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Autumn in Hokkaido and an SQ Suites Experience (FD, XJ, GK and SQ Suites)

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  • #16



    Hokkaido University compound.




    We went to Sapporo Beer Museum and Garden for dinner.






    Had the popular Gengis Khan BBQ buffet, and opted for the seafood-inclusive buffet. For the price of the buffet and unlimited servings of lamb and crabs, it was definitely worth it.






    Early the next morning, we took the airport limousine bus to head to the airport. The flight to Kansai is scheduled to depart at 1055am.






    New Chitose Airport's domestic terminal is also a shopping mall and market, selling all sorts of Hokkaido treats, souvenirs and even live seafood!





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    • #17
      The JetStar Japan and AirAsia Japan check-in counters were located right at the far end of the terminal.






      Boarding pass was printed at the self-check-in kiosks and bags dropped off at the counters. The agents were very strict with the weight of carry-ons and weighed each and every one.




      After clearing security, we proceeded down a level to the bus gate as the aircraft was parked at the remote stand today. Boarding has also just commenced.




      On the bus ride to our A320.









      06 November 2018
      Jetstar Japan
      GK 152
      Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) - Osaka Kansai (KIX)
      A320
      JA08JJ
      Economy Class
      Flight Time: 1H58M



      Boarding through the stairs.








      Welcomed by the friendly Jetstar crew. JetStar Japan's aircraft is fitted similar to the rest of the JetStar franchises, with black leather slimline seats and orange accented cabin.



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      • #18
        Boarding in progress. The flight was not too full and there were quite a number of empty seats scattered around. As always in Japan, boarding was very efficiently completed.






        LCC-standard legroom, but not the worst out there.




        View from the window.




        The seat pocket materials.




        Safety card, with the cute Jetstar Japan mascot.




        Taking a look at the BOB menu.








        Doors closed and we pushed back. Safety demo was performed by the crew in Japanese, but announcements were made both in Japanese and English.




        Taxied to Rwy01L for departure.



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        • #19
          Very nice photos and write up. I went to the exact same places (Even stayed at the Dormy Inn in Otaru too) during winter last year, and it brought back many great memories of my trip. Its especially nice seeing the landscape in various colour other than just white.

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          • #20
            Thanks, ycp81, for the great TR. Planning a trip there in spring, so your tips are going to be very useful.

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            • #21
              Departed from Rwy01L bound for Osaka Kansai.

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWDkBe7J-p0






              After seatbelt signs were turned off, it was time for the inflight 'meal'. Nope, this was not offered on Jetstar, but purchased from one of the many shops selling bento sets in the airport terminal. And yes, it was an ikura and crab don again. I believe all Japanese airlines, full-service and LCCs alike, allow passengers to consume their own food onboard as it was not mentioned in the inflight magazine, BOB menu or announcements that this is prohibited. Also, all the Japanese airlines do not offer meal service in economy class on all domestic routes. And they do trust that Japanese travellers would not make a mess out of their bring-on-board food.






              It was very cloudy below almost all the way till Osaka.




              BOB service commenced. All crew, in Japanese style, were very courteous and polite.




              As out tickets were inclusive of 500yen of F&B credit each, we used the total of 1000yen to purchase a Jetstar dorayaki and hot green tea set (500yen) and an instant hot porridge (500yen).




              The very cute Jetstar dorayaki with red bean filling.






              And the msg-laden but tasty instant rice porridge.




              Visit to the lavatory, which had the basic amenities.




              Cabin from the rear.

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              • #22
                There was nothing else to do and nothing to see out the windows apart from thick clouds below till we were approaching Osaka.






                The leisurely approach into Kansai was pretty scenic.





                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2prAE1Oho0


                A smooth landing in Osaka Kansai Rwy06L ahead of schedule.

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3_wEtzNLwY






                Taxied to Terminal One.






                Parked at the domestic hall of the terminal.




                Disembarking and final look of the aircraft.








                Jetstar offered a very decent domestic offering within Japan. Cabin was clean and spotless, crew were polite and professional, and BOB choices was sufficient for the short-hauls the airline operates within Japan. Overall experience was very consistent with the Jetstar brand.
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                • #23
                  ANA B738 at Kansai.




                  Baggage claim.




                  Had a simple, cheap and tasty lunch at Matsuya within Kansai Airport.




                  For the overnight in Kansai, we stayed at Stargate Hotel Kansai, which was a stop by train from Kansai Airport. Was upgraded to a Corner Double, which was a bigger sized room with huge bath area, and offered splendid views towards the bay and the city from my room at the 48th floor. The hotel was perfect for a short walk to the Rinku outlets, as well as nearby a huge drug store and a 24hrs supermarket for last minute groceries shopping.








                  View towards Rinku outlets.




                  Towards the Osaka outskirts.




                  The Rinku ferris wheel.




                  Of course, some outlet shopping had to be done at Rinku!




                  Dinner was a tempura meal at Mametora within Rinku Premium Outlets.




                  View that greeted me in the morning.

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                  • #24
                    Kansai airport could be seen in the distance from my hotel room.




                    Checked out of the hotel before 9am to catch the 9am free shuttle to Kansai airport. It was only a 10min bus ride to Kansai, and 10min to the experience which all Avgeeks would die for, the Suites experience on Singapore Airlines! For the peak winter schedule, SQ had upgraded one of the twice daily flights (which will go up to both dailies for a month from mid-Dec) to the A380 and with this, Suites Class was offered on the KIX route. In fact, this is the only destination in Japan which offers Suites. And KIX being a premium-light route compared to Tokyo, Suites Savers redemption was widely available (4 seats or more per A380 flight up for Savers redemption) and hence I jumped at the opportunity and upgraded my Business ticket to Suites! Suites was so 'unpopular' that Business Class redemptions were only on waitlist for both Saver and Advantage redemptions, but Suites redemption was immediately available for confirmation.

                    Arrived at SQ's check-in counters and proceeded straight to the Golden check-in row which had no queue. Comparatively, there were long queues at the Business and Economy counters.




                    Check-in completed, and got my 1st every Golden ticket! According to the JAL check-in agent, Suites would be 5/12 today.




                    Suites passengers were provided with the Fast Lane pass (I recalled Business passengers were not provided with this), as well as JAL Sakura lounge or 2000yen meal voucher, similar to Business Class offering.




                    Heading to the Fast Lane security clearance.




                    After the efficient security and immigration, we were at the airside. The departure level overlooks the domestic hall.






                    Instead of heading to the JAL Sakura Lounge, I grabbed a bite at a Japanese restaurant using the voucher credit instead.




                    After some final duty-free shopping, we took the shuttle train to the far end gates where international flights would depart from. Our magnificent whale was all readied for the flight back to Singapore.




                    The gate area was crowded with passengers, which means that the flight must be pretty full at the back.




                    An area towards the boarding gate was reserved for premium passengers.




                    Ground staff all prepared for boarding.

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                    • #25
                      07 November 2018
                      Singapore Airlines
                      SQ 619
                      Osaka Kansai (KIX) - Singapore (SIN)
                      A380-800
                      9V-SKK
                      Suites Class
                      Flight Time: 6H05M



                      After passengers needing assistance were boarded, the ground staff invited Suites passengers which they had identified earlier to board. Into the whale!




                      Made a left turn at the 1st aerobridge and welcomed by the crew at the door. We were personally escorted to our suites. For this flight, my suite would be at the window 3F. 3A/F offers 3 windows in each suite, compared to the other window suites which only have 2 each.






                      My private space for the next 6.5hrs!




                      The Suites crew came around to welcome and introduce themselves. As this would be my 1st time in Suites, the crew also made the effort to do a brief introduction of the seat features. Even though this was the old suites, it was still perfectly comfortable and easy to figure out the nooks and crannies.

                      IFE handset, seat controls, some storage and a litter bin. The power outlets and more storage are at the other side (which I forgot to take a picture of).




                      A large sized pillow and a blanket was already placed on the ottoman. The crew came round to remove the blanket wrapper and offered to assist to cover you up if you would like. Hmm, not too used to such personal service haha.




                      The reading materials. The Silver Kris magazine article title totally described my life now!




                      Hot towels were offered and welcome beverages offered. Shall go with the Dom Perignon before departure! I am no wine connoisseur but the Dom is definitely easier to drink than the Charles Heidsiek in Business. Nuts and are glass of water were also offered.








                      I had no chance to finish up the champagne as the crew reappeared to top up my champagne flute whenever the champagne level went low.



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                      • #26
                        The new Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H9i wired headphones and leather-bounded menu were offered. Selection of newspapers and magazines were also offered.






                        Across from my suite. It was pretty empty with only 5/12 in Suites.




                        View from the window.




                        Safety video played prior to pushback. With so much space and the distance between the seat and tv screen, it certainly does made the screen look small. First world problems...




                        Pushed back and given the traditional Japanese farewell from the ground crew.






                        Taxied to the runway while crew cleared the glasses and dishes.






                        Departed from Rwy06R.

                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvzuGew_ff0






                        Flying pass Kobe airport.

                        Last edited by ycp81; 21 November 2018, 11:21 PM.
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                        • #27
                          Flying in great weather.






                          After having so much liquids since boarding, I rushed to the restroom immediately after seatbelt signs were turned off. There are 2 lavatories for Suites passengers, and they were not too fanciful compared to some of the 'bling bling' airlines. Toiletries were well stocked and Lalique-branded amenities were offered.












                          View of the Suites cabin and my seat. Still very classic and glamourous after all these years.








                          More champagne post departure. This time round, I swapped for the Krug.



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                          • #28
                            Krug was very good too, very smooth to the palate. Can't decide which is better, Dom or Krug. It appeared that I was the only passenger drinking Krug (or champagne for the matter) and the crew cheekily commented that I could have the whole bottle if I wanted. Nope, that is too much alcohol for me! Guess some of you must be thinking "how can there be too much of Krug!"




                            Crew also came round to offer amenities, starting with the Lalique slippers, which the crew removed from the packaging and placed on the floor.




                            As our scheduled flight time was 7h10m, we were eligible for pyjamas and amenity kits as well (offered on day flights of over 7hrs), and a full set was brought to me, along with socks and eyeshades.






                            Contents of the male kit, which included lip balm, lotion, bar soap (?) and a candle (???). Accompanied with the SQ Dreamliner teddies!




                            For the female kit, there were lip balm, lotions and a perfume.




                            Satay was served and it was very good as usual.






                            Bliss in the sky is drinking Krug with a movie.






                            Checking out the signature A380 stairways to the 'lowly' Business cabin haha. Heaven is definitely not up there.




                            As the pair of middle seats at 3C/D remained empty, I checked if the crew could covert it into my 'bedroom' while 3F remained as the seating/dining area. No problem, and in no time, they were converting the 2 middle suites into a double bed suite.

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                            • #29
                              Double bed made up, with fluffy pillows and soft, comfortable duvets.






                              The bed was very comfortable too, much better than any of the SQ Business Class flat beds.




                              I had requested for lunch to be served 2hrs after takeoff, and when it was ready for lunch, I went back to my dining suite.






                              A view of the menu for the flight.










                              Champagne, wines and other alcohols.





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                              • #30
                                The non-alcohols, coffees and teas.








                                Even though I had pre-booked the Kyo Kaiseki meal prior to the flight, I requested if I could have the caviar from the international menu to start. No problem, and Chilled Malossol Caviar was presented as the starter before the Kyo Kaiseki starter was brought out. Crew also offered a chilled vodka with the caviar, but I declined.






                                Trying to appreciate the salty fish eggs. I certainly do not have an expensive tongue.




                                Starting with the appetisers (Sakizuke and Mukuozuke). It was paired with a very good sake. Refer to the menu posted earlier for the items as I was also figuring out what I was eating from the menu. Some of the items sounded weird but all were actually quite tasty.












                                Next was the oshinogi, or noodles course. Cold udon with soba sauce, mackerel sushi and side vegetables. Very good too.

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