Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Review

During our Tokyo stopover on our way to London, we had the opportunity to visit the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, which is only available to First Class passengers and oneworld Emerald members. Our first impression was the sheer size—this lounge is massive and contains several distinct seating and dining areas.

First Class Lounge Location

Located in Terminal 3 near gate 112, the Sakura Lounge is one floor from the main concourse. After turning into the entrance, we needed to take an escalator to the First Class section. Most of the Sakura Lounge is located on level 4 (one floor up from the main concourse), while the First Class lounge is one more level up. The lounge is open daily from 6 am to 1:50 am to cover all OneWorld partner airlines departures from the terminal.

Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Layout & Seating

Japan Airlines has used clean Japanese interior design throughout the lounge, evoking a calm, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. Rather than being separated into different sections for dining and seating, the First Class Sakura lounge is divided into several zones over the two levels, each with its own food and beverage concept.

Japan Airlines Dining Options

From a la carte dining to sushi and bento boxes, JAL’s First Class Lounge offers something for everyone’s tastes. Unfortunately, the QR code ordering system reduces the lounge’s exclusivity, but the roaming attendants are on hand should you need help with your order. Each of the dining areas was comfortable, with ample seating in both the dining room and the lounging area.

JAL’s Table

The main dining area of the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge is ‘JAL’s Table’, which acts as the main dining space in the lounge. Located near the lounge entrance, you simply follow the beautiful hallway to the dining area. Typically, this is where most lounge guests congregate, as it is the biggest area in the lounge. Still, it can sometimes feel like a luxurious cafeteria, lacking in seating variety and only having communal tables available.

Most of the menu is a la carte, but unfortunately, rather than table services (which is expected in a First Class Lounge), you order your meal via a QR code on the table. The dishes are brought to you, this took away from the exclusivity of the First Class Lounge, making it feel more like we were ordering fast food. In this section of the lounge, the drinks are self serve, including liquor, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee.This area of the lounge also has additional semi-private seating, phone rooms, smoking rooms and lockers.

Red Suite

Directly next door to JAL’s Table is the ‘Red Suite’, one of the most elegant parts of the lounge. This quiet sanctuary feels like an exclusive cigar bar, decorated with aviation memorabilia and featuring a foosball table. While there is no food service here, there is a champagne and sake bar. The wine changes occasionally, but expect to see Joseph Perrier Brut level champagne available. A favourite feature of guests is the complimentary shoe shine service; this is only available during selected hours, sadly, we missed out on this.

JAL’s Salon

Moving upstairs to what would be considered the lounge’s bar, ‘JAL’s Salon’ serves drinks with a Japanese twist. While most guests stopped at JAL’s Table, we are not sure many knew this area was also available. When we visited, it was almost empty, with communal tables and armchairs.

We are glad we ventured further into the lounge for the beverage selection, which showcases Japanese products from whiskey, gin, craft beer and other artisan beverages. In this section of the lounge, the drinks are self serve, including everything from liquor, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and an automated beer tap!

Another amazing find in this area of the lounge is the massage chairs, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are an excellent way to relax for a few minutes.

Sushi Tsurutei

This was our favourite part of the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge. Sushi Tsurutei feels more like a sushi restaurant than an airport lounge. Unfortunately, this area is only available in the mornings, so you have to visit the lounge at the right time. Again, this is another area that seems to be missed by other guests.

We found that while JAL’s Table was busy and crowded, Sushi Tsurutei felt spacious and more like a First Class Lounge. The highlight of this space was the made to order sushi again ordered through a QR code. There is also a small self-serve buffet with many of the same options we found in the other parts of the lounge.

Showers and Bathrooms

After travelling from London, we were glad we could use the showers to freshen up after the flight. The shower suites were very clean while not overly luxurious, with a big shower space, sink, and toilet. Reserving the shower suites uses the same QR code as ordering food.

Final comments

The Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Haneda Airport is an excellent spot to sit and unwind before your flight, thanks to the impressive selection of food, drinks, and amenities. The sprawling space with several distinct zones can feel busy at times, and ordering via a QR code, while efficient, made the lounge feel less exclusive than some of the other international First Class lounges.

Talk to one of our consultants to book your next Japan Airlines First Class airfare.