Japan Airlines First Class Lounge – Tokyo Haneda | Video

Seating: It’s like a Whitman’s Sampler of lounge seating. Although we wouldn’t mind seeing a little more space in between some of the more common club chairs, the variety of seating inside the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge at Tokyo Haneda is very good. Walking in, you’ll see wide leather loungers, plush privacy seating, window-facing seats with ottomans and the more typical loafy box seat (that’s our name for it).

If you’re looking for plush seating without all the harsh sunlight, try the the Red Suite toward the back of the lounge.

Food/Drink: There was a decent but not excellent non-mealtime spread here. Having eaten a nice sized meal earlier (and knowing we were about to indulge in First aboard a Cathay Pacific flight) we went light on the snacking. Sushi and other appetizer-sized offerings were fresh and tasty.

At breakfast and dinner times, a Teppan-yaki chef is on hand for freshly cooked meals.

See the full press release from the opening of this Japan Airlines First Class Lounge at Haneda.

Wi-fi/Connectivity: Reasonably speedy wi-fi is offered throughout the lounge. Power outlets are just about everywhere.

Service: Front desk staff were pleasant upon arrival but looked weirded-out (and a little annoyed) when I asked to use a shower. Otherwise, everyone was very friendly. The gentlemen who shined shoes inside the Red Suite personally walked me to the sake and champagne offerings inside and couldn’t have been more kind.

Showers: Showers rooms aren’t huge but are clean, calm spaces for washing up between flights. The rooms are assigned by front desk crew so you’ll buzz from the small counter and someone comes to help. Other than the weird looks we got from the agent, this worked out fine.

Summary: I wanted badly to give this lounge a full-on “5 hop” rating but the small shower and a food buffet that was just a smidge too stingy kept this Japan Airlines First Class lounge from our highest mark. But this IS a really cool lounge with plenty of comfortable, well-sectioned seating situated in a large, bright room. The luxuriously quirky RED Suite is an added bonus.

Rating: 4 hops of 5.

How to get in: If you’re travelling in First Class aboard JAL internationally, you’ll have access to the lounge. See the JAL website for partner and memberhip entry.