JAL Domestic Lounge - Sakura Lounge

[Blacksheep]

I'm sure plenty have traveled and used the JAL Sakura Lounge flying domestic in Japan, I thought the Qantas loungers were meh. Quite shocked as flying biz class, all they had to eat was small packets of crackers at the lounge. They did have beer and those lovely beer serving machines. This was at both the Haneda and Kansai domestic lounges, I'd definitely use my dosh next time to fly economy. Thought I'd have a good bite as I had 3-4 hour stopovers.
Just my 2 pennies.
Gonna starve tomorrow morning flying to HND from CTS

 

[elanshin]

I'm sure plenty have traveled and used the JAL Sakura Lounge flying domestic in Japan, I thought the Qantas loungers were meh. Quite shocked as flying biz class, all they had to eat was small packets of crackers at the lounge. They did have beer and those lovely beer serving machines. This was at both the Haneda and Kansai domestic lounges, I'd definitely use my dosh next time to fly economy. Thought I'd have a good bite as I had 3-4 hour stopovers.
Just my 2 pennies.
Gonna starve tomorrow morning flying to HND from CTS

I think this is because domestically lounges are really just a place to temporarily rest before the flight. The efficiency of JP airports means that most people would generally do their shopping and eating at the selection of restaurants (usually outside) security then head in towards the end.

Also if you're at Sapporo right now planning to head to CTS by train make sure to leave a large a amount of time. Our train itself took an EXTRA 35 mins to go from Sapporo to CTS due to slow driving (snowing).

CTS itself has a shopping complex attached with dozens of restaurants outside so feel free to eat before heading in.

 

[Blacksheep]

I think this is because domestically lounges are really just a place to temporarily rest before the flight. The efficiency of JP airports means that most people would generally do their shopping and eating at the selection of restaurants (usually outside) security then head in towards the end.

Also if you're at Sapporo right now planning to head to CTS by train make sure to leave a large a amount of time. Our train itself took an EXTRA 35 mins to go from Sapporo to CTS due to slow driving (snowing).

CTS itself has a shopping complex attached with dozens of restaurants outside so feel free to eat before heading in.

Thanks Elanshin, I'm catching the bus. I have A LOT of gear...at least the bus you can shove it inside their luggage holding.
Oh I'm stuffing myself tonight with Genghis Khan, it's a local lamb dish.
And saving myself... when I get to lounge in Narita. Fingers crossed I can get into the Cathay Lounge, at worse I'll be at Sakura lounge and hopefully they'll have something decent.

 

[drron]

So where are you flying to from NRT. terminal 2 has separate Domestic and International sections. so if flying out of NRT domestically it will only be the Sakura lounge.
if flying in on Domestic and transferring to International the International Sakura lounges are way better than the domestic ones.

 

[Blacksheep]

I'll be flying domestically to Haneda then getting a bus to Narita. Flying business internationally....got plenty of time to burn, just seeing if I can a short lounge crawl

 

[drron]

I'll be flying domestically to Haneda then getting a bus to Narita. Flying business internationally....got plenty of time to burn, just seeing if I can a short lounge crawl

Then it's a pity AA closed their NRT. Many people including myself thought it was close to the best lounge AA had.

 

[drron]

I'll be flying domestically to Haneda then getting a bus to Narita. Flying business internationally....got plenty of time to burn, just seeing if I can a short lounge crawl

Have just done a report on the International Sakura lounge at Haneda in my TR - posts 307/308.

 

[Blacksheep]

Unfortunately I'll be at Narita. The last 2 times I've been flying out of Haneda with Qantas. This time I'm flying Fiji Airways . Always wanted to try but didn't have the status yet. Thanks again!
Drron, are you sure it's 307/308? Saw a few fuzzy photos heehee.
I've had a few sakes, I'll check again in transit tomorrow morning.

 

[drron]

Unfortunately I'll be at Narita. The last 2 times I've been flying out of Haneda with Qantas. This time I'm flying Fiji Airways . Always wanted to try but didn't have the status yet. Thanks again!

The NRT Sakura lounges are quite good. For about 12 years we used to fly BNE -NRT -JFK at least 3 times a year so used the sakura lounge there a lot.

 

[Blacksheep]

Decent menu at the international side I've got to admit.

 

[Drakecula]

Unfortunately I'll be at Narita. The last 2 times I've been flying out of Haneda with Qantas. This time I'm flying Fiji Airways .

Hi - we're flying out of Narita later this year to Fiji with Fiji Airways in Y. I'm QF Gold and wondering what lounges you found you had access to/recommend.

 

[Blacksheep]

I only went into the Sakura Lounge, didn't think I had access to the Cathay lounge unfortunately. Upstairs you've got the usual self serving alcohol and drinks area, also there's a counter to get your meals...there's a big lit menu about 10 items to choose from. The food was just ok, nothing to crow about.
Plenty of seating to choose from upstairs and downstairs, if you need a shower, book as soon as you get in. It's downstairs and there'll be staff there help you. Just before the shower there is a room full of massage chairs, unfortunately I found out a bit late.
The fish and chips did look a bit sad!

 

[Drakecula]

Thanks for the info, and the pictures. I agree, the fish and chips do look a bit sad. I hope they were tasty at least.

 

[serfty]

The fish and chips did look a bit sad!

Thanks for the heads up - looks like there's a need to order two serves ...

 

[Blacksheep]

Thanks for the heads up - looks like there's a need to order two serves ...

i think 3-4 at least if you're a wee hungry