Welcome to my return flight with Air Japan!
The probablity of getting the same aircraft is 1/2 since the airline was operating 2 aircraft at this point. I was not surprised when I saw JA801A turned up at my gate. This aircraft flew me from Singapore to Tokyo Narita. You can check out my earlier trip report with this airline over here.
Introduction
This trip was a success and everything went well. I was glad to be able to bring my mum and aunt to experience, the bus, flight and train transport in Japan. Japan customer service has to be one of the best in the world and even though the trains are pretty impressive, it still takes quite a while to get used to especially with the different transport companies running the lines. However all these convenience may come with a cost, for the train fare within the city, it can be expensive and of course taxi fare can be very expensive so the most economical way to travel around would be buying the travel day passes which can be used in both buses and trains.
For this flight back, we would be flying with the same airline, Air Japan and this time we would be sitting on the right side of the aircraft, hoping to catch the view of Mount Fuji during our departure. Unfortunately our route out of Japan was far away from the mountain so we couldn't see it.
On the bright side, we departed in very good weather and for more information on our flight, do read on to find out.
So let's begin my final Japanese Family Trip Series trip report! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Our journey to the airport begins at Kyoto
First, we took the Shinkansen train to Tokyo Station. For the trip report, click here.
Shinkansen train ride
Bus ride to Tokyo Narita
Arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
Airline's web check-in
For this return flight (NRT-SIN), we were able to the web check-in.
On the day of departure
The airport was crowded and considering this to be the secondary airport in Tokyo, the numbers are impressive.
As this is Air Japan's home base, we are allowed to do self check-in.
First, we need to collect our boarding pass.
Here it is. This time I will be sitting on the right side of the aircraft, seat 2K.
Once our boarding passes were collected, we made our way to the counter to check in our luggages.
There are a few shops at the land side.
This is the departure hall (landside) of Tokyo Narita Terminal 1.
For those wondering, there are restaurants and an observation deck at the level 5 of the landside.
Departure Hall (Airside)
This is where the passageway leading towards the gates just after the passport control.
While my aunt and mum went to do their things, I checked out the shops and did a bit of planespotting.
A lot of shops and restaurants to hang out.
There are shower and rest rooms (chargable) available.
I bought some snacks for the folks back home.
Sitting area with massage chairs (chargable).
The gate area
Japanese style seating area
Charging ports are available at some benches.
This is the map layout of the airside of terminal 1 (Photo: Greenport agency)
This is gate 25 located at the no.2 Satellite of the south wing.
Sitting at one of the benches allow you to enjoy the view of the tarmac.
I was off to the next satallite.
United Airlines' lounge
This part of the terminal (Satallite 3) is where the United Airlines aircraft are parked.
The list of airlines operating from this terminal.
I had a good walking exercise thanks to the 5 satellite sections of this terminal, allowing me to enjoy my favourite planespotting hobby.
The assigned gate for my flight.
Seating area near my gate.
Random aircraft photos
United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Xiamen Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Zipair Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This aircraft was bound for Singapore.
Personally I dislike the tail livery, it looks so odd. What do you think?
China Southern Airbus A321ceo.
United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
United Airlines Boeing 737-800
My ride is being towed to the gate.
JA801A turned out to be my aircraft as it was being towed from a remote parking lot.
My ride home on the same aircraft that flew me here.
Time to board the aircraft!
2 aerobridges were available for our flight.
We walked through the first aerobridge.
Welcome on board Air Japan!
My ride: JA801A (Photo: Haru)
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Transferred from ANA in April 2024 in new configuration
Configuration: Y324
Engines: 2 X Roll Royce Trent 1000
First flight: September 2011
Age: 14 Years Old
8th Boeing 787 in production
Built in Everett (PAE)
Flight route: NRT-SIN
Miles: 3,324
My seat: 2K (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 17th August 2025
Airline: Air Japan
Flight: NQ3
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: JA801A
Seat: 2K
Route: NRT-SIN
Terminal: 1
Gate: 21
Load: 60%
Flight Time: Unknown (Not announced by the crew)
Actual Flight Time: 6 hours 23 minutes
Schedule Departure: 1740
Boarding: 1713
Pushed Back: 1756
Take Off: 1813
Schedule Arrival: 2345
Actual Arrival: 2325
Departure Runway: 16R
Departure Weather: Clear
Arrival Runway: 20C
Arrival Weather: Partially Cloudy
Arrival Terminal: 2
Arrival Gate: F56
My Air Japan experience
When I did a check on which aircraft was flying me back home, I would do the check on the flight history of both aircraft. I wanted to fly on the other aircraft, JA803A. However that aircraft was operating on the Incheon route and usually it will do the Bangkok route just 20-30 minutes later after my flight departure time. JA801A had no flight schedule prior to my flight and not a surprise when I saw it towing to my gate.
Announcement were made to board the aircraft and it was done in an orderly manner. As we were sitting in the front cabin, we were one of the first to board. It is a good idea to sit on the right side of the aircraft as the flight departure out of Tokyo allowed us to enjoy mother's nature greatest gift - the beautiful sunset. Just an hour after departure, our meal service was served. I had the Chicken Namban Rice Bowl option and it tasted quite ok. Comparing this flight's service to my previous flight with this airline, I feel it is not as good as the service on this flight seems a bit rushed and but at least they were helpful.
Just like the previous flight, only paid wifi was available so I settled for some rest and managed to grab some sleep. For the flight itself, there was more turbulence, mostly clear air turbulence but nothing bad. A couple of points I need to raise about this flight. First, the lack of flight details from the crew. On this flight, the flight crew went radio silence, it is not uncommon on Japanese airlines as usually the flight purser will made the announcement. However on this flight, I had no idea about the flight time or weather on route but at least she gave us the essential instructions before take off and landing. Another point to raise is during the take off and landing, the cabin lights was not turned off, personally I think this should be made mandatory for all airlines to turn them off or at least leave the lights at the dimmest mode. Why you may ask? This is to allow our eyes to be adjusted to the potential darkness for an emergency evacuation. It is easier for us to notice the emergency and exit lighting if the worst to happen. In the dark environment, it would be easier for one to react faster and more importantly follow the crew's instructions without having doubts.
We landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule despite our late departure at Narita and took the cab home as it was past midnight after collecting our luggages.
Cabin photos
Welcome on board JA801A, once again!
I was sitting on the right side of the same row as my previous flight with this airline.
Are you able to spot the engine from this view?
The middle seats of the last few rows of the first cabin.
With the literature and safety cards placed near the top rear of each seat, the advantage of this arrangement is more legroom space for us.
Even at a regular window seat, it looks comfortable.
The overhead compartment
The cabin view during the flight
This was my seat, 2K. It is the best seat on this aircraft along with seat 2A.
See what I mean? Plenty of legroom space.
Row 1 passengers don't get much window view.
However the legroom space is good.
More photos of the seat
View from my seat
For passengers at either row 2A or 2K, your copy of the safety card and inflight menu are placed at the literature holder of the seat besides yours (seat 1B or 1E).
The front view of my seat
The front window
The bi-foldable and retractable tray - partially folded
Unfolded completely
USB Charging ports (Type A and C) are located below the seats between the window and middle seats (2A and 2B & 2H and 2K)
The recline button together with the reading lamp and flight attendent call buttons.
One last look of my seat.
This seat or seat 2A is my first choice if I fly again with this airline again.
Let's take a look at the contents once again.
Besides meal options, the airline sells its own merchandise.
Our selection
Omusubi Rice Ball Bento
Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Chicken Namban Rice Bowl Served With Sunrise Tartar Sauce (My meal)
I give this a rating of 4/5.
I had a cup of apple juice as my choice of beverage.
Inflight Entertainment (Wifi on your own device)
Basic information on your flight
Connectivity was fine throughout the flight.
To surf the internet, you have to pay to use it.
These are the charges. (August 2025)
We have landed at Changi Airport.
Lavatory
Just like my previous flight, the lavatory was in tip-top condition.
The hand waving sensor for flushing
The size of the lavatory is quite spacious.
Window View Photos
It was a beautiful day for flying.
This is Westjet, a Canadian airline. I hope to try out this airline in the near future.
I always like taking off in sunset condition and this photo explains.
Etihad Airways Airbus A350-1000 on the way to the active runway for departure.
One last look at NRT airport.
Westjet's tail livery on the 787 is one of my favourites.
Passing by the terminals as we made our way to the active runway.
Almost at the threshold of the runway.
Off we go!
Speeding down the runway for take off.
Taking off in this beautiful weather.
Goodbye Japan, thanks for the memories!
Mount Fuji is far away from this position and it was a pity not able to see it.
The sky was getting darker at this point.
We managed to enjoy the last moments of the sun before it disappeared.
One last look at the sun before I went to rest.
A few hours later, we started our descent into Changi Airport (SIN).
It was an enjoyable trip to Japan!
My Flight Summary
Back in Singapore! (Terminal 2)
The advertisment board greeted us as we made our way to the immigration for clearance back to our daily lives.
This is the baggage carousel.
We waited for about 10 minutes before our luggages appeared.
That's all for my Japanese Trip Series (Family Edition)! Hope you enjoy the trip reports as well as the hotel reviews as much as I do.
My ratings
Airline Website/Mobile App: 3/5
Airport Experience (NRT Terminal 1): 4/5
Inflight Service: 3/5
Seat Comfort: 5/5
Inflight Entertainment: 3/5 (Wifi is Chargable)
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Seat Condition: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
InFlight Meal/Beverage: 4/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall Rating: 42/50
Percentage: 84%
Conclusion
I thought the airfare was really a good deal for this return flight trip to Japan. For an average price of $500 per passenger, we got to enjoy the delicious meals and get to select very good seats at the front cabin, it is certainly a bargain. The combined flight time of around 13 hours that means 500 divide by 13 will you give a round off number of S$38 per hour for a person, that is pretty reasonable. What I like about the airline is it offers a competitive cabin product and pay for what you need, just like any other low cost carriers. The cabin seats are quite comfortable and charging ports are free to use! I went with the top tier fare so that I could enjoy whatever is provided without paying extra. The better seats and the meal service added into the cost, we were able to enhance our comfort and my mum and aunt were satisfied with the seats and the meal service. This one-class configured wide-body aircraft is actually not a bad way to travel for budget conscious travellers.
Do you think this airline should have introduced a 2nd cabin (Premium Economy or Business Class) something like Air Asia X, Scoot, Zipair or Norse? Maybe but the airline's main aim is to make airfares more affordable and perhaps maintaining a one-class cabin helps to keep cost low, hence the airline is able to offer a competitive airfare against its rivals but for those that prefer comfort, can fly with the parent airline ANA, which provides more premium experience (Premium Economy, Business and First class) depending on the routes.
For now, the airline is operating with only 2 aircraft, with a 3rd to join the fleet as early as November 2025. The plan for now is to increase the frequency on the NRT to SIN route from 5 times weekly to daily and with more Boeing 787-8 joining the fleet in the near future, we can expect the airline to introduce new routes, routes possibily with high tourist demand. Watch this space!
For my Air Japan Part 1 Trip report (SIN-NRT), click here.
For my previous trip report (My First Shinkansen Experience from Kyoto to Tokyo trip report), click here.
For my hotel stay @ Osaka, click here for the trip report.
For my hotel stay @ Kyoto, click here for the trip report.
Have a good one!
Charles
Coming up next: A Short Trip to MYY with Scoot's ERJ-190E2 and back (via KUL) with Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8. Stay tuned!
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