JAL Sakura Lounge — Local services in Tokyo

I recently visited the JAL Sakura Lounge at Haneda Airport on a weekend afternoon, and while I had high expectations as a business class passenger traveling through JAL’s major hub, my experience was somewhat underwhelming.

First, the lounge was packed with travelers, making it feel more like a busy terminal than a serene oasis. Finding a comfortable spot to relax was challenging, and the crowded atmosphere detracted from the overall experience. The food offerings were mediocre at best, with a limited selection that didn’t quite match the premium experience one would expect from a business class lounge.

Additionally, the shower facilities required a reservation, which was inconvenient, especially given how busy the lounge was. The wait for a shower was longer than anticipated, adding to the overall disappointment.

That said, despite its shortcomings, the Sakura Lounge was still better than the complimentary Priority Pass lounge next door, which had a wait line just to get in. While the experience wasn’t what I had hoped for, it was at least a step up from the alternative.

In summary, the JAL Sakura Lounge at HND didn’t quite live up to the expectations I had as a business class traveler. While it was better than the neighboring lounge, the overcrowded space, average food, and need for reservations for basic amenities like showers made it a less than ideal experience.

I would not purchase business class just to have access to...

Disappointing and Unnecessarily Difficult Experience

We were looking forward to a smooth and comfortable experience at the JAL Lounge in Haneda, but unfortunately, the check-in process was frustrating and unnecessarily difficult. My husband holds status that allows for two guests, which we confirmed in advance. However, upon arrival, the staff insisted that he was only allowed one guest and that our just-turned-two-year-old was not permitted entry because she would be counted as a guest and I was also accompanying my husband.

It took 15-20 minutes of unnecessary back-and-forth, during which they refused to acknowledge the policy until I was able to pull up written confirmation that, yes, he is entitled to two guests. This was not only an inconvenience but an entirely avoidable situation had the staff been properly informed.

For an airline known for its service, this experience was disappointing. Policies should be clear to employees, especially when dealing with frequent flyers and their families. We...

I love JAL’s Sakura Lounges. Unlike other airport lounges where it’s buffet style, at the Sakura Lounge, you order and pick up your food at the counter. They don’t have a large menu, but have a nice variety to meet everyone’s needs. My favorite is the Japanese Meal Combination, which comes with rice, miso soup and a small box with 6 mini dishes. The mini dishes include spicy cod roe, Japanese egg omelette, fish and other side dishes. Since they’re just a few bites each, it’s perfect for tasting a bit of everything and not too heavy before your flight. Another popular dish is the Beef Curry, which I’ve previously. The lines for the food can be a bit long, but they move pretty quickly—the line was wrapped around the counter, but my wait was 10 min. If you have access to the lounge (flying Premium Economy and above or have AA Platinum status, equivalent to One World Sapphire), I highly recommend you take time to visit this lounge before your long...