Thursday, October 30, 2025

Japan Summer Memories and the Taste of Hawaiian Airlines In-Flight Meals

 


     This summer, my husband and I flew to Japan—it was our first time experiencing a Japanese summer since moving to the U.S. Living in Southern California, where the weather is almost always sunny and mild, we were apprehensive about Japan’s famously hot and humid climate. Friends had warned us that summers there are becoming increasingly intense each year, which is why we’d always tried to avoid visiting during that season.

     But this time, I felt a strong pull to return during O-bon, the period when the spirits of ancestors are said to come home. I wanted to visit my family’s grave and honor that tradition.

     Yes, Japan was sweltering while we were there. Yet despite the heat, we found ourselves enjoying the season. The buzzing of cicadas and towering cumulonimbus clouds instantly transported me back to childhood summers in Japan. At moments, it felt as if I had stepped into a Studio Ghibli film—surreal, nostalgic, and deeply moving.

      We’ve visited Japan many times since moving to the U.S., but this summer’s visit truly stands out as one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had there. I’m excited to share more about this trip in an upcoming blog entry.    




Hawaiian Airline In-Flight Meals

       This time, we flew to Japan with Hawaiian Airlines. Usually, we fly directly to Tokyo before making our way to our hometown, Fukuoka. But for this trip, we flew to Fukuoka via Honolulu, departing from Los Angeles, because it was the most affordable option at the time.

Los Angels to Honolulu

     We enjoyed the in-flight meal on Hawaiian Airlines. I chose the Diamond Head Strawberry Soda since I’d never seen it in California before. It was quite sweet—maybe a bit too much for your health—but to me, it tasted just like strawberry shaved ice syrup.

Los Angels to Honolulu

        My husband always chooses club soda.

Los Angels to Honolulu

Los Angels to Honolulu

         I love Honolulu Cookies. 


Honolulu to Fukuoka

     The flight from Honolulu to Fukuoka was surprisingly empty. A flight attendant recommended the yakisoba, saying it was quite good. It was a bit oily, but still flavorful and satisfying.

Honolulu to Fukuoka

     We received a small bag containing a sandwich and chocolate. The sandwich, of course, pairs perfectly with a cup of Hawaiian Lion Coffee.

Honolulu to Fukuoka


Fukuoka to Honolulu

         On the return flight from Japan to Honolulu, we enjoyed a comforting serving of loco moco. It was a delightful reminder of Hawaii’s rich culinary flavors, perfect for a long journey home.

Fukuoka to Honolulu

       We received this small bag about an hour before arriving in Honolulu. I really enjoyed the Kameda no Tsumamidane (亀田のつまみ種)—a delightful mix of 10 different kinds of small rice crackers. Next time we visit Japan, I’ll definitely be sure to buy one!

Kameda no Tsumamidane (亀田のつまみ種)


     There was no in-flight meal on the night flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, which was probably why.



      Our journey was filled with memorable moments, from savoring unique in-flight meals to soaking in the nostalgic summer atmosphere of Japan. I look forward to sharing more stories and reflections from this unforgettable trip in my next blog entry.



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