ANA Business Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport opens

All Nippon Airways (or ANA) is by far the largest airline in Japan, and as part of a huge increase in operations at the close to Tokyo, inner city airport of Haneda (airport code HND) it is opening up three new lounges.

The new First Class, Business Class, and arrivals lounge have been designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who has implemented a "ichigo ichie" design concept, which roughly translates at 'treasure every encounter as if it were once in a lifetime'.

ANA Business Class lounge

Alas, the Business Class ANA Lounge in Terminal 2 at HND is a major disappointment, as well as being a major lounge: it has a seating capacity of no less than 900 passengers. And that means banks and banks of identical seats, in long rows, with no real attempt to inject any interest or features in the lounge.

ANA say the lounge, just called the 'ANA Lounge' has been inspired by Japanese heritage, and it incorporates traditional architectural design and the use of natural colours, ambient lighting and Japanese art.

The ANA Lounge is available for any passenger travelling Premium Economy or Business Class with a large open layout surrounded by floor to ceiling windows with lots of natural light and views of the tarmac.

There is a buffet area, with an open theatre kitchen so you can watch chefs cook the meals as they are served. The buffet will also features the classic ANA noodle bar: order at the hatch, take a buzzer, and your meal is brought to your seat.

There is a long low bar close to the windows, where there is of course Japanese sake (rice wine) plus complementary wine and beer. The cocktail menu includes 20 or so more conventional cocktails.

Just like Cathay Pacific there are 'Solo' chairs in booths, and unusually there are 'duo booths' for two people travelling together. The business class side of the lounge has 24 booths, mixed between solo and dual configurations.

There is also a children's room, with toys and games for small children.

ANA Suite Lounge

While the Business Class lounge is a little dull at Haneda, the First Class ANA lounge at HND is very much ANA's flagship. Called the Suite Lounge it is for ANA first class passengers, plus ANA Mileage Club Diamond members.

The design interweaves traditional Japanese elegance with modern influences, again designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

The First Class area is divided into several distinct zones by metal mesh walls inspired by iconic shoji partitions. The entrance itself features a traditional Japanese garden and 'bamboo forest'.

The 360-seat space will feature an expanded culinary experience including a live kitchen with made to order dishes and a new bar area with cocktails.

The ANA First Class lounge is laid out on two floors. Upstairs are comfortable seats, plus a nap area with six day-beds and five semi-reclined chairs with booths featuring televisions, plus a business centre with booths for working in privacy.

Downstairs there is again a theatre kitchen with western or Japanese breakfast in the mornings, while dinner is prepared by a skilled sushi chef.

Another noodle bar for fast bites is there, plus an a la carte restaurant called 'Dining h', which offers a full menu including steaks and tempura.

However it is the bar which is the focal point of the ANA Suite Lounge. Of course you can sit at the bar, but there is also waiter service if you sit at the tables, and a seasonal selection of premium sake wines.

ANA Arrival Lounge HND

Competing the lougne setup is the ANA Haneda arrival lounge.

Like the other lounges it has an open floor plan, creating an area surrounded by large windows. The reception will also include wheelchair accessible counter space to improve convenience for passengers with disabilities.

Light meals and beverages will be served at the arrival lounge, but most will be visiting to refresh, so good news, there will be total of 18 shower rooms for the passengers to freshen up before they embark on the next leg of their journey. Two of the shower rooms are designed to facilitate easier use for passengers who need assistance.

There are only light Food and beverage options on arrival, as most passengers will head to their hotels. However there are 18 shower cubicles at ANA's Arrival Lounge with changing rooms plus a footbath area with views of the runway and beyond.

With approximately 1300 combined seats, the lounges will be among the largest in Japan. Both the ANA Suite lounge and the Ana Business Class lounge are open from 5am until the last flight of the day departs, with the exception of the arrivals lounge which closes at midday.

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