To drop in on my nephew I booked a roundtrip, economy class ticket to Naha, Okinawa from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND).  I chose Japan Airlines for this flight because it is a Oneworld partner of American Airlines where I have my primary frequent-flyer account.  The qualifying dollars and miles earned on Japan Airlines would be helpful in qualifying for status with American Airlines next year.

I decided to fly out of Haneda Airport because of convenience – only 20 minutes by taxi from the Ritz Carlton versus around 90 minutes by taxi and train to Narita (NRT).  Checking in at Terminal 1, the agent provided directions to the Japan Airlines lounge.  Having been impressed with Japan Airlines’ First Class lounges at NRT, I was curious to experience one of its domestic lounges.

Other posts about this trip:

United Airlines Polaris Lounge, Chicago, Il – Lounge Review
Flight Review – ANA First Class 777-300ER, Chicago, IL to Tokyo, Japan (HND)
Tokyo Hotel Review – The b Akasaka-Mitsuke Hotel
The Ritz Carlton Tokyo – Hotel Review
Photo Review – My First Experience With Sakura Season
Shinjuku Walking Tour
Mt. Fuji Tour Review
Japan Airlines Diamond Premier Lounge Tokyo Haneda
Flight Review – Japan Airlines 777-300 Economy Class, Tokyo, Japan (HND) to Naha (Okinawa), Japan (OKA)

Hacksaw Ridge And Shuri Castle World War II Battle Sites
Japanese World War II Underground Naval Headquarters Tour
Flight Review – Japan Airlines 777-300 Economy Class, Naha to Tokyo, Japan (HND)
Hotel Review – Park Royal Hotel, Tokyo Haneda (HND)
Lounge Review – ANA First Class Lounge Tokyo, Japan (HND)
Flight Review – ANA First Class 777-300 Tokyo, Japan (HND) to Chicago, IL (ORD)

Diamond Premier Lounge20190611_130808 (1)

Lounge Location, Hours, Access and Layout

There are Diamond Premier lounges in both wings of Terminal 1.  The South Wing lounge is located one level up from the main corridor near Gate 10 .  It opens at 05:15 and closes after the last JAL departure.

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Take the escalator up one level.

Getting on the escalator I discovered a neat perk for those going to the Diamond Premier Lounge.

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The Diamond Premier Lounge has a private security entrance that leads directly to the escalators.  The agent did not tell me about this entrance when I checked in.  Perhaps this entrance is reserved solely for first class passengers and not others using the lounge.

Check in is at the top of the escalator.20190611_130701 (1)

The receptionists check boarding passes and direct guests to the left for the Diamond Premier Lounge or to the right for the Sakura Lounge.  The Diamond Premier lounge is available to:

  • Japan Airlines domestic first-class passengers and those connecting to Japan Airlines international flights in first class;
  • Japan Airlines frequent flyers holding Diamond or Premier status; and
  • Oneworld Emeralds;

I was flying economy and was admitted because of Oneworld Emerald status from American Airlines.  Passengers with access may bring in one guest.  Infants under age three do not count as guests.

Seating

Here is the lounge layout:20190611_125718 (1)

Once checked in, proceed down a corridor to the lounge.  The Diamond Premier Lounge is one rectangular room divided into three seating areas.  The most comfortable seating is just inside the entrance in the area called the Library.  Book art pertaining to the history of JAL is on display.  Past the library is a section of traditional lounge seating with plenty of electrical outlets.

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Food service area in back, library in the middle, and traditional seating in the foreground.

A long work bench by the window provides good views of HND operations.20190408_181015 (1)

At the far right as one enters is an area with relaxing massage chairs.20190611_125831 (1)

The dinning area is to the left of the entrance.20190408_181346

The South Wing lounge seats 115.  The larger North Wing lounge seats 185.

Food and Beverages

Food and beverages are of a high quality but with limited choices.  Pastries, soup (vegetable and miso), two types of onigiri, and focaccia bread filled with spicy curry make up the menu.  Bread and rolls are from Maison Kayser.20190611_130204

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12-year Macallan Scotch and a Japanese drink were the only liquor options.
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Machines pour perfect glasses of draft beer every time.

I appreciated the scotch but while onigiri and spicy curry bread are popular Japanese dishes, I was unable to put together a satisfying repast.

Bathrooms and Showers

This lounge has five shower rooms in addition to clean uncrowded restrooms.  Sowers are open from 06:30.20190408_181610 (1)

Other Services and Features

Good WiFi, newspapers and magazines in several languages, baggage lockers, a smoking room and last but not least, travel assistance from the Japan Airlines staff are also available here.

Overall Impression

The Diamond Premier Lounge has great seating and tarmac views, plus having a private entrance is a rare treat for any lounge.  On the other hand, for a first-class lounge, the food and beverage menu disappoints.  The monochromatic color scheme is symbolic of the lounge’s general lack of pizazz.  Japan Airlines’ international first-class lounges are outstanding, but as a domestic first-class or business-class lounge, the Diamond Premier Lounge falls a bit short of expectations.