Lounge Review: JAL Sakura Lounge | Haneda International Airport
This review is part of the Travel Report (A Weekday in Singapore) and contains reviews of airlines, hotels and lounges during my trip down to Singapore. Hope you can enjoy them all!
INTRODUCTION
The JAL Sakura Lounge at Haneda Airport has been my second home away from home during these past few years. I love laying over at Haneda due to the fact that this lounge provides some of the most tranquil and delicious foods before departing to/from San Francisco International Airport.
The SAKURA LOUNGE
There are actually two JAL Sakura lounges at Haneda International Airport, and I spent the majority at the one closest to the transfer immigration terminal entrance. These lounges can be accessed by any passengers flying in JAL’s and other OneWorld business and first class status holders. It’s entrance is shared by the 1st Class Lounge, and can be found after going up the 4th floor near the immigration transfer section. But first, I NEEDED TO SHOWER.
I spent a bulk majority in the beginning showering and waking up to a cup of coffee - the downstairs is where the shower, dining room and lockers are - most people convene here and star their lounge hours here. Communal tables are located in the middle with outlets, with the buffet on the front side of the dining commons.
After eating and getting prepped to work, I went upstairs to the lounge, where there are ton of privacy partitions and cubicles, as well as some nice views of Haneda Airport. Each section was equipped with a power outlet, so I was keen on getting the photos and videos done before flying back to SFO.
As you can see in the picture - it was empty - SUPER EMPTY.
Not sure why - but even after a few hours, I barely noticed anyone. The attendants were curious why I was STILL there after 3 hrs, but I told them my flight was a late one, to which they started to offer lots of drinks and food. It was a great experience. The Lounge section contained various drinks and snacks, so it was easy to access some grub.
You get sodas, coffee, teas and then beer dispensers - Asahi and Kirin for the win! Wine and liquor were abundant, and around the afternoon I was keen on trying everything. It was a satisfying to have a whole lounge to myself for a long time.
Even though it was 10:30-11am, I had the amazing bowl of curry rice along with two pints of beer, and then managed to clean out a whole stack of cookies.
Conclusion
Overall, this lounge remains a stable in my travel places - with plenty of comfortable lounge chairs, great food and an abundance of space for people to work, I still admire and love this lounge whenever I fly into Tokyo.
