Review: Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Haneda (Domestic)
- Konrad Tillman
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Intro
Following a very disappointing flight on board the Japan Airlines A350 in Business from Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to check out the Domestic Sakura Lounge at Haneda.
While domestic lounges are generally not much to get excited about, this is certainly a place that is geared towards grabbing a quick beer, shower, and a cigarette before boarding. Nothing exceptional: functional.
Location+Access
The domestic JAL terminal at Haneda is a very functional space. Throughout Terminal 1, there are two lounges for those who are eligible for access, one in the South and the one in the North, which I will review here.
Located by gates 11,12,13,14, is where you will find the North wing lounge. There's a big sign that is pretty hard to miss, and once you make your way up the escalator, a staff member will be happy to show you to either the Sakura Lounge or the first-class lounge.
In terms of access, the rules are as follows for the Sakura Lounge:
Domestic First Class passengers
Those will OW Saphire on a same-day departing OW flight
Those with the Qantas Club Card
Those connecting off a business/first class long-haul flight, even if their next flight is in economy
Those who are members of JMB Diamond, JGC Premier, JMB Sapphire, and JAL Global Club
In terms of the First Class Lounge (which I did not have access to):
Those with OW Emerald on a same-day departing OW flight
Domestic First Class passengers
Seating
Heading inside, it was interesting to see how this lounge is laid out. There is a hallway leading to the main room, which features all of the amenities, toilets, and showers, and then one very large room for passengers to relax in.
JAL has laid out this space with a variety of seating depending on what you are looking for. You have high tops overlooking the tarmac, relaxing-style chairs around the lounge, and small work-like spaces with a mini table towards the back.
It wasn't too busy during my time there (6 pm), but I'd imagine that it must be packed during the morning hours, especially with the sheer amount of domestic flights that Japan Airlines serves from Haneda...
Food+Drink
As I mentioned in the beginning, this isn't the type of lounge where you show up 2 hours before departure to have a nice meal. When it comes to food, you are limited to a very small number of finger food items, such as crackers. Many travelers seem to pick up items from convenience stores nearby and bring them in.
However, where the lounge does shine is with its beer offerings. With swanky beer machines, soda (pop) on offer, and water, the lounge is geared towards those looking to simply grab a beer before a flight...
Amenities
While the food offering might be lackluster, all of that is made up for with the variety of amenities on offer. Below is some of what you can find from the lounge:
Individual standing rooms to make phone calls in (amazing, as this is an issue)
A few work stations off to the side of the main lounge
Showers, which happen to be shared between the First Class Lounge and the Sakura Lounge
A smoking room for those looking for a private space
Bathrooms with both individual stalls and urinals
Lovely tarmac views to enjoy planes departing with your nice cold beer
Final Thoughts
Look, this lounge certainly isn't cutting edge by any means, but for the purpose it serves, it is perfect. With almost zero food options being the only downside, this is more of a glorified waiting room to freshen up after a long day at the office and enjoy a nice beer before your flight. Considering how efficient the domestic flying experience is in Japan, there is no need to show up 2 hours early for your flight, maybe show up 30 minutes before boarding...
So yeah, this isn't the Delta One Lounge, but that's not how it is designed...
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