JL's Sakura Lounge @ Haneda
On my last day in Tokyo I decided to take the airport limo bus in the evening from the IC ANA to Haneda. Ticket was 1,100 yen per person one way and I conveniently purchased it from the concierge. There is a waiting area one floor below the front desk and an attendant will ask you for your ticket upon checking in. Once on the bus, the attendant and bellman will give you a last farewell bow as you go on your way to the airport. Within 30 minutes we arrived at Haneda and the JL counter was pretty empty. I inquired if seats 1AC were open and the agent gladly changed us to our new seats.
Going through security was painless, quick and efficient. Afterwards the immigration agent stamped my passport and I was inside. I proceeded to the Sakura lounge and once there the front desk attendant welcomed me with a smile. First impression was very positive. I passed through a glass wall that was softly lit with the silhouette of a cherry blossom tree. What a way to make a visual impression and at the same time convey the beauty of Japanese culture. On the opposite side of the wall you can find lockers with a security camera hovering at the top. The showers are located near the entrance as well and I noticed several stalls - maybe 5 or 6 and there was already a waiting list when I inquired about using them. The attendant gave me a buzzing device to page me when it was my turn. I waited about 35 minutes and then the buzzer went off.
The shower room was small and there was no toilet, just the shower and a sink. There were some basic toiletries and soap/shampoo came from a big dispenser by the shower. After an invigorating shower I hit the buffet for some munchies. There were several attendants in plain view making sure that dishes were replenished and cleaning up after customers.
The lounge is divided into different seating areas with a nice buffet layout offering hot food such as curry pork, steamed rice, udon soup with duck, dim sum, an assortment of cold salads, rice crackers, pickles and other tidbits. Soft and alcoholic drinks were readily available to help yourself to.
Wall
Lockers
Showers
Sakura bar
Seating areas
Buffet
