Japan Airlines Opens Two Renovated Lounges at Haneda Airport (HND)
Key Takeaways
- Japan Airlines reopened its renovated Sakura Lounge and First Class Lounge in Haneda Airport’s Terminal 1 North Wing on October 8, 2026.
- The former Diamond Premier Lounge has been renamed the JAL First Class Lounge, with more seating and redesigned areas for dining, working and relaxing.
- Renovations have also started for the JAL South Wing lounges, which are scheduled to reopen in June 2027.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has unveiled two renovated (domestic) lounges in the North Wing of Terminal 1 at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The complete renovation included both the JAL Diamond Premier and the Sakura Lounges, which both reopened on October 8th after being closed since January 2026 for renovations.
In conjunction with this renewal and opening, the former Diamond Premier Lounge has been renamed to the JAL First Class Lounge. In early July, nearby dedicated check-in counters for First Class and JAL Global Club (JGC) passengers opened, providing customers with a more enhanced check-in process. There are future improvements planned for this check-in area with smart lanes allowing customers to clear security without having to remove laptops and plastic bottles from carry-on baggage, and therefore speeding up the security process.
Note: The Diamond Premier Lounges at New Chitose, Itami, Fukuoka, and Naha airports will also be renamed over time to JAL First Class Lounge.
JAL will now start the process of renovating the Diamond Premier and Sakura Lounges in the South Wing at Haneda with announced plans to reopen in the summer of 2027.
Both lounges embrace JAL's commitment to sustainability. You will find retired aircraft components and surplus materials that have been creatively repurposed into art, furniture, and interior designs. Repurposed aircraft window frames, seat upholstery, and vintage hardware are subtly hidden throughout the lounges.
Sakura Lounge
The Sakura Lounge has been renovated to bring comforts to all passengers. The dining area features a full buffet and beverage counter where guests can enjoy local foods, including dashi broth and other items featuring Japanese umami. The relaxation area offers warm ambient lighting and ergonomic massage seating. For those needing to be focused and be productive, there is a dedicated work area. This work area provides power (AC and USB), high-speed wifi, and tables designed for productivity.
The Sakura Lounge also offers a kids area which allows kids the ability to move, explore, and play while still allowing families direct sight to the playroom. The lounge also features private nursing rooms which allow families traveling with infants a secluded, comfortable facility for feeding and preparations before flight.
Guests can now reserve shower rooms, receive waitlist notifications, and unlock shower suites via dynamic QR codes directly on their mobile devices, thus replacing previous in-person front-desk requests and physical keys.
JAL First Class Lounge
The newly renovated First Class Lounge has been expanded by 40% and has been tailored to individual customer needs with elevated cuisine and passenger comforts. The First Class Lounge features an upscale dining area with food choices being updated throughout the day.
Dining
- Morning to midday pick from a wide selection of items, including specialty curry bread, artisanal sushi rolls, and hot soups.
- Tea Time enjoy delicate cakes and freshly baked scones that add a touch of sweetness and charm to your afternoon.
- Evening choose from a curated assortment of savory bites that perfectly pair with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
There is also a dedicated relaxation area featuring massage chairs and comfortable seating, including sofas designed to help customers relax. For those needing to focus on work, there is a dedicated work area offering private booths, semi-private cubicles, and open desk areas to help people focus. Throughout the lounge customers can enjoy curated and rotating themed art exhibitions with a focus on Japan.
Keep up-to-date with JAL Haneda Lounge renovations; see the JAL Haneda Lounge Updates page for current information.
Closing Thoughts
As an airplane nerd, I am excited to see the reuse of airplane components (including recycled 787 windows) in art inside the lounge. The reopening of these lounges will really add to the overall passenger experience for domestic customers travelling from Terminal 1. I look forward to seeing the improvements in the South Wing, which will open in 2027.