Lounge Review: ANA Lounge (Haneda Airport International Terminal)

On my latest flight from Haneda to Hong Kong on ANA's Business Class, I had access to the ANA Lounge. As you approach the ANA Lounge (which has been refreshed in 2014) in the International Terminal of Haneda Airport, you will notice that there are actually two separate lounges - the ANA Lounge (which I will review here) and the ANA SUITE LOUNGE which is reserved for First Class and ANA Diamond Service members on eligible ANA or Star Alliance flights. 

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ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

If you hold a valid Star Alliance Gold status (if you hold an existing elite status with the Golden Circle by Shangri-La program, you may fast track to Gold with just one flight), you will be able to enjoy complimentary access to the ANA Lounge if you are traveling on an eligible flight - you will also be able to bring a guest in. One thing I really appreciate in good airport lounges is the abundance of natural lighting as there is nothing more depressing than a lounge tucked away in some corner of the airport (yes, I am looking at you SilverKris Lounge in Hong Kong!). 

ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

Since my flight (NH859) was scheduled to depart at 8:55AM, the ANA Lounge was only serving breakfast when I got there and breakfast is generally the least impressive meal period in airport lounges and onboard flights. Therefore, I wasn't actually expecting a lot but was pleasantly surprised at what the lounge has to offer. 

Star Wars - ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

Most of you will remember the Star Wars and ANA partnership that started in 2015 and the good news (for Star Wars fans) is that the ANA Lounge here in Haneda Airport is filled with Star Wars characters! 

Magazines and Newspapers - ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

The ANA Lounge may be pretty big but it got quite busy when I visited. I ended up in the quieter area behind (in literally a quiet zone) as most of the good seats with a view of the runway were all taken up. Oh, and since it was the morning after Donald Trump won the presidential election, every major newspaper had a somewhat flattering-shot of America's newest president. There was also a selection of magazines (both local and international) available at the lounge if you are looking for some reading materials before your flight. 

Beer on Tap - ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

I took a walk around the ANA Lounge and found a number of beer taps located throughout the lounge - in fact, I think I spotted Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo on different taps and in case you are wondering 'who on earth is going to drink at beer at 8AM in the morning', head down to the lounge yourself and you will find out. 

Liquor and Spirits - ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

In fact, if beer isn't your morning beverage choice, there is also a pretty extensive range of liquors and spirits so go ahead and make yourself an Irish Coffee if you must. I actually stayed away from them since I have already made plans to drink onboard the Business Cabin instead (check out my review of NH859 from Haneda to Hong Kong here!). 

Special Sake - ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

in fact, by the time I arrive at this special sake section where some sakes were on display (and available for tasting too), I was already convinced that the Japanese took drinking very seriously - even at seven in the morning. 

Japanese Curry - ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

The food served during breakfast was pretty predictable - pastries, sandwiches, cold cuts and a glorious Japanese selection with crispy chicken cutlet, delicious Japanese-style curry and rice. Of course I had to go with the latter option - I am in Japan after all! If you are still not convinced, it turned out to be one of the best Japanese-style curries I have ever had (or perhaps I was just really hungry from the early morning train navigation from the Conrad Tokyo). 

ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

The ANA Lounge at the International Terminal of Haneda Airport was pretty impressive and as I have mentioned earlier, you may also access this lounge if you hold a Star Alliance Gold status and if you are traveling in an eligible class onboard a Star Alliance carrier. As compared to what we give back home in Singapore (the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge), this lounge is so much better! 

View from ANA Lounge
Haneda Airport (International Terminal)

Boarding calls were made and I left the ANA Lounge shortly after that to catch my flight to Hong Kong where I checked out ANA's business cabin - read about my experience HERE!