A travel and lifestyle blog by Okinawa-based blogger @owncolorstravel, sharing tips for fellow travel lovers—this time, covering a trip to Fukuoka (Hakata edition)!
Before heading back home, I had the chance to check out the JAL Sakura Lounge at Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal, so I’ll be sharing my experience here.
If you’re interested in other JAL domestic Sakura Lounges, you can find more details in the articles linked below!
・JAL Sakura Lounge at Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal
Thanks to my JMB Elite Plus perks, I was able to access the Sakura Lounge once again on this trip!
With JMB Elite Plus, you get six complimentary visits per year to the normally paid-access Sakura Lounge, making it a great way to relax before your flight.
To qualify for JMB Elite Plus, you need to accumulate Life Status Points through the JAL Life Status Program—a lifetime achievement system where points are earned by flying with JAL Group airlines or using their lifestyle services. By meeting the criteria, you can unlock perks like JMB Elite benefits and even JAL Global Club membership eligibility.
Within this program, there’s also a Star Grade ranking system, where higher tiers come with better perks. If you’re a frequent JAL flyer, aiming for the top ranks is definitely worth it!
・The inside of the JAL Sakura Lounge at Fukuoka Airport Domestic Terminal looks like this.
I’ll be covering the credit card lounge at Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal in a separate article, but for now, let’s talk about the JAL Sakura Lounge at Fukuoka Airport.
Located inside the domestic terminal on the 2nd floor (boarding area), the lounge is open from 6:00 AM until the last departure of the day.
After taking the elevator down, you’ll check in at the reception desk. I’ve used the Sakura Lounge in Haneda, Hawaii, Okinawa, and Kansai before, and the check-in process is pretty much the same across locations.
The Sakura Lounge is separate from the Diamond Premier Lounge, which is exclusively for First Class passengers and top-tier status members.
Every time I step into a JAL lounge, I can’t help but notice the amazing scent that greets you at the reception—it’s such a subtle but luxurious touch.
On this visit, the lounge was relatively quiet, making it an even more relaxing experience.
The Sakura Lounge in Fukuoka has a modern yet elegant Japanese-inspired design, creating a refined atmosphere. You can choose from table seating or counter seats with a full view of the runway, depending on your preference.
Watching the planes take off and land while unwinding in the lounge is the perfect way to soak in the final moments of your trip.
Unlike international JAL lounges, there’s no meal service here, but you can enjoy complimentary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
One touch that really reflects the local flavor—they have Kuro Kirishima, a well-known imo shochu from Kyushu. In Okinawa’s Sakura Lounge, on the other hand, you’ll find an Orion Beer server, which is a nice regional touch!
I grabbed a glass of apple juice and some milk tea-flavored popcorn for a little break.
Surprisingly, the popcorn had a really nice flavor—it’s actually pretty good!
Each seat comes equipped with power outlets, so I took the opportunity to charge my devices.
Both AC outlets and USB ports are available, making it easy to work on a laptop or charge your phone without any hassle.
If you’re looking for a portable charger to keep your devices powered on the go, check out the article linked below!
One of the best things about airline lounges is that they offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Plus, the smoking rooms are usually much less crowded, which is a nice bonus.
Depending on the lounge, you can enjoy soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and light snacks, along with Wi-Fi and charging stations, making it a great spot to work or recharge your devices.
Spending time in a lounge before your flight adds a touch of comfort and exclusivity to your journey, making your travel experience even smoother. If you get the chance, I highly recommend trying it out!