About this flight
This time, I flew from Narita to Singapore in ANA First Class.
I was deeply impressed by the refined Japanese hospitality, reflected in every detail: ANA’s own bread, carefully baked for optimal taste in the air; the rich, elegant champagne; the seasonal presentation of tableware; and the seats designed with both comfort and functionality in mind.
Table of Contents
Narita Airport
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Terminal Entrance
This is the entrance to Narita Airport Terminal 1.
Departure Gate
A view of the entire departure gate area.
ANA Check-in Counter
This is the ANA check-in counter.
ANA First Class Exclusive Check-in Counter
This is the dedicated check-in entrance for First Class passengers and ANA Diamond members. Passing through this grand marble entrance adds a sense of exclusivity and a touch of formality. After check-in, passengers are guided through a private lane that leads directly to the adjacent security screening area.
This exclusive ANA check-in area is also available to First Class passengers of Star Alliance partner airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and United Airlines, as well as top-tier frequent flyers from each airline.
Airport Lounge
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Dining in the Lounge ①
Upon entering ANA's First Class Lounge, the ANA Suite Lounge, I was first asked whether I preferred a seat in the open space or a private room. I requested a private room and was shown to one, where I sat on a sofa and was then asked about my drink preference. I requested champagne and sparkling water with lemon and ice, and they were promptly brought out together with a hot towel.
The remote control for the 32-inch TV can be seen behind the champagne glass.
Dining in the Lounge ②
This is the food I picked up from the lounge buffet counter.
The four small bowls on the left are Japanese side dishes. The plate on the right is dessert—coffee jelly and three types of cake, all of which were incredibly delicious.
Dining in the Lounge ③
A hamburger and a seafood rice bowl. Both were extremely tasty and well-prepared.
Dining in the Lounge ④
Relaxing in a sofa seat after moving from the private room.
Dining in the Lounge ⑤
I also picked up some light snacks to enjoy.
View from the Window ①
This is the view from the window of the ANA Suite Lounge. Closest to the window is a Boeing 777-300ER, and in the background you can see a Thai Airways Airbus A380.
View from the Window ②
I moved from the ANA Suite Lounge to the United Airlines First Class Lounge. As a First Class passenger on ANA, you can also access First Class lounges of other Star Alliance member airlines.
In the background is a retired United Airlines Boeing 747-400ER.
View from the Window ③
This is a photo of ANA’s Boeing 777-300ER taken from the United Airlines First Class Lounge.
In-Flight Seat
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Front View of the Seat
This is the view of the First Class seat when seated.
Inside the red Samsonite pouch are skincare items from The Ginza brand: lotion, emulsion, facial cleanser, toothbrush, earplugs, and an eye mask. The Ginza set is quite high-end, with a current market value of around 12,000 yen.
Below that, a blanket and pajamas for changing are provided.
Full Seat View
This photo shows the adjacent seat, giving a clear look at the seat features. There's even a mirrored cabinet with a door. The design combines luxury with practicality, showcasing craftsmanship and thoughtful details.
Seat Recline Controller
This is the touch panel controller for adjusting the seat's recline.
Ceiling View
A photo of the ceiling taken while the seat is in the fully flat position.
In-Flight Meal
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Champagne and Amuse-Bouche
The meal service began with an aperitif and this amuse-bouche (a small appetizer served before the starter).
The champagne was Krug (France). “Blending wines of various vintages, Krug creates a complex flavor and aroma that a single-vintage champagne cannot achieve. Since the launch of international flights in 1986, ANA has remained committed to serving the finest champagne in First Class—Krug.” (From ANA's official website on First Class in-flight meals and drinks)
Table Setting
After the champagne and amuse-bouche were served, a tablecloth was laid on the table.
Appetizer - Caviar
This caviar is the "Miyazaki Caviar 1983" brand. “Fresh white sturgeon roe, lightly seasoned with rock salt and aged” (from Japan Caviar Co., Ltd.), it’s a purely domestic Japanese caviar.
Miyazaki Caviar 1983
The caviar plate also included marinated sea bass wrapped with lightly smoked scallop and sea urchin.
Bread
ANA’s bread is specially made in-house for in-flight conditions. “It is baked to about 90% doneness rather than fully, to maintain flavor even in the dry cabin air” (from ANA's website). The menu is updated seasonally every three months. The green bread is made with mugwort (yomogi).
Appetizer
This is the second appetizer I requested. It appeared to be a stew of tomato, dates, and snap peas.
I also had a different type of bread as a second helping.
Main - Steak
The main course was Japanese Wagyu filet steak.
The meat was tender, easy to eat, and of very high quality. The sauce was likely a black vinegar garlic reduction, which beautifully enhanced the flavor of the meat.
It was served with asparagus, mushrooms, potato galette (grated and pressed), and arugula.
Cheese
Cheese was served after the main dish. Appropriately for early summer, it was presented on a refreshing glass plate. It included Camembert, blue cheese, and dried fruits. I enjoyed it with a cappuccino.
Dessert ①
A matcha dessert selection: matcha cake, matcha ice cream, and matcha chocolate with black beans. A matcha lover’s dream.
Dessert ②
The meal concluded with petits fours—macarons and cream puffs.
Breakfast - Sea Bream Chazuke
For breakfast before landing, I had tai chazuke (rice with sea bream and dashi broth). Slices of sea bream dressed in sesame sauce and chopped green onions were served over warm rice. I poured the broth from a white pot and added shredded seaweed and wasabi. Extra sesame sauce was provided on the side.
Serving tai chazuke as an in-flight meal was an incredibly thoughtful touch, and I was moved by this display of hospitality.
Arrival in Singapore
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Singapore Changi Airport
This is the view upon arrival at Singapore Changi Airport.
