We took the Narita Express to the airport, and arrived at Terminal 1 at around 2PM.
Narita Airport Terminal 1 check-in
We already had our online boarding passes so were going to just head straight for security, though while walking there we found the “ANA Suite Check-In,” and decided to check that out.
ANA first class check-in Narita
This is a nice and surprisingly large check-in area, though the coolest part is that it has a private security channel. So we were through security in no time, and then that led to the standard immigration queue, where we had to wait just a few minutes.
ANA first class check-in Narita
We passed a bunch of duty free shops and headed in the direction of the ANA first class lounge, which is the best lounge we had access to with our ANA first class tickets.
Narita Airport Terminal 1
The lounge is one level up from the main concourse, and was easy to find (it’s near gate 52).
Escalator to ANA lounge
At the top of the escalator was the entrance to the lounge. While there was a shared reception desk, the business class section of the lounge was to the left, while the first class section was to the right.
ANA lounge entrance Narita
ANA first class lounge entrance Narita
There’s a long entryway that leads into the main part of the first class lounge.
ANA first class lounge entryway Narita
Simply put, this lounge is boring and underwhelming, and feels like a business class lounge in every way. It’s bizarre to me that an airline with such a good onboard product has such a bad ground product.
The lounge does have plenty of seating. The main part of the lounge has a bunch of leather chairs that have a bit of separation thanks to some partitions.
ANA first class lounge seating Narita
ANA first class lounge seating Narita
ANA first class lounge seating Narita
Further into the lounge there’s just rows and rows of seats. This is just such bland decor, in my opinion, and there’s nothing here that feels first class.
ANA first class lounge seating Narita
ANA first class lounge seating Tokyo
ANA first class lounge seating Narita
ANA first class lounge seating Tokyo
ANA first class lounge seating Tokyo
The lounge has panoramic views of the apron and taxiways in the distance. Immediately below the lounge was the same Star Wars 777 that we had flown to Japan.
ANA first class lounge view
ANA first class lounge view
As far as other lounge amenities go, there’s a business center with a bunch of semi-private cubicles.
ANA first class lounge business center
ANA first class lounge business center
Then there’s a relaxation area, which has a couple of massage chairs, and also a regular chair with an ottoman.
ANA first class lounge massage chairs
ANA first class lounge massage chair
ANA first class lounge relaxation chair
The lounge also has a smoking room, for those who are into that.
ANA first class lounge smoking room
You’ve gotta love the quirks of Japan. I know it’s rude to make loud phone calls/basically any calls in public, but I find it hilarious that they have little designated phone areas in the middle of the lounge where you’re supposed to stand to make calls. They’re not enclosed, or anything, so I’m not sure how they minimize noise, but…
ANA first class lounge phone booth
This lounge has had exactly the same approach to service for well over a decade. The lounge is really well staffed (overstaffed, really, since there’s not much service). When you arrive in the lounge someone helps you find a seat (not that you really need help), and offers you a drink and cold towel.
But that’s the only drink they’ll offer — the rest you have to get yourself.
ANA first class lounge drinks
The buffet was towards the entrance to the lounge, and was rather basic. It consisted of a fairly limited selection of hot and cold options.
ANA first class lounge food
ANA first class lounge food
ANA first class lounge food
ANA first class lounge food
ANA first class lounge food
ANA first class lounge food
ANA first class lounge food
The only noteworthy amenity in the lounge is the noodle bar, which has about a dozen dishes that you can order.
ANA first class lounge noodle bar
ANA first class lounge noodle bar menu
Here’s what’s on the menu:
ANA first class lounge noodle bar menu
ANA first class lounge noodle bar menu
I decided to order the chicken curry, which was excellent (just as it is onboard).
ANA first class lounge food
As far as drinks go, there was a wide selection of alcohol available, all self serve.
ANA first class lounge drinks
ANA first class lounge drinks
ANA first class lounge drinks
Then there were coffee machines, juice, soda, water, and more.
ANA first class lounge drinks
We spent a couple of hours in the lounge working prior to the flight. Our flight was departing from gate 51, and boarding was scheduled to start at 4:40PM. So we headed there around 4:30PM.
ANA 777 taking us to Chicago
ANA departure gate
We lined up, though it quickly became apparent there would be a delay due to weather.
In Japan such high emphasis is placed on punctuality, so it’s always funny to see how a delay is handled there vs. just about anywhere else in the world. We ended up being delayed by about 30 minutes, and there were no fewer than a dozen apologies.
ANA departure gate
Boarding ended up actually starting at 5:20PM, with first class being invited to board first.
ANA departure delay
ANA first class lounge bottom line
To me Narita is one of the most “bleh” major airports out there. The airport is totally fine, though also unremarkable in my opinion. That’s also exactly how I feel about the ANA lounge.
The ANA lounge is totally fine, though nothing special at all. There’s nothing that makes this a first class lounge over a business class lounge. So if you have some time to kill then by all means visit it, but it’s not worth arriving at the airport early to experience this lounge. It ranks nowhere near my list of the world’s top first class lounges.
Anyone actually love the ANA first class lounge Narita?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.