First Class passengers jetting out of Tokyo Haneda have plenty to look forward to – even hours before departure. Japan Airlines’ flagship First Class lounge in Haneda Terminal 3 is a refined haven of sushi, sake and Champagne. It’s also good news for Qantas Platinum and oneworld Emerald frequent flyers, who can stroll into this lounge before a oneworld flight out of Tokyo – even in Economy.
In fact, my two passes through this lounge are from both viewpoints. I’m off to London in Japan Airlines First Class on the way out. And on the return visit, I’m entering as a Platinum member flying Qantas Business Class to Melbourne. Here’s what you’ll find inside Japan Airlines’ most prestigious lounge.
Lounge location and layout
Tokyo Haneda Terminal 3 is rather compact, so you’ll have no issues finding this lounge. Turn left from the Central security checkpoint (or right from the North checkpoint) and find the escalators opposite Gate 112. Head up, and just like that, you’re at the Japan Airlines (JAL) First Class Lounge.
The lounge is open most of the day, from 6:00 am to 1:55 am the following morning. During both visits, I also spot passengers being turned away and sent to the Sakura Business Class Lounge further down in the terminal. It’s easy to get them mixed up, especially as the signage isn’t clear on the concourse level.
JAL’s First Class lounge is elegantly designed in comforting, wooden tones. To the left of reception are the shower rooms and Sushi Tsurutei – a sushi restaurant that is still closed (at the time of writing). So you’ll most likely veer to the right, where an impressive hallway leads to the main dining room and lounge area.
This dining area is never too busy during both of my visits, morning and night. After tucking into a delicious meal, you could take a seat facing the apron. Or for more privacy, why not retreat into the shared lounge room and office space?
Inside JAL’s RED SUITE
If your visit is short, you’d be forgiven for thinking the main lounging space is around the dining area. But JAL has more surprises in store, including the mysterious RED SUITE. Walk across the dining room and through the passageway to discover a new world where the décor changes dramatically.
Gone are the calm-yet-monotonous wooden hues; instead, the RED SUITE bursts with different energy. It takes the style of an old gentlemen’s club, complete with an enviable collection of JAL memorabilia. I don’t know where to look – there are old ticket books, model planes with previous livery and more.
One nook hosts foosball and chess tables. Another, which I’m terribly fond of, is home to Joseph Perrier Champagne and sake. Riedel glasses glisten proudly on the shelf – there’s no lack of attention to detail here.
In the pre-COVID days, you could get your shoes shined by an attendant here. This hasn’t returned either.
Up to the JAL Salon
Head up to the 5th floor to discover JAL’s salon. This area remains empty during my stay, so there’s a good chance it’ll also be quiet for your visit. Apart from more seating, the feature of this space is a bar serving ‘Japanese artisanal beverages’ such as Roku gin (one of my favourite value gins) and Suntory Hibiki Whisky Blender’s Choice.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge food and beverage
A touch of fine dining
JAL uses a QR-code ordering system for food, although roaming attendants can also help, and there is a small buffet for light nibbles. The à la carte menu includes a weekly sushi plate, a bento set, favourites such as JAL Original Beef curry, and fancier fare such as red sea bream with vin-blanc sauce.
For my morning visit, I stick to a small JAL beef curry, a breakfast bento set, and a trio of hand-pressed sushi. I’d say the range of dishes isn’t as wide as the Qantas First Lounges, but the execution is perfect. I’m craving a second set of sushi, but instead, I also try two pintxos (Spanish-themed snacks) from the buffet – pastrami beef and seabream with ham and marinated vegetables.
I go for the red seabream and another sushi plate during my return evening visit. As expected, the seabream portion is small but utterly delicious with the white wine sauce. And did I mention the sushi plate? It’s changed since my first visit (yay for variety), but it’s no less tantalising.
A Champagne-studded drinks list
A good feed deserves a good drop, right? If you appreciate the fancier things in life, you’ll be at home here. The default Champagne is Pierre de Bry Brut, which is fine. But if you’ve been following along, you’ll know that Joseph Perrier awaits in the RED SUITE, so feel free to grab a glass from there.
Also noteworthy are sake (Hiryu Junmai Daiginjo) and spirits such as The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese whisky, among other standard drops like Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky and Tanqueray gin. Of course, beer lovers can make short work of the automatic beer pourers that are ubiquitous in Japan.
On the non-alcoholic side, the lounge serves up premium bubbles such as Perrier sparkling water, Steuart Ceylon tea, and the usual range of soft drinks.
Japan Airlines First Class lounge amenities
Thoughtful Japanese touches are on full display here. It starts with blisteringly fast Wi-Fi (what else could it be). Secure luggage storage, phone booths and charging points extending as far as the eye can see – though you’ll need to bring your own power adaptor.
The one minor letdown is the shower room. While it’s mostly clean (and the futuristic Japanese bidet toilet is always amazing), the shower rooms aren’t ventilated well, so I feel sweaty soon after towelling off. There are also spots of mould on the ceiling. Hopefully, this can be touched up. During busy periods, you may need to get a buzzer and wait to be called for the shower, as the room is cleaned after each use.
How to access this lounge
Japan Airlines’ First Class Lounge in Tokyo Haneda can be accessed by a select group of passengers.
- Passengers travelling on Japan Airlines or a oneworld airline in First Class.
- Qantas Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge, plus other oneworld Emerald passengers flying on a oneworld airline flight in any cabin class (+1 guest).
- JMB Diamond members (+ 1 guest).
- JGC Premier members (+ 1 guest).
Our verdict
Japan Airlines’ First Class Lounge combines elegance, fine dining and privacy in one neat package. The staff are faultless – effortlessly polite and helpful. During breakfast, I enquire about getting a sushi plate, as it isn’t available online. Within a few minutes, one of them returns bearing a plate of freshly-pressed nigiri.
On the whole, the food and beverage execution is excellent. I genuinely enjoy every bite (though YMMV depending on how you are with raw fish and Japanese flavours). Joseph Perrier Champagne and Hibiki whisky are some standouts at the various bars.
In terms of improvements, some touch-ups to the shower rooms wouldn’t go astray, along with better ventilation. This is an issue I’ve encountered in many lounges across Asia. I’d also love to see a greater variety of dishes on the menu, like in many other First Class lounges I’ve visited.
Also read: Japan Airlines Sakura Business Class Lounge, Tokyo Narita →
All photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.
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I get into the shower room, and the heat was blasting. The air must’ve been coming out at 80 degrees… Couldn’t believe it.
Like you all, I got out of the shower, and started sweating right away… Like a sauna. Don’t understand why heaters are always running across Japan even when its hot outside.
ANA’s Business class lounge in Haneda has the same issue – but they have thoughtfully installed a small fan on the bench which does wonders in reducing the problem.
It amazes me how airlines spend so much time and money in creating nice experiences in their premium lounges, only to be let down by a lack of ventilation.
Hopefully the new Garden lounge has a better setup.