Check-in Counter (1)

This is the JAL First Class check-in counter at Narita Airport Terminal 2. Next to it is the entrance for JAL Global Club members.

Check-in Counter (2)

This is a sofa placed inside the First Class check-in area. The check-in counters are positioned directly in front of this seating area.

Check-in Counter (3)

A view of the First Class check-in area during the check-in process.

Check-in Counter (4)

A JAL First Class tag was attached to the carry-on baggage of a First Class passenger.

Departure Information Board

This is the departure information board at Terminal 2.

Priority Security Lane

This is the priority security lane reserved for JAL elite members and First Class passengers.

To the First Class Lounge

An escalator leading up to the JAL First Class Lounge located on the 4th floor.

Lounge Entrance

This is the entrance to the JAL First Class Lounge.

Painting in the Lounge

This red-toned painting is displayed near the lobby area just after entering the lounge.

Seating Area

This is the seating area inside the lounge.

Exhibit of Vintage Postcards

Displayed along the lounge hallway are vintage postcards from JAL’s international destinations.

Since JAL began operating international flights in 1954 (Showa 29), these are valuable historical items showcasing the airline’s global network over the decades.

Dining Area

The First Class Lounge features a variety of different areas.

This is the dining area.

Sushi Counter (1)

This is the sushi counter located in the dining area.

Although a JAL staff member is shown here, when the time comes, a sushi chef takes their place behind the counter and prepares fresh sushi right in front of you.

Sushi Counter (2)

The menu for the sushi counter is displayed on a digital screen.

Sushi Counter (3)

Inside the sushi counter, there's a small Japanese-style appetizer corner. Today’s offerings include “Yodare-dori” (spicy chicken) and a “Three-Tomato” salad.

To the right, there's a beer server machine.

Meal Counter

This is a separate meal service counter, offering a variety of freshly prepared dishes.

Buffet Counter

This is the buffet area from another view.

Beef Curry Station

Here is the buffet corner from another angle.

In the center, a JAL staff member is standing at the JAL Original Beef Curry station — a signature dish of the lounge.

Behind it is the area serving Japanese and Western set meals.

Alcohol Corner

This is a seating area where alcoholic drinks are served. It also offers cheese, mixed snacks, hazelnut cookies, and milk chocolate. In the back right, you'll find coffee and tea machines.

Sushi Area (1)

I sat down in the sushi area and picked up a glass of champagne.

Sushi Area (2)

This shows the entire sushi area, with the chef preparing sushi in the background.

Set Meal Corner

This is the menu screen for the set meal corner.

Meal I Had

Here’s what I picked up to eat:

Champagne & Wine Bar

This is the champagne bar. The furniture is beautifully designed — possibly made from paulownia wood, with a stunning natural tone.

There are two types of champagne, along with red and white wines. The glasses are neatly and elegantly arranged.

Sake Bar

This is the sake bar, featuring three carefully selected varieties:

Meal – Sushi

After finishing my initial meal, I enjoyed a serving of sushi.

Sushi and Soup

I had sushi, and added a serving of soup to go with it.

Tonkotsu Ramen

I also enjoyed a bowl of tonkotsu ramen.

Dessert

For dessert, I had a tiramisu plate, and also picked up a KitKat chocolate bar.

Moving to the Other Lounge (1)

In addition to the main terminal lounge, JAL also has a First Class Lounge on the satellite side.

Moving to the Other Lounge (2)

Another shot during the walk to the satellite lounge.

I spotted a plane waiting for takeoff outside the window.

Moving to the Other Lounge (3)

While heading to the satellite side, I passed someone who may have just finished a flight—perhaps a pilot.

Qantas Lounge (1)

On the way to the JAL First Class Lounge on the satellite side, I found the Qantas Business Class Lounge and decided to stop in.

Since Qantas and JAL are both members of the oneworld alliance, access is permitted.

Qantas Lounge (2)

Here is the entrance to the Qantas Lounge.

Interestingly, this space was originally used by ANA for its lounge until it moved to Terminal 1 in June 2006.

Qantas Lounge (3)

Inside the Qantas Lounge.

Qantas Lounge (4)

The bar counter inside the lounge.

Qantas Lounge (5)

They offer sparkling wine, as well as red and white wine.

JAL Satellite Lounge (1)

I finally arrived at the JAL First Class Lounge on the satellite side.

This is the entrance.

JAL Satellite Lounge (2)

A view of the interior of the satellite lounge.

JAL Satellite Lounge (3)

The view from the lounge windows.

JAL Satellite Lounge (4)

Relaxing in one of the lounge seats, enjoying champagne and an orange mousse dessert.

Front of the Seat

After boarding, I took my seat in First Class.

First Class Cabin

A view of the First Class cabin, taken from my seat.

Menu Binder

The binder, opened, contains:

Window-side Area

A look at the space between the seat and the window in First Class.

View from the Window

A view outside the window before takeoff.

Welcome Drink

Enjoyed a welcome drink before departure.

Heading to the Runway

A view from the window as the plane taxied toward the runway.

Spotted ANA Airbus A380 No. 1

I spotted ANA's Airbus A380 while taxiing.

ANA was the first Japanese airline to purchase an A380, and this sea turtle-themed aircraft had just launched its Narita–Honolulu route on May 24, 2019.

This day was May 25, so the aircraft I saw was likely the first unit returning from Honolulu.

View After Takeoff

The view from the window just after takeoff.

Cabin After Takeoff

The cabin after takeoff. Since the flight departed at 6:30 PM, the lighting was dim and calming.

Internet Service

This is a complimentary international in-flight internet service voucher.

Table Setting

A white tablecloth was laid out in preparation for the meal.

Dinner – Champagne “Salon”

The meal began with amuse-bouche (small appetizers) and okaki rice crackers, served with a glass of Salon champagne.

This Salon is a high-end vintage champagne, aged for at least 8 years in the bottle. JAL First Class is the only airline in the world to serve Salon onboard.

A single bottle of Salon typically retails for around ¥200,000 to ¥300,000 (USD 1,300–2,000).

Dinner – Bread

Four kinds of bread were served, along with olive oil, rock salt, and butter.

Dinner – Appetizer (1)

Caviar service — a quintessential First Class experience.

Dinner – Appetizer (2)

The caviar was served on a monaka wafer, with a yolk cream dip.

It was a moment of pure joy.

Dinner – Main Course

The main dish was a Japanese wagyu beef cheek steak.

Tender and full of flavor — absolutely delicious.

Dinner – Dessert

Dessert featured two items made with “Kotoka” strawberries from Nara Prefecture:

The coffee, served in a pot, came with instructions:
“Let it brew for 3 minutes until the hourglass runs out.” While waiting, I savored the desserts. The coffee was superb, served in a JAL First Class-branded cup designed to be lifted comfortably with your palm.

Dinner – Chocolate

After dessert, I received an assorted chocolate box by Jean-Paul Hévin, a renowned chocolatier and recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France).

Bed for Sleeping

After dinner, the cabin attendant asked, “Shall I prepare your bed?” — and set it up for me.

Light Meal – Ochazuke & More

For a light meal, I had:

Paired with diet cola and sparkling water.

Light Meal – Cheese Plate

For the second light meal, I enjoyed an assorted cheese plate.

Breakfast – Salad

Before arrival, I had a Mexican-style salad, topped with taco-seasoned elements.

Jamaica Subway Station

I took the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, which took about 5 minutes. From here, I’ll head to Manhattan by subway.

As expected in the U.S., the station is filled with a diverse mix of people.