JAL Unveils Renewed Domestic Lounges at Haneda Airport Terminal 1

Japan Airlines (JAL) on October 6 opened its renewed domestic lounges in the North Wing of Terminal 1 at Tokyo Haneda Airport to the media. Two lounges, the “JAL First Class Lounge” and “Sakura Lounge,” will open on October 8.

The North Wing’s “Diamond Premier Lounge (DP Lounge)” and “Sakura Lounge” had been closed for renovation work since January of this year. With the renewal, the former DP Lounge will be renamed the “JAL First Class Lounge.” Following the early opening in July of dedicated counters for First Class and JAL Global Club (JGC) passengers, a dedicated security checkpoint will also begin service on October 8. Smart lanes will be introduced, allowing passengers to undergo screening without removing items such as laptops, plastic bottles, and smartphones from their carry-on baggage.

With the North Wing’s reopening, the South Wing’s DP Lounge and Sakura Lounge will begin renovation work on October 8. They are scheduled to reopen around June 2027.

First Class Lounge

The new lounges are divided into several areas, including dining, relaxation, and work spaces, based on guests’ purposes for using them. Recognizing the increasingly diverse needs of travelers since the COVID-19 pandemic—not only business travelers but also leisure travelers and international visitors to Japan—JAL has made it possible for guests to choose a space suited to how they wish to spend their time.

The JAL First Class Lounge has increased its seating capacity to around 1.4 times its previous level. Built around the concept of “Traditional Beauty × Personalization,” the lounge incorporates traditional Japanese techniques such as kumiko woodwork and latticework, with dining, relaxation, and work areas arranged throughout.

▲The curry bread uses Yanbaru Shima Buta Agu, a branded pork from Okinawa Prefecture. Danish pastry flavors and curry bread fillings will change seasonally.

A new face-to-face counter has been installed in the dining area, offering different menus depending on the time of day. From 5:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., under the theme of “Charge,” the lounge will serve warm bread, rice dishes, soup, and more. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the “Delight” menu will offer afternoon tea-inspired items such as scones and bite-sized cakes. From 4 p.m. onward, under the theme of “Relaxation,” guests can enjoy rice dishes and prepared foods with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For breads, some items previously served at room temperature have been revised, with curry bread, croissants, Danish pastries, and more now served warm.

The work area includes fully private and semi-private rooms that can also accommodate web conferences. While incorporating kumiko woodwork and latticework, the relaxation area is designed to shield guests from surrounding views and provide a tranquil setting.

▲The lounges also feature an extensive selection of art and displays. In addition to lacquerware pieces, historical JAL aviation-related items are displayed, allowing guests to experience Japanese culture and the airline’s history.

Sakura Lounge

Meanwhile, the Sakura Lounge is based on the concept of “Functional Beauty × Regenerative Beauty,” aiming to become a lounge that feels comfortable for everyone. In addition to dining, relaxation, and work areas, a new kids’ room has been added for families.

The dining area has two zones: one for guests who want to use the lounge for a short time, and another where guests can relax on sofas and stay longer. Along with alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and snacks, the lounge will newly offer drinkable Japanese dashi broth. The work area includes semi-private booths and is located near an exit that leads directly to the boarding gates.

The newly established kids’ room was supervised by Bornelund, a company that develops and sells educational toys. Designed so that adults can watch children playing from outside, it provides a space where families can stay without concern.

▲In the art program, “ART CANVAS” displays works by artists represented by Heralbony. Retired aircraft windows, seat fabrics, and wine bottles used in the lounges are also upcycled into furniture and art.

Shared facilities for both lounges have also been renewed. The shower rooms have been changed to a system under which guests can check availability and request use via smartphone, then receive a notification when it is their turn. Guests can enter using a QR code, eliminating the need to collect a key at reception. Two fully private nursing rooms have also been added, equipped with diaper-changing tables, hot-water dispensers for preparing formula, and washbasins.

Lounge Renewal Is “Foundational Investment for the Future”

Against a backdrop of changing conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in international visitors to Japan, travelers’ needs have become more diverse. JAL has therefore been renewing its domestic services since April. The airline aims to enhance the travel experience at various stages of the journey, including through its app, lounges, and inflight services. Junko Sakihara, Vice President of JAL’s Customer Experience Division, said, “Rather than simply competing on price, we want to increase the number of people who choose JAL by enhancing the overall experience.”

Regarding this lounge renewal, she described it as “an important cornerstone for the future—foundational investment, so to speak.” JAL aims both to increase the value of time spent at the airport in response to diverse purposes of use and to create a space where guests can experience Japan’s distinctive appeal through all five senses. “We want it to be a place where people can discover something simply by coming here,” she said.

Actor and model Hiroe Igeta, who appears in JAL’s domestic-flight commercials, attended an unveiling event held in conjunction with the media preview. Commenting on the new lounges, she said, “They are sophisticated and warm, with Japanese elements incorporated throughout. They are comfortable spaces where you would want to stay for a long time.”

▲Ms. Igeta samples curry bread made with Yanbaru Shima Buta Agu pork.

Ms. Igeta also sampled the curry bread made with Yanbaru Shima Buta Agu pork, newly offered in the First Class Lounge. “It’s crispy and warm—a truly authentic curry bread,” she said, highlighting the new food and beverage service.