Japan Air, Business Class

I wish I knew how to say "Free Upgrade"  in Japan, cause that's what this was and it was nice.

But let's back up a little so I can give a bit more of the story...

I was headed back to Japan, and going via JAL again, the San Diego to Tokyo direct flight.  This time, unlike the last flight a few weeks ago, the Dreamliner was back in service, bigger, better plane than the previous one.  And, it was JAL, so everything is awesome and the attentants are nice and  helpful and everything is just, well, Japanesey.  I like.  And so, I got upgraded, for free, at the check-in counter.  Not sure why or how, but I did.  It looked like coach was oversold and they needed to move me up to make room for other paying passengers, and business class was only about half full.  Man, I hope this happens on the way back, cause this shit was awesome!

Let's start with the comfort

Fully adjustable seat, folding all the way down to a bed

Nice suede slippers

Cardigan and Bose headset to use for the flight

Loaner cardigans???  Was kinda weird, but hey, comfort is comfort

Warm towel for my face

No window shades.  You simply touch a button and the windows darken

???? I was like, how does that work ????

Yes, please bring me the drink cart

Amuse-Bouche

Carrot puree with sea urchin and bread sticks

and

Potato salad with chicken teriyaki

Both were really delicious

Specialty cocktail for this route (SD to Tokyo)

"Michizane"

Plum wine and gin mixed with lime juice

Was really good 

For dinner I selected the Japanese dinner.

Rather than explain what was what, small bites of many things, here's the program so you know the players:

Before

And after

It also came with braised beef, rice, miso soup

a little tea to wash it down

Coconut pudding

Mid-flight I enjoyed a cheese plate and some wine

I also had a truffle a bit later

JAL is great

Business class (free upgrade) is great

Traveling is great

See the world, eat food

DVA