Japan Airlines First Class lounge in Tokyo Narita is open. On a visit in May of 2022 the lounge is currently functioning as the main lounge for all guests. Even business class passengers are welcome to utilize the lounge. At times when the lounge was busy, the JAL Business class lounge was open as overflow. Yet as Japan has not reopened for travel, the JAL first class lounge was mostly quiet, except for about an hour between flight banks. During this time the lounge does become busy, but within an hour the lounge empties out. Throughout our 9 hour stay, there were often times when my partner and I had the entire two story lounge to our self.
JAL sakura lounge narita Lounge Photo Review
JAL’s first class lounge is almost two different lounges. There is the upstairs and downstairs portions which are only connected via elevator. The elevator is in the lobby which connects the business and first class lounges together. The first floor lounge is only a dark sitting room. Due to covid the first floor is mostly empty. There’s a single couch on the first floor which was often utilized for being who needed to nap. As it’s the only sleeping area, outside of the business class sleeping rooms which are currently closed.
JAL Saloon
After the shower station and down the hallway is the JAL Salon. If anything, it would remind me of an old smoking room, or a place to drink whiskey and bullshit with the boys after a 1930s style dinner. Japan Airlines remodeled this area and reopened it in 2019. When doing so they said that “JAL’s SALON” is named for giving our customers a more comfortable stay. In this lounge, in addition to the current self-drink service, a bartender will provide Japanese premier whiskey, craft whiskey, craft gin, craft vodka, Japanese tea and Japanese sweets in front of our customers. We believe our customers can stay and feel the best relaxing time at the new First Class Lounge “JAL’s SALON”.” The self-serve drink station is still available, but there is currently no bartender.
JAL Showers
On the first floor of the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge there are also several shower suites. Currently you can scan a QR code and be added to the waiting list for a shower. When it is your time to shower, guests are sent an email. After 15 minutes your reservation is forfeited. So be sure to monitor emails. Each shower room is fairly compact, but does have a toilet, shower, and sink. The fancy warming toilet seat and singing bidet are among my favorite part of the bathrooms throughout the JAL lounges.
Each small shower room is thoughtfully designed. Using every inch of space, but providing options to hang and store your clothing and bags while showering. I personally am always happy when there’s an actual hanger and not just a hook on the back of the door.
Current bath products are Predia. I think they smell great! The shower rooms also contain a hair dryer. Individual single use items are available from the shower attendant. These include items such a tooth brush and paste, combs or brushes, and shaving supplies.
JAL’s Main Lounge
Back upstairs is Japan Airlines main lounge. There is a separate first class entrance up the escalators or you can access via the elevator in the shared lobby. This large lounge loops around on itself and has several different areas to enjoy. The majority of the 2nd floor is dedicated to dining. The dining area is huge. Dishes include fresh made to order sushi and other meals that highlight Japan. The menu is again all digital now. Scan the QR code at each seat and within minutes your order will arrive on a tray. The large lounge has lots of tables to enjoy food, and is sadly lacking any views. Only one small window looks out at the tarmac. The rest of the lounge has either artificial lights or is draped.
Pull up a chair and order some food. The main dining hall is busy during peak hours. The sushi is fresh and the Saki is unlimited.
Along the other side of the dining room loop is more seating. Partitions provide a sense of privacy and safety from covid.
When you’re ready to order don’t be shy. There’s plenty to eat and it’s all fairly delicious. In the morning, western breakfast options are available. The fresh sushi was by far my favorite. Furthermore, just ordering a bento box in an airport lounge feels exciting to me. Just like the First class catering, the meals are authentically Japanese.
Near the sushi station is the self serve Sake station. Whereas other spirits and soda machines are in the main dining room. To me it didn’t make sense that the Sake machines are not right not to the rest of the beverages, but then again I didn’t design the lounge. Currently the self serve beer stations are in operational.
JAL Sitting Room & Massage Chairs
A secondary space upstairs is the only room with a small tarmac view. This room is really mostly single chairs and small two top tables. This room is great for relaxing or looking out the window. There is also a self serve soda machine and automatic beer spouts. However, like the rest of the lounge, the beer spouts are not in operation. Which is odd, since Alcohol is available.
This area is by far my favorite part of the lounge. There are large comfy chairs, but most importantly three massage chairs. With the lounge being mostly empty, I spent at least an hour in the massage chair. During busy times, guests are ask to spend no more than 15 minutes in the chair to make room for other guests.
Other JAL First Class Lounge Amenities
The JAL lounge offers an enhance space for premium passengers. The lounge also hosts private calling rooms. These are great for those who need to take a call but don’t want to disturb the rest of the lounge. Each one has a small work station and a stool. Great for the zoom and webinar life that most of are living these days.
The lounge usually offers shoe shining too. However, due to the pandemic this benefit was not being offered.
Bottom Line
The JAL Narita First class lounge is a comfortable space where the real highlight is the food. I personally believe the JAL Haneda First class lounge is more refined but this is still a great place for Oneworld airlines premium passengers and Oneworld emerald elites to relax between flights. Offering a more elevated experience. Yet, I am glad to see that despite the reduction in traffic that the Narita First Class lounge is still open. Be sure to order the fresh sushi and indulge in the delicious Japanese adult beverages.
