If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (and if you aren’t, you should be!), you’ve seen my posts about the JAL Sakura Lounge at Narita Airport. You may also have figured out already that I’m a One World girl. If you have the opportunity to access this club, you definitely need to get in there. It provides great relaxation before any long haul flight
A Note on Preferred Point of Entry to America
If I have the choice, I always fly through Dallas, Texas. I never have culture shock coming to Japan. I get it full force coming back to America and the Dallas International Airport makes the transition smoother than the other airports (and with 20+ round trips from America to Japan under my belt, I’ve been through just about every international airport in the states).
The people are friendly, customs and bag pick up are easy and not stressful at all and I LOVE the international terminal. It’s beautiful and has great amenities. Including the One World Lounge.
That being said, JFK has a Flagship Lounge for International One World fliers that has great amenities if you have a layover. They may have me on the beer selection at least, lots of local varieties that you can just grab from the refridgerator.
Welcome to the Sakura Lounge
Eventually, we all must go home and the Sakura Lounges in Narita (and Haneda) are a relaxing way out. There are some differences between the lounges in America and Japan. (As this post is mostly meant to be about the Sakura Lounge, all of these pictures are in Japan.)
1) The Food
I’ve been to some lounges in the states that allow you to order off the menu. Or if you have Priority Pass, many of your options are restaurants so you’re definitely ordering from a menu there!
Often the Business Class lounge choices are limited to Continental style bagels and oatmeal. The spread at the Narita lounges is a full buffet with many choices that give you the last chance at Japanese cuisine.
I always get a bowl of their Japanese curry, while no room for customization like Coco’s Ichibanya curry, it is quite tasty and reminds me more of mom & pop style Japanese curry.
2) The Amenities
There are nice cushy couches and seats to put your feet up before a flight. One thing I never knew I needed before I had the opportunity? They have showers which are especially nice if you have a layover and smell like the plane you just disembarked from.
Sadly, the lounge in Narita no longer offers it’s the biggest perk – massages. They were only 15 minutes but was always something to get there for early. They do still have massage chairs you can take advantage of though!
3) The Drinks
State-side, the single drink ticket is nice but in Japan, there is a full open bar at your leisure. Don’t go crazy! The rule of not accepting people that are visually drunk still applies! It’s still a nice touch and gives you more options than America. Self pouring beer, multiple wines (white, red and sparkly – you need something for mimosas after all!), and liquors if that’s your thing with plenty of mixers.
4) The Entertainment
Entertainment options are fairly consistent from club to club. World newspapers, TVs, business centers, children’s areas are available for your use. If you need to make a phone call, there are enclosed booths so that you don’t disturb anyone, but also nice for privacy.