Japan Airlines (JAL) 777-300ER First Class 🇯🇵
Tokyo Haneda (HND) - Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW)
I can't believe it's my final premium class long haul redemption of the past year - but at least ended my 4th circle around the world in 2023 on one of my favorite airlines just like it began.
While the seat is old, it's very comfortable, spacious, and the JAL service is always exceptional. The crew was so friendly, loved the Kirby addition to my suite, and continued to bring me glass after glass of Salon champagne (most expensive in the sky?) and 'SKYTIME' drink lol. They also let me have the wagyu Japanese starter and the Western steak for main…all the beef!!! I also appreciate the fun order on demand options later in the flight and included wifi.
I booked this about a week in advance using Alaska Airlines miles I got from a sign up bonus plus some I got back from canceling on Starlux premium economy (my original flight home from Japan). Total cost was 100K miles + $56 for the first class flight from Tokyo Haneda to DFW instead! I think I made the right choice and flew Starlux another time.
Japan for Fall Colors Information 🍁
My favorite place in the world is the perfect place to go during Thanksgiving week to see the red maples and sea of colors across the country. While this visit was to some more remote locations as a 9-time Japan veteran, I highly recommend Kyoto for amazing foliage amongst the endless temples and shrines.
But for those that have been before or like getting off the beaten path here was my full itinerary this time around. Also included some big touristy stuff so there's something for everyone 🙂
Day 1: Tokyo
-I waited in line for 3 hours for michelin star ramen and rice bowl at Ginza Hachigo. Only serve 30 walk-ins per day
-Food stalls at Tsukiji Outer Market
-Harajuku Takeshita Street
-Meiji Jingu Shrine
-Shinjuku arcades and bars
-Stayed at APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
Day 2: Nikko
-Limited express train from Shinjuku to Nikko
-Bus 2A to Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck for views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
-Bus 2A down to Toshogu Temple
-Walk to Shinkyo Bridge
-Taxi to Edo Wonderland
-Shuttle to train station, limited express to Shinjuku
-Gyukatsu Motomura for dinner
-Stayed at APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
Day 3: Osaka
-Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka
-Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
-Dotonbori for food and shopping
-Shinsekai at dusk
-Train to Kyoto
-Que Pasa for Dinner
-Stay at Pocket Hotel Kyoto Shijokarasuma
Day 4: Kyoto
-Bus to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji Corridor
-Bus to Kyoto Station
-Train to Tofoku-Ji Temple Gardens
-Lunch at Dragon Burger
-Bus to Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka
-Sunset at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
-Night illuminations at Kodai-Ji Temple
-Dinner at Mcdonalds hehe
-Stay at Pocket Hotel Kyoto Shijokarasuma
Day 5: Travel Day
-Sleep in
-Train journey to Unazuki-onsen
-Walking path across the gorge
-Dinner at local Yakiniku shop for wagyu
-Stay at Yukai Resort Grand Hotel and onsen
Day 6: Kurobe Gorge
-Take Kurobe Gorge Railway
-Get off at Keyakidaira for bridge and people eating crag
-Get off at Kanetsuri for snacks and hot spring
-Black ramen back at Unazuki Station
-Train to Nagano
-Dinner at Nagano Station (katsu)
-Stay at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Station
Day 7: Kiso Valley Road Trip
-Train to Matsumoto Station
-Pick up car from Toyota Rental Matsumoto Station
-Naraijuku Post Town
-Nezame-no-toko Gorge
-Atera Valley
-Kazikore Ravine
-Tsumagojuku Post Town
-Magomejuku Post Town
-Return car
-Train to Nagano
-Stay at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Station
Day 8: SNOW MONKEYS
-Pick up car from Nippon Rental Nagano Station
-Drive to Snow Monkey Park Jigokudani Yaen Koen
-30 min walk to snow monkey park
-Soak in onsen at snow monkey park
-Lunch at cafe at the bottom
-Drive back to Nagano Station and return car
-Train to Tokyo
-Shibuya arcades and shops
-Stay at The Millennials Shibuya
Next up….Antarctica!!! ❄️🐧
