Japan Airlines will reopen its refurbished domestic lounges and dedicated security checkpoint in the North Wing of Tokyo Haneda Airport’s Terminal 1 on 8 October 2026.
The reopening completes the upgrade of the wing’s priority departure facilities, following the introduction of dedicated check-in counters on 24 July. As part of the changes, the former Diamond Premier Lounge has been renamed the JAL First Class Lounge.
Both the First Class and Sakura lounges have been redesigned with separate areas for dining, relaxation and work, alongside new facilities for families and updated shower booking technology.
First Class Lounge Adds Seating and All-Day Dining
Seating capacity in the JAL First Class Lounge has increased by approximately 40%.
The layout includes a dining area centred on an island counter, a relaxation zone with massage chairs and sofas, and workspaces ranging from private booths to semi-private cubicles and shared desks.
Food selections will change throughout the day. Curry bread, sushi rolls and hot soups will be served from morning to midday, followed by cakes and freshly baked scones at tea time. Evening offerings will focus on savoury bites to accompany alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
A new pop-up space will showcase regional food and cultural experiences. Its first programme pairs Suntory’s ROKU Japanese craft gin with traditional wagashi sweets.
The lounge will also host rotating art exhibitions in its work area. The opening display, curated under the supervision of essayist Minori Kai, explores confectionery wrapping-paper designs from across Japan.
JAL plans to progressively rename its Diamond Premier Lounges at New Chitose, Itami, Fukuoka and Naha airports as First Class Lounges.
Sakura Lounge Introduces Children’s Play Area
The renovated Sakura Lounge includes a refreshed beverage counter serving sipping dashi broth, a relaxation area with massage seating, and workspaces equipped with AC and USB outlets.
The work area is positioned near the escalators leading to the departure concourse.
Families will have access to a new children’s area designed under the supervision of educational play specialist Bornelund. The space combines activities and play equipment with seating that allows adults to remain within sight of their children.
The lounge also displays 15 works by artists affiliated with HERALBONY.
Smartphone Shower Access and Private Nursing Rooms
The upgrades include private nursing rooms and a smartphone-based shower reservation system.
Passengers will be able to book a shower, receive waiting-list notifications and unlock the room using a dynamic QR code, replacing requests at the front desk and physical key collection.
Retired aircraft components and surplus renovation materials have also been incorporated into the interiors. These include aircraft window frames, seat upholstery and older fittings repurposed as furniture, artwork and decorative finishes.
New Security Lanes and Further Renovations
The North Wing’s priority departure facilities include dedicated self-service bag-drop units and new security lanes that allow passengers to leave laptops and compliant liquids inside their cabin bags.
Following completion of the North Wing, JAL will begin phased renovations of the South Wing’s lounges, priority check-in counters and security facilities. Further scheduling details will be published by the airline.
