Hello everyone! I’m @owncolorstravel, a Japan-based blogger living in Okinawa, sharing travel and lifestyle content to help fellow travel lovers make the most of their adventures.
This time, I’m introducing a domestic airline lounge you can use before your flight when traveling through Okinawa—specifically, the JAL Sakura Lounge at Naha Airport. I’ll share what makes it such a relaxing space before takeoff, along with tips on how to use it.
If you’re curious about JAL’s domestic Sakura Lounges in other major cities across Japan, be sure to check out the article linked below!
・NAHA JAL SAKURA LOUNGE
At Naha Airport, international travelers flying to destinations like Taiwan or South Korea can access the “Lounge Ryu-Rin,” which is available for business class passengers. For domestic JAL flights, passengers can use the Sakura Lounge instead.
Access to the Sakura Lounge at Naha is available for JMB Diamond, JGC Premier, JMB Sapphire members, and JAL Global Club members. It’s also open to those with JMB Elite or JMB Elite Plus lounge coupons. *Please note that paid lounge access is not available at Naha Airport.
Additionally, the most exclusive lounge—the Diamond Premier Lounge—is available to passengers flying in First Class, as well as JMB Diamond and JGC Premier members. This lounge can be accessed through a dedicated entrance.
The lounge is open from 6:10 AM until the last flight departs. You can access it after passing through the security checkpoint.
Amenities and services include free Wi-Fi, a baggage storage area, phone booths, a smoking room, and restrooms. There’s also a drink station with a selection of beverages, plus some light snacks available.
After passing through security in the domestic terminal at Naha Airport, there aren’t many shops or things to do, so it’s easy to end up with extra time on your hands. That’s why the lounge can be a real lifesaver—perfect for relaxing or getting some work done on your laptop.
When it comes to Okinawa, you can’t forget Orion Beer. One of the best parts of the Naha Airport lounge is that it offers free drinks that really capture the local vibe—like Okinawa’s own Orion Beer, awamori (a traditional Okinawan spirit), and shikuwasa juice (a tangy local citrus drink). It’s those little touches that make the experience feel uniquely Okinawan.
The lounge is decorated with traditional Okinawan crafts and details, creating a space that really reflects the local culture and vibe throughout.
JAL actually has another lounge at Naha Airport called the Sakura Lounge ANNEX. You’ll find the entrance near Gate 28, just down the escalator.
Since this gate is often used for flights to the outlying islands, the lounge tends to be a bit of a hidden gem—not many people know about it.
If you’re not a JAL member, there’s also a credit card lounge called “Lounge Hana” on the first floor of the domestic arrivals area. That’s a good option to consider.
I took this photo right after arriving at Naha Airport from my trip to Fukuoka. It was around sunset, and I happened to catch a plane taking off with the beautiful evening sun in the background. It was the perfect moment to soak in the last bit of travel vibes.
I’m not the biggest fan of flying, but there’s something about airports that always gets me excited. I actually really enjoy being there.