American Express has opened its fourth Centurion Lounge in Asia, located in Terminal 3 of Tokyo Haneda Airport. Spanning approximately 7,500 square feet, this exclusive space offers a blend of cultural depth and modern comfort for card members traveling to Japan. As the 30th Centurion Lounge worldwide, this new facility continues the brand’s commitment to high-end service while infusing rich local elements. From space design to dining options, every aspect showcases Japan’s artisanal spirit and aesthetic lifestyle.
The VIP lounge at Haneda Airport is designed by OnBrand, an internal creative agency of American Express, drawing inspiration from traditional Japan Blue. This deep indigo tone permeates the entire space, merging a wealth of natural materials including walnut, black wax wood, and stone to create a calming and serene atmosphere. The bar area features fish scale-patterned ceramic tiles, enhanced by a high ceiling design that elevates the sense of visual space, while the main seating area is adorned with custom Edo kiriko style chandeliers, adding a distinctive Japanese play of light and shadow to the overall ambiance.
The artistic installations are incredibly distinctive, showcasing works from multiple local artists. Highlights include custom murals by Kuroki Shu, a textile art piece by Matsumoto Saki that transforms the American Express mascot Sir Charles Frosty Blue into a Shiba Inu, as well as pottery, ink art, and lacquer creations by Iwasaki Takashi, Sasaki Ryohei, and Yokoyama Miho. Notably, Yokoyama’s work employs traditional Wajima lacquer techniques and originates from Ishikawa Prefecture, symbolizing support and attention towards the rebuilding efforts after the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
The VIP lounge features multiple areas tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers. It includes private telephone rooms equipped with soundproofing and natural sound effects, a meditative space, cozy dining areas, family-friendly booths, and an exclusive VIP section designed specifically for Centurion members. The Centurion area showcases exquisite joinery-style woodwork and displays a collection of photography and art that highlight the vibrant spirit of Japanese festival culture.
On the dining front, the VIP lounge has an entire menu curated by the renowned chef Satoshi Ogino. Chef Ogino has previously led several Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, skillfully blending French techniques with Japanese flavors while emphasizing seasonal and local ingredients. The dishes include sushi, ramen, Japanese snacks, a buffet salad bar, and Western hot dishes, all complemented by a dedicated dessert bar offering snacks and traditional wagashi. The bar serves Japanese beer, sake, wine, and signature cocktails, paying homage to Japanese culinary culture.
To enhance the traveler experience, the facilities include high-speed Wi-Fi, ample power outlets, a variety of seating options, dedicated workspaces, and high-quality showers. This ensures that whether travelers are on a brief stopover or waiting for a connecting flight, they can enjoy a convenient and private environment. The meditation space features sound experiences with natural audio effects, such as water sounds and birdsong, combined with traditional Japanese artistic decor, creating a tranquil and relaxing personal space.
Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, highlighted that the Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport showcases local cultural features and high-quality dining services. She mentioned her favorite spot is the private area in the meditation zone, which helps travelers unwind before boarding. Yasuhiro Sudo, Senior Vice President and Japan Representative at American Express, also emphasized that this is the first Centurion Lounge in Japan, an important milestone that members have long awaited, marking the brand’s commitment to enhancing service in the region.
The Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport, part of American Express’s global lounge network, is one of over 1,550 lounges worldwide. Currently, the Centurion brand has exclusive spaces in 30 airports around the globe, and American Express has announced plans to continue expanding its lounge network in the future, with new locations in Salt Lake City, Newark, and Amsterdam, further solidifying its leadership in high-end travel experiences.
