American Express Debuts First Centurion Lounge in Japan at Tokyo Haneda

In a city defined by kinetic energy, Shinkansen timetables, and a humming international terminal that rarely sleeps, American Express has carved out a contemplative new space for travelers. On July 16, the company is opening the doors of its first Centurion Lounge in Japan—an introspective, beautifully crafted enclave within Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), the country’s busiest air gateway and one of the most trafficked airports on earth.

Nestled in Terminal 3 near Gate 114, the nearly 7,500-square-foot lounge is the 30th Centurion Lounge worldwide and the fourth in Asia, joining existing locations in Delhi, Hong Kong, and Mumbai.

Photo: Courtesy of American Express

Designed to reflect the aesthetics and values of Japanese craftsmanship, the lounge integrates locally sourced materials, commissioned artworks, and a food and beverage program centered on regional flavors.

The result is a facility that offers Amex’s eligible Card Members a quieter, more personalized airport experience in one of the world’s busiest international terminals.

The Lounge

Created by OnBrand, Amex’s in-house design agency, the lounge architecture is structured around the concept of “Japan Blue”—a deep indigo dye derived from the traditional Aizome technique.

The color, associated with calm and continuity, runs through the space via textiles, wall panels, and furniture accents. A combination of walnut, black ash, slatted wood, and ceramic surfaces echoes the muted, structured design principles found in Japanese residential and public architecture.

Photo: Courtesy of American Express

Functional elements, such as phone booths and private seating areas, are designed with both visual and acoustic considerations in mind. A custom Edo-Kiriko-style chandelier, ceramic tiles at the bar, and subtle stone detailing are used to enhance specific areas while maintaining a cohesive visual tone throughout the lounge.

Commissioned artworks from Japanese creators elevate the room from elegant to intentional. Textile artist Saki Matsumoto reimagines the American Express bulldog, Sir Charles Frosty Blue, as a Komainu—an ancient shrine guardian—crafted in fabric and symbolism.

Ryuji Iwasaki’s ceramics and Miho Yokoyama’s Wajima Nuri lacquerware installation, sourced from Ishikawa in support of earthquake recovery, add gravitas. Even the restrooms feature thoughtful finishes and curated textures.

Speaking on the opening, Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, said: “The Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport celebrates Japanese culture, featuring custom artwork, an exciting menu that showcases the flavors of Tokyo, and my personal favorite – private meditation booths to help you recharge and find some calm before your flight.”

Food and Beverage

In Japan, food is never incidental. The Centurion Lounge at Haneda honors that with an open kitchen helmed by Michelin-acclaimed Chef Satoshi Ogino. Known for his precision in blending tradition with innovation, Ogino offers guests a tightly curated seasonal menu alongside familiar comfort dishes.

Photo: Courtesy of American Express

At breakfast or dinnertime, travelers may watch chefs handcraft sushi or simmer delicate ramen. The lounge’s expansive buffet balances Japanese and Western options with integrity, avoiding the usual international hotel clichés.

There is a full-service bar, too—featuring Japanese craft cocktails, curated sake and shochu selections, and local beers. A dedicated buffet features a combination of local and international selections. The full-service bar offers a selection of Japanese beer, sake, shochu, and wines, in addition to a rotating menu of craft cocktails.

A separate sweets bar offers wagashi—traditional Japanese confections—as well as teas and other regional treats.

Amenities

The facility is designed for flexibility, with separate zones catering to different traveler needs. Seating options include dining banquettes, armchairs, family-style groupings, and more private configurations.

Families can use a separate room with a television and seating suited for small groups. Centurion Card Members also have access to a VIP area that includes Kumiko woodwork, a private drink station, and additional artwork.

Photo: Courtesy of American Express

Yasuhiro Sudo, Senior Vice President and Japan Country Manager at American Express, emphasized the lounge’s importance for the local market: “We are thrilled to open Japan’s first Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport. We look forward to providing a best-in-class experience with high-quality meals, a wonderful atmosphere, and local charm to eligible Japanese Card Members and eligible Card Members from all over the world.”

In addition to food and seating, the lounge includes dedicated phone rooms that double as meditation booths, with sound-absorbing walls and a curated audio program featuring recordings of natural sounds such as running water and wind through trees.

Standard amenities include workstations, charging ports, high-speed Wi-Fi, and premium restroom and shower facilities.

Growing Centurion Network

This marks a further expansion of American Express’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,550 lounges across 140 countries.

In early July, Amex also announced an upcoming Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)—Europe’s fourth-busiest hub—marking its first proprietary lounge on the continent. With Tokyo-Haneda now officially added to the roster, the Centurion Lounge network now spans 30 global locations.

Photo: Centurion Lounge AMS. Courtesy of American Express

Tokyo Haneda’s Centurion Lounge will be joined in the coming years by new lounges in Salt Lake City, Newark, and Boston.

According to Hendley, the timing of the Tokyo launch reflects increased interest among Card Members: “We’ve seen incredible demand for travel to Japan—it is one of the destinations where we’ve seen the highest growth recently. We look forward to showcasing the impeccable service Centurion Lounges are known for in a destination we know is so important to our Card Members.”

With the Tokyo location now open, American Express reinforces its strategy of embedding its premium services into key international gateways—blending regional design with global consistency, and offering frequent flyers a quieter experience amid some of the world’s busiest terminals.