Cover Experience the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality with Japan Airlines (JAL)

Experience unparalleled luxury and comfort with Japan Airlines, where every detail of your journey is crafted for ultimate enjoyment

The enchanting beauty of Japan calls out to tourists from all over the world, drawing them in with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. For some, the destination is what matters most; for others, the journey to and from it is just as important—an excellent flight, after all, both starts and ends the holiday on a good note.

Well aware of that, Japan Airlines (JAL) sets the stage for an unforgettable journey with its first‑class cabins, which combine the luxury of space with comfort and flawlessly executed personalised service to elevate your time in the sky.

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Photo 1 of 2 JAL’s first‑class lounges in the Haneda and Narita airports offer the perfect prelude to your journey
Photo 2 of 2 The luxurious lounges blend modern Japanese aesthetics with traditional elements

Luxury of travel redefined

From straight after check‑in right up to touchdown, every moment with JAL is crafted for your ultimate enjoyment. For travellers on the return leg, for instance, JAL’s first‑class lounges in the Haneda and Narita airports offer the perfect prelude.

Dreamt up by renowned interior designer Ryu Kosaka of Aoyama Nomura Design, the luxurious lounges harmoniously blend modern Japanese aesthetics with traditional elements—think a serene environment with floor‑to‑ceiling windows affording panoramic runway views, and decorative screens showcasing cranes and cherry blossoms.

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Photo 1 of 2 Sushi Tsurutei in JAL’s first‑class lounges in the Haneda and Narita airports offers fresh sushi in a theatre‑like atmosphere
Photo 2 of 2 Here, travellers can indulge in handmade sushi meticulously prepared by skilled chefs before flying

At the heart of both is Sushi Tsurutei—a last call to indulge in fresh handmade sushi meticulously prepared by skilled chefs before flying home. The dining experience includes fine sake and champagne pairings, expertly chosen by sommelier Motohiro Okoshi and sake critic Koichi Hasegawa. Little wonder, then, that the lounges have garnered accolades, including recognition as World Class lounges in the prestigious Apex World Class awards that honours the world’s best‑in‑class airlines and airline lounges.

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Photo 1 of 2 JAL’s spacious first‑class cabin features elegant woodgrain furnishings and a 23‑inch personal screen
Photo 2 of 2 A sanctuary of relaxation, each cabin evoke the comfort of a personal library

The pampering continues on board with JAL’s first‑class cabins, each a sanctuary of relaxation with chic woodgrain furnishings evoking the comfort of a personal library. Ensuring a restful slumber, the seat in each effortlessly transforms into a bed topped with a Dual Mode mattress pad—which is soft on one side and firm on the reverse—by premium mattress manufacturer Airweave, as well as its S‑Line pillows.

Not quite ready to snooze? Catch a film or two in your very own private movie theatre in the sky, afforded by the 23‑inch personal screen and the retractable privacy partition that separates the middle two seats, ensuring comfort and a sense of seclusion without doors. Meanwhile, spacious storage compartments keep all your essentials within easy reach.

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Photo 1 of 3 JAL offers exclusive in‑flight menus specially crafted by renowned chefs such as Hideki Ishikawa and Koji Koizumi
Photo 2 of 3 The Japanese menu items highlight seasonal ingredients and are a celebration of the country's cuisine
Photo 3 of 3 Shuzo Kishida, of the acclaimed Quintessence restaurant, brings his expertise in Western cooking to the skies

Further enhancing the flight experience are JAL’s on‑board meals, which transform air travel into a luxurious culinary journey with their emphasis on flavour and presentation. Flights departing from Singapore, for instance, offers a light meal of either a fragrant vegetable curry or the JAL Original Noodle, a tonkotsu‑flavoured miso ramen noodle dish, complemented with an assorted cheese selection and a decadent chocolate treat.

Meanwhile, flights to Singapore put forth exclusive menus specially crafted by renowned chefs such as Hideki Ishikawa, Koji Koizumi, and Shuzo Kishida, of the acclaimed Michelin‑starred restaurants Kagurazaka Ishikawa, Kohaku, and Quintessence respectively. Together, Ishikawa and Koizumi have curated a menu highlighting seasonal ingredients, each dish a celebration of Japanese cuisine, while Kishida brings his expertise in Western cooking to the skies.

Night and morning flights similarly offer different menus. On the former, there are snacks the likes of seared scallops with ponzu dressing and smoked salmon cheese rolls. The latter presents the option of a traditional Japanese breakfast or an indulgent international breakfast.

And where there is food, there are drinks. A non‑alcoholic standout is the Royal Blue Tea’s Queen of Blue, crafted by expert tea sommeliers and of which the deluxe grade is served exclusively in first class. Made from rare, hand‑picked Oriental Beauty leaves harvested once a year during the summer months, this delightful tea exudes an elegant fruitiness and a gentle sweetness. Best enjoyed in a wine glass, it pairs beautifully with a variety of cuisines, offering a sophisticated touch to your in‑flight experience.

The omotenashi experience

JAL proudly employs around 80 cabin attendants who are based in Singapore, all of whom are trained to embody the essence of omotenashi—the hallmark of authentic Japanese hospitality. This commitment to exceptional service has earned JAL the prestigious 5‑Star Airline certification from Skytrax for seven consecutive years, reflecting its unwavering dedication to quality. Additionally, the airline has been awarded the Apex World Class status four times, highlighting its excellence in passenger experience. With a focus on safety and comfort, JAL’s cabin attendants ensure that every journey is marked by attentive care, making each flight a journey to be savoured and enjoyed.


Experience the luxury of Japan Airlines with non‑stop flights from Singapore to Tokyo, operating three times daily—twice to Haneda and once to Narita. Until March 29, 2025, indulge in unparalleled service in the airline’s first‑class cabin on flights JL036 and JL037.

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Images: Japan Airlines

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