4 areas for business trips and vacations Photo feature: JAL New Chitose Lounge overlooking the runway (Sakura Lounge Edition)

Continued from Diamond Premier. On June 29, Japan Airlines (JAL/JL, 9201) reopened the domestic "Sakura Lounge" at New Chitose Airport after renovations, and newly established the top-level "Diamond Premier Lounge".

The New Chitose lounge will be closed from November 4, 2015 due to renovation work on the domestic terminal building. Due to the renovation, the location has been moved from the conventional 2nd floor to the 3rd floor, and the size of the two lounges combined has doubled. Until now, there were no windows, but windows were placed in almost all areas to create an open interior with a panoramic view of the runway.

Sakura Lounge at New Chitose Airport renewed by JAL with a panoramic view of the runway = June 27, 2016 PHOTO: Tadayuki YOSHIKAWA/Aviation Wire

The renewed Sakura Lounge has 101 seats and consists of 4 areas. After holding the IC card and boarding pass at the reception, head to the right for the Diamond Premier Lounge, and turn left for the Sakura Lounge.

Newly opened JAL Diamond Premier Lounge (right) and Sakura Lounge reception at New Chitose Airport = June 27, 2016 PHOTO: Tadayuki YOSHIKAWA/Aviation Wire

In the dining room, lighting with a motif of strips of bamboo and a counter table where you can hang your luggage are placed in the center. In front of it, we set up an arc-shaped drink counter with a copper-inspired color tone.

In the area suitable for groups such as families, there are horizontal sofas and table seats where 3 people can sit.

In order to feel the nature of Hokkaido, we set up a table that combines counters of different heights in the area where art that incorporates greenery welcomes you. In addition to comfort and privacy, the seating area with increased storage capacity is laid out with the idea of ​​not only relaxing, but also those who want to work calmly.

The interior is designed by Ryu Kosaka, an interior designer who also worked on the international lounge at Haneda Airport, based on the design concept of "Japanese appearance". While making use of Japanese materials, the space was finished in a modern way. This is the first new design to be adopted in domestic lounges in the future, and Haneda and other locations will also promote unification of the brand.

In addition to installing power outlets except for some seats, we have newly prepared a space to store a carry-on bag that can be brought on board. There are two outlets at the window side table seats, and one outlet at the sofa, which is designed for people who work on laptops, etc., according to the characteristics of each seat.

In addition to harmonizing the trash can with the interior space, we also introduced a design that makes it easy to remove trash during cleaning. The washroom has a faucet with an integrated hand dryer made by Dyson.

*27 photos. * Click here for Diamond Premier Edition.

Sakura lounge reception at New Chitose Airport renewed by JAL = June 27, 2016 PHOTO: Tadayuki YOSHIKAWA/Aviation Wire

The entrance to the Sakura Lounge at New Chitose Airport, renewed by JAL = June 27, 2016 PHOTO: Tadayuki YOSHIKAWA/Aviation Wire

Sakura Lounge booth that can be used for mobile phone calls = June 27, 2016 PHOTO: Tadayuki YOSHIKAWA/Aviation Wire

From here onwards, only members can view.

Free members can read up to 3 articles per month for free. Paid Members have access to All Paid Articles.

Please log in if you are a member. If you are not registered, you can read more by registering as a free member.

If you wish to register as a paid member after registering as a free member, please log in from the member page and register as a paid member.

* There are three types of members: free individual members, paid individual members, and paid corporate members. To become a member of these, you must first register as a free member. See here for subscription fees.

* The difference between paid members, free members, and non-members is as follows.・Paid members: View all articles, including members-only articles ・Free members: View up to 3 members-only articles per month ・Non-members: View articles other than members-only articles

* For corporate member registration, please contact us here. *Corporate member registration is paid only.