Haneda Airport Lounge Review: Cathay Pacific vs. Amex Centurion Lounge – Which Is Better?

Da Nang Travel Diary | Lounge Hopping at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Starting Our Vietnam Trip with Lounge Hopping at Haneda Airport!

This year’s (2026 May) long holiday in Japan took us to Da Nang, Vietnam!

For me, an international trip doesn’t begin when the plane takes off. It starts at the airport!

This time, before departing from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), I had the chance to enjoy a little luxury by visiting two airport lounges in Terminal 3.

Our stops were:

• Cathay Pacific Lounge
• American Express Centurion Lounge

I had visited the Cathay Pacific Lounge before, but this was my first experience at the Centurion Lounge.

So, how did they compare?

First Stop: The Cathay Pacific Lounge – My Reliable Favorite

We started at the Cathay Pacific Lounge.

I’ve always liked this lounge for its calm atmosphere and comfortable seating.

One of its best features is the large windows overlooking the airport apron, where you can watch aircraft parked at the gates.

Sitting by the window with a glass of champagne, watching the planes, and thinking about the journey ahead…

That’s my idea of a perfect start to a vacation!

The spacious layout and relaxing interior make it easy to unwind before a flight.

And, of course, there’s the noodle bar.

I enjoyed a bowl of tantanmen (Japanese-style spicy sesame noodles), one of the highlights of my visit.

For me, the Cathay Pacific Lounge remains one of the most comfortable places to spend time at Haneda Airport.

First Visit to the American Express Centurion Lounge!

Next, we headed to the American Express Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport.

I was especially excited because this was my first visit.

A friend traveling with us had an American Express Platinum Card and was able to bring me in as a guest.

Lucky me!

We arrived at around 9:00 a.m.

And my first impression?

It was crowded!

The lounge was also smaller than I had expected.

A staff member told us that counter seats were available, so we accepted them and entered without waiting.

However, the seating felt quite close together.

Compared with the Cathay Pacific Lounge, it didn’t have the same spacious, relaxing atmosphere.

Of course, this was just my experience during a busy morning. Visiting at a different time might give a completely different impression.

Still, I was surprised by how crowded it was at 9:00 a.m.

Ozaki Beef Rice Balls – A Must-Try Japanese Specialty?

One of the most interesting things about the Centurion Lounge was the food.

In particular, I noticed Ozaki Beef, a premium Japanese beef brand from Miyazaki Prefecture.

There was even an Ozaki Beef certification display, which made the food presentation feel rather special.

And what caught my attention?

An Ozaki Beef onigiri.

For international visitors, onigiri is a Japanese rice ball, usually filled or flavored with ingredients such as salmon, tuna, or seasoned meat.

But a rice ball made with premium Japanese beef?

That sounded worth trying!

I’d already eaten tantanmen at the Cathay Pacific Lounge, so I wasn’t particularly hungry.

But I couldn’t leave without trying the Ozaki Beef onigiri.

I would have regretted it!

And the verdict?

It tasted like a fairly ordinary beef-shigure rice ball — rice with sweet and savory simmered beef.

It was enjoyable, although the premium name had probably raised my expectations a little too much.

Still, it was a fun food experience and something memorable to try before leaving Japan.

We also enjoyed drinks at the counter and made the most of our first Centurion Lounge visit.

Cathay Pacific vs. Centurion Lounge: Which Would I Recommend?

After visiting both lounges on the same morning, I realized how different two premium airport lounges can feel.

Cathay Pacific Lounge

• Large windows with excellent views of aircraft
• Calm and elegant interior
• Spacious seating and a relaxing atmosphere
• A noodle bar serving freshly prepared dishes
• Ideal for travelers who want to unwind before departure

American Express Centurion Lounge

• Interesting food and beverage selections
• Japanese specialties such as Ozaki Beef
• A more compact layout
• Seating can feel crowded during busy periods
• Good for travelers interested in trying distinctive lounge food and drinks

So, if I could choose only one?

Without hesitation, I’d choose the Cathay Pacific Lounge!

Don’t get me wrong. I was glad to experience the Centurion Lounge for the first time.

But for me, a good airport lounge isn’t just about food and drinks.

Comfort, space, and a peaceful atmosphere matter just as much.

And that’s where Cathay Pacific really stands out.

Of course, the Centurion Lounge might feel quite different when it’s less crowded.

I’d be interested in visiting again at a quieter time.

Useful Information: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Lounges

If you’re departing from Tokyo Haneda Airport on an international flight, here’s a quick comparison of the two lounges.

	Cathay Pacific Lounge	Amex Centurion Lounge
Terminal	Terminal 3	Terminal 3
Floor	6F	4F
Hours*	7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.	8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Highlights	Noodle bar, airport views	Japanese food, bar
Typical access	Eligible business-class passengers, oneworld Sapphire members	Eligible Amex Platinum and Centurion Card members

Opening hours and access policies may change. Always check the official lounge websites before traveling.

A note about JGC: Japan Airlines Global Club (JGC) is a membership program associated with Japan Airlines. Lounge access depends on your eligible status, flight, and the applicable oneworld access rules.

Guest access: American Express guest privileges vary by card, issuing country, and current lounge policies. Check your specific card benefits before visiting.