I got the chance to use this lounge on a recent Airlines Business Class flight from Tokyo to Seattle, just after Memorial Day weekend USA, In late May 2023. The one word I can use to describe this lounge is massive! The two-level lounge has a vast array of features and benefits and also features a gigantic internal staircase that connects both levels of the lounge.
Unfortunately, I did not have lots of time here, and I only spent about one hour here. To make matters worse, due to the sheer volume of passengers, I was not able to try every feature in the lounge.
That said, this lounge is beautiful, with stunning finishes that have held up well over time. This makes this a perfect spot to relax between flights, especially if you like some plane spotting since the lounge offers some stunning views over the runways and taxiways.
Sakura Business Class Lounge Location & Entry
The lounge and the JAL first lounge are right after security and immigration. Upon exiting the immigration queue, you turn left and come right to the entrance to the lounge or the option to proceed to the gates. The lounge has frosted glass entries, which are classy, and you cannot view anything behind. However, I did notice a decent stream of traffic going in and out.
Amusingly, as you approach, it is clear that JAL loves to announce their 5 Star Skytrax status, and several placards are posted at the front of the lounge.
Entry
The check-in was extremely congested today and very slow, and there were many elderly passengers. Even though there were five agents, everyone was busy handling large groups of elderly passengers, and it took about five minutes to get to an agent. But once there, I was in virtually instantly.
Once past the check-in, I was directed downstairs to the lower level via the escalator, which is the Business Class Sakura Lounge. This entry escalator is a real treat; it is a beautiful and VIP-like experience. I loved the use of lighting as you go up and down.
At the bottom of the escalator, you are now in the main entry area and are struck by the beautiful finishes from the moment you walk in. I did feel like it was Springtime Sakura season in Japan.
Sakura Business Class Lounge Layout and Space
The Sakura Business Class Lounge is a massive two-level facility that curves around the corner of the airport terminal on both levels, like a backward L shape.
There’s a gigantic, grand connecting stair in the middle, truly beautiful, with lighting at each step and a massive chandelier. Stair also has fake tall plants adjacent to create a sense of greenery. Both levels are fully accessible to visitors.
The lower level has a massive automatic café section, snacks to grab that are refreshed frequently, and some buffet options, while the upper level is where food is served in “The Dining.”
On the lower level, there are also high tables and bar seating available to work and sit at l, either looking to the planes/terminal or facing inwards. The lounge has lots of Lounge seating, including single seats, massage seats, tables, working tables, and sofas.
I noticed that the seats generally had power outlets nearby or at the seat. I found this very functional, and I loved the array of options. Some of my favorite seats were those on the lower level that looked right out to the planes at the terminal in Narita.
A Departure screen is prominently displayed throughout the lounge, which makes keeping up to date a breeze. The lounge has an Oak wood tone, gold finishes, and lavender lighting. There, the whole place has classic wood and tan tones throughout, with attractive glass and backlighting. I loved the warm and purple/lavender finishes in this lounge and found it exquisite and tasteful use of glass and uplighting throughout.
The lounge is very similar to the JAL First Class Lounge at Tokyo Haneda and has lots of fancy trinkets, JAL models, and aviation displays throughout.
Sakura Business Class Lounge Features
The Sakura business class lounge is feature-heavy with a ton of amenities designed to make your stay easier. First, there are Personal Storage Lockers with a dedicated area with coat hangers and lockers for rent.
Then there is an office and printer area. Here, there are printers available for use and workstations available to set up a laptop. This area was rather dark, and honestly, I would rather sit somewhere else to work.
There are also some Cell Phone Booths. These are cool mini private rooms with outlets and a small laptop counter meant for phone calls.
A very unique Japanese feature of the lounge is the smoking room. It is at the very back of the lower level with dedicated ventilation, two sets of entry doors, and a dark film on the windows. It really feels like a Japanese bar cigar lounge.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi was very fast and stable and is great if you want to get your head down and some work done. The WiFi code is posted at Check-In, and it can also be found posted at counters throughout the lounge. Once logged on, connecting requires another web authorization.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms are spacious and similar in finish, gold, and oak colors. They also have some exquisite stone sinks. They were spotless, which is what you expect for Japan, and seemed very well maintained for their age. The toilets had bidets and all the usual fantastic bathroom features you associate with Japan.
Showers
Due to the horrendous long queue, I did not get the chance to try the showers. The wait was one hour, and there were 20 people ahead of me. The showers have a dedicated check-in desk.
Nap Room
I managed to have a quick peek in the nap rooms since there were plenty available. These use the same dedicated check-in area as the showers.
The rooms are very private with a door that you can close. Inside, you find a full bed along with a chair and a small side table. There is also space to store luggage and also a closet for hanging clothes. My impression was that these nap rooms are really lovely! It’s basically like a mini-hotel room for a few hours.
Sakura Business Class Lounge Food & Beverage
The second level is called “The Dining,” and unsurprisingly, it is where most of the food is served. There are two separate rooms that overlook the runways and airport areas. Here, there was a wide range of well-stocked delicious food and a decent range of snacks.
Despite the very high traffic here, there are several sections on offer, and all are very well maintained. To be served, first, you line up, place your order, and then you are served. The food selection was very similar to the first-class lounge and was delicious, even more tasty than it looked.
The selection on offer is pretty broad and includes beef curry, onion soup, fish and chips, and vegetable penne, to name a few. I chose the following:
- Onion Soup
- Japanese selections
- Large Beef Curry
You can also pick up your own utensils, and I especially loved the automatic towel dispenser.
The lower level has two separate café/bar areas on both sides of the “L shape.” Each section has glassware and an automatic coffee/tea machine.
Sake and wine are also available and can be found in special refrigerators with transparent displays. There is also a selection of snacks laid out that are frequently refreshed and restocked.
Also, there are special fresh Japanese desserts that are routinely refreshed, although when I came, it looked like it had been some time.
Final Thoughts
The truth of the matter is I need to come to this lounge again the next time I fly JAL from Narita so I can sample more of its features and amenities. That said, it is an excellent choice to stop in for a relaxing visit between flights. However, I would suggest an extended stay here,
The lounge is very thoughtfully designed, with excellent architecture and super comfortable seats. It also has plenty of available spaces to lounge and lots of features/amenity spaces to stay busy in.
Overall, I loved the whole space, and I found it beautiful and aging very well. The added direct views of the concourse air traffic were undoubtedly a bonus, as Tokyo Narita airport is excellent for all kinds of plane spotting.
Pros
- Generally, excellent service where I could experience it.
- The lounge has a nice variety of amenities.
- Tons of business features, leisure features, and special features.
- Nap Room
- Office and Copy/Print Area
- Shower Rooms
- Smoking Room
- Phone Booths
- Loved the lounge color scheme and finishes.
- Beautiful entry.
- Solid array of food and drink options. I loved how tasty the food was.
- Great variety of seating and places to sit.
- Awesome, Fast & Stable WiFi
Cons
- Very crowded.
- It wasn’t easy to check in because of the crowding.
- As a result of crowding, I could not try all the amenities like the shower room, which had a twenty-person (hours long) queue during my stay.
Verdict: 9.5/10
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