Last Busines Trip 2025 to Japan, Part 1

Last year, I stopped business traveling in November and was busily and happily preparing for my own leisure trip at this time of the year. This year, we decided to travel earlier to partially reap on the cheaper airfares but also to “take turns” with colleagues; it is their turn to travel in the later part of December. 

I had to make a final trip to Tokyo. Business trips to Tokyo during the good weather months are very enjoyable. The only problem is the 7 hours flight, which usually means that I had to do 2 redeye flights to maximise my work hours. But I get to fly business class. Hohohoho. 

The flight was at 2.20am. I struggled to stay awake, knowing the risk of oversleeping and missing the flight if I caved in to nap. 

Obviously my brain wasn’t working bcos when I was boarding the Tada, I realised that I had left my jacket at home. Zzzzz. Zaky (and Mochi too) confirmed that. 

I then decided to keep the winter jacket in the checkin luggage but regret it later. I can’t remember how cold/ warm is the Haneda airport and wonder if I would freeze to death after disembarking. At midnight, most of the shops were closed and I ended up buying a $50 scarf. My pocket hurts and is mocking at my stupidity.

I didn’t linger in DFS this time bcos I wanted to visit the business lounge. This is the 1st time that I flew JAL business. I used to think that every airline has their own business lounge at the airport but found out that a group of airlines will “share” a lounge. 

Had I had my dinner? Of course, but I had to munch a bit bcos I was in the business lounge. Don’t waste. 

JAL is more comfy than ANA. Or at least the ANA planes that I had taken were much older. The leg space. Hoho. 

It is another business class flight that I totally forgo the food, entertainment and service. At least I know what was served for bfast. 

I lowered myself into the sleeping position the moment the seatbelt sign is off. In minutes, I was in lala land. I did stir during the flight but when I really woke up, it was by the announcement that we were preparing for descent. I am blessed by the ability to sleep anywhere.

Hello Tokyo! 

It was slightly chilly at disembarkation but the airport was warmly heated. I really wasted $$. I was also worried that my luggage would be lost/ delayed but all good and I got my winter jacket. 

It was about 10ish JST, which is an hour ahead of Singapore. I got a taxi to the office. There were plenty of taxis. The ride took about an hour and call started on the way. 

The weather was chilly but not ass freezing cold. People on the streets are huddled in warm clothing. This is the Japan that I know! 

My colleague and I bought bento for lunch. I always had the impression that Japaneses are very healthy and 7-11 food is nonsense. However, my colleagues’ lunch are usually bento, onigiri, sandwich, instant soup/ noodles from the supermarket or 7-11. I love those food; those are comfort food and I am very happy to have those with the colleagues. Hoho. 

It was a long day of work and I left the office at 7.30pm. I was amazed that the sleep monster nicely left me to work. What was dinner? 

No guilt at all! 

My 2 nights were at the Mitsui Garden hotel and it was a very nice stay. Nope, I was too lazy to use the bathtub.

I did my favorite pass time after dinner - Donki shopping! I spent S$70 shopping on snacks, masks and sunblock. Retail therapy is always good. 

It was almost midnight in Japan when I finally plugged in to charge my phone and go sleep. I found the room too quiet and had Jay Chou on Spotify to accompany me. The bed was comfy and I slept well. S

Good night! 

Mummy Lim