I could connect easily and cheaply to Tokyo Narita.
I even considered PIA as I have heard that the fares and service are excellent but couldn't seem to get a fare. Turkish Airlines has a strange stance towards me in that apparently photography onboard is banned however other passengers frequently post photos of cabin interiors,meals and even photos of the crew ( something I never do ). So quite why they choose to be so awkward will be to their detriment as I continue to fly other airlines and avoid TK.
As there are no nonstop services between Manchester and Tokyo, I had to consider price,flying time,transit time and how to get the most out of my holiday and to fly with an airline that would really pamper me. Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. I would hope that JAL commence Manchester service soon for these events and beyond.
My first choice was Cathay Pacific who happened to be doing a Spring Sale in April 2017.
The great fare however was overshadowed by an almost 12 hour flight to Hong Kong,7 hours transit at HKG then a 4 hour flight to Tokyo. Much as I love nothing more than flying, even I have my limits and need rest between flights !
I decided that I wanted a 100% authentic Japanese flying experience for my first trip to the land of the Rising Sun. And only 1 airline could help start this dream holiday - JAL also known as Japan Airlines !
Classic adverts of JAL which show what I mean about Japanese authenticity

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I could not book on the JAL website as it didn't seem to let me return after the 18th March 2018 and I wanted to return a few days later than the 18th March.
This remained the same right up to me actually making my booking at the end of April 2017. My failed attempts to book with JAL were heigtened when I saw that a Manchester-Brussels/Dusseldorf-Haneda Lufthansa/Brussels Airlines and All Nippon combination ) return trip would cost close to GBP1000.00.
After further research, on the Finnair website I had an option to fly as follows and for an amazingly low price ;
MANHEL AY
HELNRT JL
NRTHEL AY
HELMAN AY
However, the thought of sitting on a window seat on a Finnair A350 where there are 3 seats by the window did not appeal one bit.
So for the same price and after finding out about the amazing Economy Class configuration on JAL's 787-900s I settled on ;
MANHEL AY
HELNRT JL
NRTHEL JL
HELMAN AY
With this itinerary, I would fly my Tokyo segments exclusively on JAL- Japan Airlines,an airline I have long had an ambition to fly with and the flights would be on their hi-tech 787 aircrafts with Sky Wider II Economy Cabins ! JAL began Helsinki flights on the 787 in March 2013. Sky Wider II seating is exclusive to JAL's 787s and is in a 2-3-2 configuration instead of most airlines 3-3-3 configuration and believe me, for a tall and built person, it made me feel very good that my longhaul flights would see me enjoy increased comfort and decent legroom to/from Tokyo Narita.

After finding a great deal prices dropped to GBP100.00 lower eventually to GBP450.00 return from Heathrow to Haneda on JAL or Manchester-Narita with Finnair !

Jalsinki
JAL began Helsinki service in 2013 to cater to the growing number of Japanese tourists visiting Finland. I guess the Japanese can feel at home on their national flag carrier and similarly flying Finns to experience Japan a lot sooner when departing Helsinki on JAL!
Articles on the Helsinki launch in 2012
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/07/02/business/jal-narita-helsinki-flights-start-using-787s/#.WnR8yfn5eUk
http://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/201202/003430.html
http://www.anna.aero/2013/07/03/japan-airlines-inaugurates-flights-on-its-fifth-european-route/
My JAL PNR FU**X7 and the PNR from Finnair PNR NT**FK both contained the letters fu and fk (perhaps a subliminal message that I should visit Fukuoka in Japan ?! )
The first Tokyo Narita - Helsinki flight being waved off in 2012

Japanchester and Japanese Business in the UK!
There are multiple Japanese Companies in the Manchester area with Marubeni Komatsu,Fujitsu,Mitsubishi,Konica Minolta,Hitachi and soon Uniqlo.
Hoshizaki , Honda and Toyota some of the more famous ones. Surely it can only be a matter of time before a Manchester-Tokyo service commences ?
In the past there were strong possibilities of ANA – All Nippon Airways launching a Tokyo-Manchester-Dublin route but this never materialised.
His Excellency Mr Koji Tsuruoka, Japan’s Ambassador to the UK, visited Manchester in February 2017
The visit from Mr Koji Tsuruoka aimed to celebrate the region’s relationship with Japan, whilst showcasing Greater Manchester as an investment and business destination for Japanese investors, especially in the areas of science, innovation, infrastructure and transport.
Article about the UK Japanese Ambassador's visit to Manchester
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/japanese-ambassador-visits-manchester-discuss-12633280

To get a feel for Japan, in May 2017 I paid a visit to Tokyo Season Restaurant in Manchester ; the gentleman who greeted me was so friendly and dressed in traditional Yukata !

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and Samsi not far away which is a restaurant upstairs and has a cute Japanese supermarket downstairs !

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In May 2017, there was a Cherry Blossom in my neighbourhood in Manchester !

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Japandorf

Dusseldorf-Tokyo was briefly served by Lufthansa before All Nippon Airways began regular service from Dusseldorf to Tokyo Narita.
10,000+ Japanese live in North Rhine Westphalia, and among them 6,500 in Düsseldorf alone meaning the service was bound to be very successful. Had the fare been cheaper than it was, I may have flown Manchester-Dusseldorf-Haneda.

The Reservation

Here is my booking as viewed in JAL European Reservations Centre and also how any airline booking looks to airline staff. So much for oneworld airlines all "working as one" when you see the message MARKETED BY AY **DONT TOUCH**
Legend
V or S after the flight number - Fare level also known as booking class or V class, S class etc
SSR - Special Service Request
MOML - Muslim Meal
HK1 - 1 passenger confirmed
FU**** is the PNR or booking reference ( starred out for privacy but that is where it appears on a reservation )
Names are always written as surname/firstname and title
T FU**** C/28APR17 U/01MAY17
1. 1SEAT/THEWINDOW MR
TYPE- 1. 1V694198/AY
1 AY1362V 13MAR MANHEL HK1 1015 1505
2 JL414 V 13MAR HELNRT HK1 1725 1010+1
MARKETED BY AY **DONT TOUCH**
3 JL413 S 22MAR NRTHEL HK1 1130 1500
MARKETED BY AY **DONT TOUCH**
4 AY1365S 22MAR HELMAN HK1 1600 1700
TKT- CE********* ELECTRONIC TICKET EXIST (CHECK *TE) *********
1.SSR MOML JL HK1 JL414Y13MAR 1SEAT/THEWINDOW MR
2.SSR MOML JL HK1 JL413Y22MAR 1SEAT/THEWINDOW MR
3*SSR SEAT JL HK1 JL414Y13MAR 1SEAT/THEWINDOW MR SEAT 48A
4*SSR SEAT JL HK1 JL413Y22MAR 1SEAT/THEWINDOW MR SEAT 48A
I called Japan Airlines London 3 times after making my booking for various queries and I am delighted to say that Monica,Margaret and Mano were all extremely friendly,professional and really made me feel I had made the right choice to fly JAL ( albeit via Finnair). I asked if they had any memorabilia to post me and they advised to call the next day as the office was shut the day I called ( a UK Bank Holiday ).Some ex Senior ( but not older ) JAL Cabin Crew members are now office based in London.
It must have been around 18 years since I last picked up the phone to contact an airline for memorabilia and information. The digital age has meant that most customer's are happy to view all they want to online. I am very old school and the feeling of a brochure/timetable in my hands still excites me !
However, I didn't get as far as having to phone as, Ms Kaishini from JAL London emailed to say they were putting together some information to post me .

In December 2017 I got a shock during a random check of my JAL seat assignments when I saw that I had been unassigned on both my flights from/to Helsinki.
I immediately contacted Finnair who changed me ( at my request to 56A). A few weeks later I was watchign a JAL 787-9 video and was further dismayed to see that 56A is a non window seat. However I really should have consulted the below link as it clearly states non window seats. I wish all airlines would provide this information.
Again Finnair changed my seat,this time to 55A. So far I have been assigned 48A,56A and 55A !
https://www.jal.co.jp/en/aircraft/conf/789.html

TheWindowSeat Connections with Japan

In 1990 when flying from Heathrow to/from Pakistan, PIA for some reason, had some Japanese Airhostesses on each flight. That would be my first introduction to the Japanese people. Said Airhostesses were very kind and caring by the way. It was nice to see them wearing PIA's uniform of the time.
When I went to school in Holland in the 90's I had contacted JAL Amsterdam a few times for information and they always sent me lovely packages including,on one occassion, a book called This is JAL, an A-Z of JAL and a beautiful brochure of the world of JAL. There was even an article on JAL's Heathrow based Cabin Crew. On mvoing back to the UK, I lent the brochure to an absent minded friend who lost it. Or so I am told.
Anyway,over 2 decades later, a Dutch bookseller had one for sale so I bought it. Nice to be reunited with THIS IS JAL !
This is JAL …and this is a copy I managed to buy online - with the original I did a presentation on the 747 on Technical Studies at High School in 1994.
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Talking of my time in Holland, Clingendael in The Hague, has a beautiful Japanese Garden reached by bus 18.

The Japanese Garden was built in the early 20th century by the then owner of the Clingendael estate , Marguerite Baroness of Brienen also known as Lady Daisy.
It is the only Japanese Garden in the Netherlands and therefore has a high historical value. I wish such a garden existed in Manchester or at least in the United Kingdom.
Throughout her lifetime, Lady Daisy made many trips to Japan and would bring back bridges, lanterns, plants and a water basin to use for her garden. The garden is historically significant simply because it is the only Japanese Garden from that time period in the Netherlands. The garden features a range of sculptures, lanterns, mosses, a turtle island and a stone setting shaped like a crane. Both the crane and the turtle are symbols of long life. The garden’s pavilion makes for an excellent viewing point and was designed to be a place of contemplation.
In 2002 I had an interview with ANA All Nippon Airways in London as a Cabin Attendant ( their term , personally I say Cabin Crew). I waited two weeks and only after phoning ANA was I told I hadn't been successful.
In my last airline job in Manchester in 2012, I had many Japanese colleagues and would often start the day with " Ohayu Gozaimas" ! ( Good Morning in Japanese).
Contacts with JAL Amsterdam and JAL London were also further great experiences with polite,professional people.
Other than that, I have never really had any contact with the Japanese and my JAL flight would be my first real taste of the Japanese people and certainly my first experience of Japanese hospitality and care.
About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the oneworld® alliance, the airline now reaches more than 344 airports in 56 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of more than 227 aircraft. JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), the airline's loyalty programme, has reached over 30 million members worldwide. Awarded one of the most punctual major international airlines, JAL is committed to providing customers with the highest levels of flight safety and supreme quality in every aspect of its service, and aims to become the most preferred airline in the world.
Japan Airlines, once the largest operator of Boeing 747s, retired its last jumbo jets as it restructures operations in bankruptcy protection.
The final two 747-400s touched down at Tokyo's Narita airport in March 2011,after flights from Honolulu and the Japanese city of Okinawa,carrying 679 passengers between them.
JAL ended more than four decades of 747 operations as it focuses on smaller aircraft such as 767s and 787 Dreamliners to manage operating costs.
The carrier has owned a total of 112 747s beginning with a 747-100 that was delivered in 1970. The total included 44 x 747-400s. The airline was able to carry 568 passengers on 747-400s configured for domestic routes. So the term "Superjumbo" was already in operation via JAL way before the A380 took to the skies in 2007 !
It would be most unfair not to mention or show off the JAL 747-400 known as Skycruisers in the livery of when I first fell in love with JAL

The JAL Livery

The JAL livery is called the tsurumaru or "crane circle." It is an image of a Japanese red crown crane with its wings extended in full flight. The Tsurumaru JAL logo was created in 1958 by Jerry Huff, the creative director at Botsford, Constantine and Gardner of San Francisco, which had been the advertising agency for Japan Airlines from its earliest days.
In the creation of the logo, Huff was inspired by the personal crests of Samurai families.
On his choice of the crane, he writes: "I had faith that it was the perfect symbol for Japan Air Lines. I found that the Crane myth was all positive—it mates for life (loyalty), and flies high for miles without tiring (strength.)"
The tsurumaru livery was in use until 2002, when it was replaced by a livery called the "Arc of the Sun." The livery featured the motif of a rising sun on a creamy colored background.[102]
Following its corporate restructuring, Japan Airlines returned to the classic tsurumaru logo starting on 1st April 2011. Looking at a JAL aircraft,one can imagine it is greatly inspired by a large Japanese flag as the entire fuselage and tail is white with a red Crane logo on the tail which is in circular style as the red circle on the Japanese flag. The below image shows the same titles on all liveries although some were actually different whilst they were in operation.

A new Virtual way to fly in Japan ! Japan introduces Virtual Reality trips without ever leaving the ground…why do more countries not do this ?!

https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/flight-to-nowhere-japan-airline-introduces-vr-trips-without-ever-leaving-the-ground-1.704963#4

Some interesting facts about JAL and Japan

OAG I rated JAL top for punctuality in 2017
The Omotenashi hospitality concept is unique to JAL and strngly embodies Japanese traditional hospitality
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/en.rocketnews24.com/2015/04/01/narita-airport-attempts-to-woo-international-travellers-with-omotenashi-welcome-program/amp/
The UK Post Office rated the top Longhaul destination as Japan ( top shorthaul Bulgaria )
https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/02/12/tokyo-narita-tops-ranking-best-airport-food/
JAL is set to launch a budget airline with the aim of offering medium- and long haul international flights by 2020, when Tokyo is set to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
JAL will also consider providing the first low cost flights between Japan and Europe, as well as Japan and the US.
The envisioned users are both Japanese outbound travelers and foreign visitors to Japan.
JAL's handy guide showing where to sit to view Mount Fuji when flying JAL
https://www.jal.co.jp/en/dom/mt_fuji/?m=df
JAL Vision

Brand new Amenity Kits

https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/02/24/japan-airlines-launches-new-business-first-class-amenity-kits/
A week before I flew came this news that a Japanese volcano had erupted and dozens of flights had been grounded
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a19131519/japanese-volcano-erupts-dozens-of-flights-grounded/
Preparing for Japan

My Japanese Inspiration Collection - including a crane made in 2009 for me by a colleague's son who I had gifted some brochures about Japan !

Japanese business cards of the Manchester area

JAL Mileage bank card and pack - an actual card !

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JAL Samurai Blue 777 !
"SAMURAI BLUE 2018" Japan's Soccer World Cup Team. Photo by S Araki.

The Art of J advert !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zve-FRywjQM
And after that mini education about JAL and Japan it is time to board JL414 to Tokyo Narita,my first ever JAL flight !
A funny story before the review begins. I had arrived off AY1362 from Manchester and had been bussed to a bus waiting which had happened to be the very area I would get another bus to my JL414 aircraft. As I entered the waiting area I saw the Cabin Crew of JL414 walking into their seating area ahead of being bussed to our aircraft. I was so excited to see them that I made the bold move to go over and introduced myself to the Chief Purser.
I advised her I was flying JAL for the first time and I was a very long time fan of JAL. The Assistant Purser also came over whilst all the other female crew were sat nearby and smiling at me ! As I am talking to the 2 Pursers, I dropped a document wallet and everything went flying out ! Before I could even feel embarrassed the entire crew was laughing in a very cute way ! I told the Chief Purser my seat number and that I had a Muslim Meal ( MOML ) booked. I handed over a meal voucher I had printed and advised I looked forward to my flight.

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JAL has a very strict Boarding Sequence which is shown online and on a board at the gate area ;

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JL414 Fast Facts

Registration JA864J
787-900
13Mar18
HELNRT
Previous Narita-Helsinki
Next Jakarta then Frankfurt
Boarding started 1640pm for priorities

Boarding

We were then bussed to the waiting aircraft. I was overjoyed when I saw the first sight of my 787 Dreamliner which would fly me to Tokyo Narita !

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I was onboard at exactly 1700pm and said an enthusiastic Konichiwa to Purser I had met earlier !
Onboard 2 Airhostesses ( 1 was the Economy Purser ) said Konichiwa to me !
The Boarding theme tune "I will be there with you" was playing throughout the cabin and sounded lovely.
The configuration of the Economy cabin is 2 x 4 x 2 as opposed to 3 x 4 x 3 on other airlines. This means couples and two people travelling together can take advantage of no third person alongside them.
I had chosen the right side of the aircraft to get a view of Mount Fuji before landing,having viewed youtube videos which shows that the Mountain can be viewed on the right from Helsinki to Tokyo Narita.
Although Japan Airlines have a handy online guide for the correct seat albeit on domestic flights !
https://www.jal.co.jp/en/dom/mt_fuji/?m=df
I stowed my handluggage above my seat and asked my seatmate if I could take my seat and he politely obliged.
Once I had been seated for a few minutes I advised my seatmate that I will move after take off as spare seats in the middle rows with 4 seats were available.

An Airhostess came by to check I had a MOML booked and said she will serve me the meal after take off.
A few moments later the landing cards,discount vouchers and cute little competition entry with a JAL picture were distributed.

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There was a Welcome PA and that JL414 was a codeshare flight with Finnair and BA
Flight time was announced as 8 hours 40 mins time after take off

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The Dreamliner's window "shades" !

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At 1735pm the doors closed and the safety video played

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At 1740pm there was an apology for the delay as we had been waiting for connecting passengers - as these "connecting" passengers boarded I noted some had actually been sat in the lounge with me ??
Pushback was at 1744pm and the engines started at 1745pm

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Take Off

A Norwegian 737-800 " rewarding more than 6,000 members" was ahead of us to take off. You can just about see it.

Seen here with Irish registration at Dublin as it was impossible to get a good shot with all the rain in Helsinki !

At 1800pm my Japanese Dream began as we began a heavy rotation down the runway preceeded by the cute announcement that we are ready for take and thank you for waiting - please ensure seatbelt fastened climbed into the light and pleasant evening sky !

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As promised to my seatmate when I boarded I decided to let him have more space and also enjoy some extra space myself by changing to 55G, the aisle seat in a row of 4 in the middle. A look at the seat and seat contents. The cushion also acts as a neck pillow. I love the headrest cover, blanket and pillow design all being co-ordinated with the checked design. Please note this flight was an overnight flight and shortly after take off it became very dark outside. Even with the flash a few pictures came out darkish. With a soon to be upgraded Mobile Phone, hopefully my imaged will become very crystal clear and show Cabin Interiors at their very finest and classiest !

Power Ports for every seat - Premium Economy disguised as Economy Class !

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Seatpocket Contents

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The JAL CEO is saying Sayonara in his foreword….

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I would rather that the Drinks Menu was in fact a full Menucard !

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Inflight Service

A scented oshibori was served

I was really looking forward to my meal, as, unlike costcutter Emirates, JAL has a huge meal tray full of treats and culinary surprises !
Skytime Kiwi Juice and Crackers were served before the meal

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Cute inscription on the Cracker Mix packet as well as a lovely but simple illustration of Mount Fuji….

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And the moment I had been waiting for…..meal time…..Muslim Meal time !

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Salt and Pepper isn't included with the cutlery pack ( like on Thai Airways ) but is available upon request

Chopsticks in JAL branded packaging !

Real Metal Cutlery with the stylish JAL logo

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I was brought my meal before the main meal service even started ! I am a proud Muslim and always have been and love to show the best of my Faith in my everyday life both with family and friends as well as colleagues and acquaintances. I found it a bit strange that a green MOML ( Muslim Meal ) sticker was applied just behind my headrest,highlighting my religion.
To the other passengers,the Cabin Crew were displaying a laminated colour picture card showing the main meal choice ( pork or chicken pasta )
JAL's Halal Meal Standards

I loved the big beverage cups almost the size of a 330ml can !
Ice Cream isn't offered with a special meal but I asked for one anyway as I know Haagen Dazs doesn't have alcohol or animal fats !
There was then an announcement for Sky Oasis and requested that passengers "do stop by" and that there is no restroom in the rear.

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Inflight Entertainment

I listened to Louise "Lets go round again"and the headset clarity was like I was in a dancehall !
I had to listen to JPop so tried Candy Pop's "Twice""

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Inflight Washroom / Comfort / Amenities

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The checked blanket - nice and cosy and fresh !

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I had difficulty sleeping as someone in the row in front had their tv on and the glare was very bright. Upon request, an eye mask was brought to me and was comfortable and had a good level of darkness.

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The Cabin Crew are to be commended for exceptionally attentive,kind,courteous and professional service at all times during the flight. Japan should be very proud of it's cabin crew who worked endlessly throughout the flight and kept the cabin and washrooms meticulously clean.
A look at JAL's Cabin Crew uniform - the Senior Crew Member wears a white jacket over the navy uniform. All my crew were female.

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When needing assistance with the immigration form I was helped attentively so I could fill out the form properly.
Another Airhostess was worried for me regarding the Sky Oasis items and checked all ingredients - truly above and beyond.
I also spoke to various crew regarding Manchester,Tokyo travel and practised Japanese phrases.
The Cabin Crew were well groomed caring,hospitable,friendly.
When I advised I wanted to make a photo of the middle washroom as it was so spacious, an Airhostess locked it for me until I came back with my phone !
In another instance I had my foot out in the aisle and almost tripped an Airhostess yet she said sorry. I felt so bad and upset but she didn't make me feel bad in any way.
Premium Economy Peekabo whilst waiting to enter the central washroom which has a Japanese style toilet with a bidet !

Breakfast time is approaching…

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Time for Oshibori again ! The Airhostess giggled when I asked for a whole one !

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The Finnish Blueberry Yoghurt was really nice and a great way to round off breakfast. I believe my Breakfast hot entree was a potatoe type pastry with chicken accompanied by curried vegetables and spinach, along with a bread roll and fresh Papaya and grapes.

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Let's start our descent into Japan !

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This set of clouds looked like the UK and as we were flying a bit further back I swear I could see my birth country Scotland ! See if you can see Scotland !

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Echigo Mountains - the smaller cousins of Mount Fuji !

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I had earlier asked an Airhostess if she could check that I would get a good view of Mount Fuji ahead of landing. Around 70 minutes before landing,her colleague came to my seat and advised she had checked that we will get a view of Mount Fuji around 0900/0905am. My Japanese friend next door pointed Fuji out to me and I wouldn't have noticed just the tip ( or caldera ) had he not pointed it out. The original Airhostess I had asked for clarification of the view came by and also had to strain her eyes to see. At the exit row a few rows ahead another Airhostess was looking out with a passenger as the passenger took photos of Mount Fuji. Please view this review on a large / widescreen PC monitor to see the tip/caldera of Mount Fuji…believe me it is there !

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After landing in Tokyo Narita at 0940am,there was a long taxi to the gate.

Arrival onto gate on JA864J and next to our sistership JA865J

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After we parked up, this video of JAL / Japanese images started playing ! Surely this would make more sense whilst boarding ?!

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Business Luxury ! One day God willing !

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Welcome to Japan !!!

I had asked for some mementoes of the flight and got given a gift bag before leaving the flight and a photo with cabin crew AND the entire flight crew !
I wouldn't get to see the Gift Bag until I was in Seoul later that day……
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A look at the beautiful gifts I got given on my first ever JAL flight !

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Scooty !

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Upon disembarkation, I passed a security officer and would encounter my first authentic experience of Japanese kindness on Japanese soil !
I told him I have just arrived on JAL from Helsinki and have a connecting flight on Korean Air but on a separate ticket.
This lovely gentleman walked me to the JAL Transfer counter and advised as we walked that I can avoid having to collect my bag and re check in as the bag would get retagged to Seoul Incheon and I don't have to enter Japan until my return trip !

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So I hope you really enjoyed this review and will join me very shortly on KE704 to Seoul Incheon ! Arigatoh ( Thank You in Japanese ) for reading !