Go to Japan, and you’ll notice right away details matter. Whether it’s a box lunch meticulously packed at a counter in the train station, the way a clerk wraps a purchase with three skins of wood-block print paper or the colorful reams of handmade stationery artistically displayed alongside manifold pens. Even the simple overall refusal to say “No” to a difficult request proves Japanese instinct is to go a step beyond.

What you’ll discover on an All Nippon Airways flight, whether booked in economy, business or first class, is a manifestation of all that grace. I recently flew the airline’s business class from Houston (HOU) to Narita (NRT), happily nabbing a daytime flight. It took 14 hours to get to my destination and about 11 on the return. I never once got antsy — in fact, I was sad when my flight ended.

In business class, individual pod seats allow for extreme privacy. Created with coffee table-like spaces on the side, each spacious area provides tons of room to work and organize your belongings. Choose a seat right by the window if possible, so the table is aisle side, and you’re more sequestered from the activity of the plane. Besides being greeted with the usual sparkling wine upon boarding, amenity kits include slippers to wear around the plane — something I wish everyone airline would consider. A table for meals pulls out from under the screen, creating a less awkward spot for working or reading. In truth, it was a bit high for typing, but stable. I found enough room for my computer, paperwork and snacks to fit together, so it was easy to work while eating. Most people around me enjoyed movies from the huge collection offered or nibbled from the array of “anytime you desire” snacks. Sleeping in the totally flat, roomy bed, enhanced by a turndown with a futon-like mattress and soft, silky comforter, beat out most of the nights I’ve spent in 5-star hotels.

Aficionados of Japanese culture will be thrilled with the food. Serving world-celebrated Washoku, a UNESCO-designated cuisine, ANA immerses you in your destination even before you arrive. Guests have the option to choose a Washoku meal (a multicourse extravaganza of umami, soup, three light-but-satisfying entrées and rice) or opt from a classic international list of choices. En route, I loved my Japanese meal — a collection of tiny bites including grilled sable fish with magnolia leaf-flavored miso paste. I skipped the elaborate European dessert (created by internationally acclaimed pastry chef Pierre Herme), in favor of fruit and green tea, but the passenger next to me indulged, and he gave it a thumbs up. To ensure an exemplary food and wine experience, ANA utilizes a program called 21 Connoisseurs, which brings top sommeliers, saké experts and Japanese and Western chefs (many Michelin-awarded) together to create meals which far exceed the quality found on most other airlines.

All Nippon Airways

Business Class
Houston (HOU) to Narita (NRT)
ana.co.jp/asw/wws/us/e/
tel  800 235 9262