Japan Airlines First Class lounge, Tokyo Narita

Japanese design is a masterclass in the elegance of simplicity – a style often characterised by clean lines and natural tones. Japan Airlines’ First Class Lounge at Tokyo-Narita is no exception, yet there are some noteworthy deviations from tradition.

Whether sipping sake, whisky or Champagne, watching expert chefs prepare made-to-order sushi, or settling into a massage chair for some pre-flight R&R, this is a lounge you won’t want to leave in a hurry.

Spanning levels three and four at Tokyo-Narita Airport Terminal 2, the JAL first class lounge is vast, featuring distinct zones for relaxation, conversation and some truly delectable dining – not to mention soaking in the view. 

You’ll find the main entrance on the third floor. Look for signage pointing to ‘Sakura Lounge’ and once inside veer to your left, where there’s a dedicated First Class reception. (Don’t make the common mistake of heading into the Sakura Lounge, which is for business class and JAL frequent flyers.)

Directly beyond reception are a couple shower rooms – an attendant is on hand for bookings and to supply toiletries. A bank of lockers and private telephone booths are right next door, followed by a self-serve bar and lounge.

Subdued lighting and a dark chocolate and caramel palette give the lounge a high-end feel; high-backed horseshoe booths, cream armchairs and footrests divided by vertical slats, and work desks looking out to aircraft round out your seating options.

Alternatively, make your way upstairs, where there’s an additional ‘Salon’ lounge, self-serve drink counter and staffed bar plus three dining areas (each one with its own personality) and, the signature of the lounge, a sushi counter.

While here, you can also get your shoes shined at a staffed polishing counter, through a collaboration with British shoemaster John Lobb.

Narita First Class Lounge welcomes the following guests:

• Japan Airlines first class passengers plus one additional guest
• JAL MileageBank JGC Premier or JMB Diamond status holders
• Oneworld Emerald frequent flyers travelling on a Oneworld-operated flight, including Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members

The lounge opens between 7:30am and 10pm.

Japan’s culinary excellence is firmly on show here. This is most evident at the Sushi Tsurutei counter, where expert chefs hand roll three bitesize morsels between the hours of 7:30am and 11:30am and again from 3pm to 8pm.

More than just somewhere to grab a bite and go, it’s like watching a choreographed dance – the rhythmic hand movements of chefs as they form each dish by hand is mesmerising.

Menus rotate weekly and include tuna belly, conger eel, spear squid, flounder, prawn, and futomaki (sushi wrapped in nori seaweed). Vegetarian options are also available.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, head around the corner to JAL’s Table, where you can order a wide array of dishes from ramen to Japanese curry, salads and pasta.

I used this as a chance to enjoy one last authentic Japanese curry, followed by a delicious tiramisu.

Paired premium sake, fine wines and whiskies are of course a key part of the first class experience too, with staff more than happy to guide you through the selection.

That said, a few of the spirit selections are a little more low end than you might expect.

Self-serve teas, coffee and soft drinks round out the available drink options. 

Business travellers and those seeking a larger space to spread out can take their pick of the dining tables, or sidle up to the window-side desks in the level three lounge area.

Many seats have AC and USB power outlets within reach – you’ll find these lining the walls, under your seat or along the edge of the lengthy counter-style dining tables.

WiFi is fast and free throughout.

Besides its great food and drink selections, my personal highlight of the JAL lounge was the relaxation area, where there were two massage chairs available first come, first serve.

(Having spent hours exploring the ins and outs of the city on foot during my visit – soaking up the buzzing energy of Shibuya and Shinjuku – the chance to help my weary muscles recover was one I couldn’t pass up.)

Verdict

The JAL first class lounge at Narita is a perfectly serviceable space where you can relax, have a good meal and enjoy some quality drinks.

Aside from the sushi counter there's not much unique about this lounge, but in true Japanese tradition everything is high quality.