My flight from Tokyo Narita to Chicago was departing at 10:50AM, though I got to the airport plenty early. I had spent the night at the Hilton Tokyo Narita, so figured I might as well go to the airport early and work from there, have breakfast, etc.
I got to Narita Terminal 2 before 6AM, though was shocked to find that security only opens at 7:15AM. As it turns out the, earliest flight departing from Narita Terminal 2 is at 9AM. Am I the only one who is surprised by that?!
Narita Airport Terminal 2
Narita Airport Terminal 2 departures board
It wasn’t a big deal, though, as I just had a seat and got some work done on my laptop. When the security checkpoint did open at 7:15AM, dozens of people lined up right away, though fortunately there was a separate fast track security lane.
Narita Airport security line
Narita Airport security line
My destination was the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, which is located just past security to the right, and which opens at 7:30AM. This lounge is accessible by oneworld first class passengers, as well as oneworld Emerald members.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita exterior
The same entrance is shared by both the first and business class lounge. When facing the reception desk, the first class section is to the left, and is down a long hallway.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita entryway
The lounge is quite large, though I guess that’s not unexpected when you consider how many oneworld Emerald members there are. Inside the entrance is an area without windows, which has a couple dozen leather chairs.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita seating
The main part of the lounge is one big rectangular room, with a lot of seating.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita seating
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita seating
I feel like the furniture in the lounge is all arranged in a dense way. You’d generally think a first class lounge would give you a feeling of privacy or exclusivity, but the lounge has so many seats in it.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita seating
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita seating
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita seating
JAL First Class Lounge Narita seating
JAL First Class Lounge Narita seating
There’s a really long row of dining tables along the windows. The problem is that the tables aren’t spaced out enough to put luggage between them and also get in and out, so a lot of people just place luggage in the walkway area.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita seating
JAL First Class Lounge Narita seating
I do like that the lounge has wraparound windows with great views of the apron.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita view
As far as other amenities go, in the very back of the lounge is a smoking room.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita smoking room
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita smoking room
Near that is a business center with some workstations.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Narita business center
Back towards the entrance is an area with shower rooms and massage chairs. You have to reserve the massage chairs, but I find they’re usually readily available. This lounge used to offer complimentary 10 minute massages, but unfortunately those were eliminated in 2017.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita massage chair
As far as the food and drinks go, the lounge has a couple of buffet areas, as well as a sushi and sake bar. One area had mostly drinks.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita buffet
This included self serve liquor and wine.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita drink selection
JAL First Class Lounge Narita drink selection
JAL First Class Lounge Narita drink selection
JAL First Class Lounge Narita drink selection
Then there was a beer machine and soda fountain.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
Then there was coffee, both filtered and from a machine.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita coffee machine
There were also some light snacks.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita snack selection
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
The other buffet had a more substantial food selection, including some hot dishes. I’ll let the pictures speak mostly for themselves.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita buffet
JAL First Class Lounge Narita buffet
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
JAL First Class Lounge Narita food
The highlight is definitely the sushi bar, which is only available from 7:30AM until 12:30PM, and from 3PM until 8PM.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita sushi bar
JAL First Class Lounge Narita sushi bar
On the back side of this is a self serve sake bar.
JAL First Class Lounge Narita sake bar
I spent a couple of hours in the lounge working. Boarding was scheduled to start at 10:20AM, so at around 9:30AM I started wandering around the terminal to enjoy the views. This provided an excellent opportunity to get some Japan Airlines plane stock footage. 😉
Japan Airlines 787 Narita Airport
Japan Airlines 787 Narita Airport
Japan Airlines 787 Narita Airport
Eventually I headed to my departure gate, #71.
Narita Airport terminal
Narita Airport departure gate
The gates at Narita Terminal 2 are mostly one level down from the main concourse, so I took the escalator down.
Narita Airport departure gate
You’ve gotta love watching flights board in Japan because of the organization and precision, and how well the gates are staffed. At 10:20AM boarding was announced, starting with first class and oneworld Emerald members.
Narita Airport departure gate
JAL First Class Lounge Narita bottom line
JAL’s first class lounge at Narita is solid but unremarkable. The lounge has nice views and an alright food selection. I’d say the highlights of the lounge are the massage chairs, the sushi bar, and the views.
However, the lounge is also densely furnished, and I don’t find the furniture to be terribly spacious-feeling or modern. It’s a good lounge, but I’m not sure there’s anything that really makes this first class rather than business class. It’s a great place to pass some time, but it also isn’t my favorite international first class lounge.
I do prefer Japan Airlines’ first class lounge at Haneda Airport for sure.
If you’ve visited this lounge, what was your experience like?
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.