For my flights to Tokyo, I was routed through YVR and flew JL17 to NRT. In Vancouver, I checked into the Cathay Pacific first class lounge, and it was delightful

The lounge dining options included made to order dim sum

I wish I could have these chairs and those lamps at my place…

The flight was OK. It was on a 787-8 that hadn’t been retrofitted with their latest hard product, which meant angled lie-flat seats. At least I got a decent view of that wing and those GENx engines!

So for my return flight, I booked JL62 from NRT to LAX. It was the cheapest fare, and it worked out for me, since I would be able to visit the Narita JAL first class lounge.

There was a sushi bar, and a well stocked bar. This was my first ever sip of Hibiki. I don’t know why I avoided whisky for so long…

The plane! #77W

The JAL business class suite…

I’m beginning to like this product, a lot

The only thing the window seats could use is more storage space… but these are first world problems

Taxiing

Waving goodbye to Japan for the foreseeable future

I’ve never seen an airline bento box like this!

At LAX, I had a pretty long layover. I spent it in an AA lounge, where I got carded for drink tickets…

Somewhere over Canada

Baker!

And just like that, my last business trip to Japan in 2019 was over.