A Japan-based blogger at @owncolorstravel , sharing travel and lifestyle content, I introduce recommended destinations and helpful travel tips for both fellow travel lovers and international visitors interested in Japanese culture.
This time, I’m flying with Fiji Airways, which is part of the Oneworld alliance just like JAL. Because of that, eligible passengers can use the JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita International Airport.
It was my first time using the Sakura Lounge at Narita, and honestly, the moment I walked in I thought, “Wait… isn’t this basically a First Class lounge?” The space felt far more open and luxurious than I expected, and I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was. I’d love to share what makes this lounge so special.
What Makes the JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita So Impressive
As mentioned earlier, I was able to use the lounge before my flight thanks to the partnership between Fiji Airways and JAL. Among all the Sakura Lounges I’ve used in Japan, the one at Narita felt the most spacious and luxurious.
I’ve also visited the Sakura Lounge at Haneda’s international terminal, but Narita feels like they really went all in. It honestly seems like a higher-end version of the Sakura Lounge.
About the Lounge
The Sakura Lounge is open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM and is located in Terminal 2, past the security checkpoint. If you have extra time, you can shop at duty-free stores before heading in.
Inside, you’ll find dining areas, shower rooms, massage chairs, nap rooms, and a smoking room. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available.
After checking in, take the escalator down from the lounge counter and you’ll step into a surprisingly open, warm, and welcoming space. I always imagined airport lounges to feel more crowded, so this initial impression really surprised me.
The tall ceilings and huge windows create an even greater sense of openness—much more than I expected.
Drinks: Seasonal Wines and More
The lounge offers a great selection of beverages, including seasonal wines and sake curated by JAL’s certified wine advisors. I was tempted to try the white wine, but I ended up choosing a Chilean Pinot Noir—and it was perfect.
A little toast to the journey ahead!
Dining: You Have to Try the JAL Signature Curry
The softly lit spiral staircase leading to the dining area is absolutely stunning—it gave me a “movie star walking into a scene” kind of moment (lol). It almost felt like I was the main character of this trip.
And there I was… going up this glamorous staircase in my casual travel sweats (lol). Comfort first, especially for long flights.
Still, the whole atrium space is so elegant and beautifully designed that it took my breath away.
In the dining area, you can enjoy a buffet with a wide variety of Japanese and Western dishes. And in the First Class Lounge, they even have a sushi counter! I’d love to experience that someday.
And of course, no visit to a JAL Lounge is complete without their famous JAL Signature Beef Curry. It’s one of those things I can never skip—it’s that good.
Enjoying curry with a view of planes right outside the window makes it feel even more special. The aroma alone is enough to get your appetite going.
I also treated myself to a glass of champagne.
The dining area also serves bread from the famous Paris-based bakery Maison Kayser, including baguettes and croissants.
Other Impressions
Maybe because most people were gathered in the dining area, this floor was incredibly quiet.
Even the smoking room felt upscale. I’ve never seen a lounge where each table in the smoking area has its own ashtray—seriously, that was a first for me!
The JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita International Airport truly feels like staying in a high-end hotel. It’s far more luxurious and serene than I expected—an elegant space designed for adults who want to unwind before their flight.
It’s the perfect place to spend those moments before boarding, and the calm atmosphere made the excitement for my trip grow even more.
With planes so close you can almost touch them, my travel mood was fully boosted. And once the boarding time for my Narita–Fiji flight approached, I headed to the gate.
