Review | Royal Lounge Sapporo New Chitose Airport

Key Information

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 9pm

Location: 4F, Airside, International Departures

Tucked away in the international terminal of Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport is the Royal Lounge—a surprisingly elegant space that punches above its weight.

The Royal Lounge is located next to Gate 69 at Sapporo New Chitose International Airport

Designed to serve Business and First Class passengers and status holders from various airlines, this lounge turned out to be a lot more impressive than I had expected.

I accessed the lounge thanks to my Enrich Platinum status while flying on Cathay Pacific Business Class, which proves once again that loyalty does have its perks.

Given the relatively wide access privileges, you’d expect the Royal Lounge to be buzzing with people. But to my pleasant surprise, it was largely quiet and serene throughout my stay. Perhaps everyone else was too busy panic-buying Japanese KitKats and wasabi crackers at the duty-free shops downstairs.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a spacious and well-appointed lounge with plenty of seating options and a sleek bar-like island in the centre that gives the whole place a polished, almost hotel lobby-like charm.

The layout is both functional and inviting—perfect for lounging, eating, or pretending to work on your laptop while secretly people-watching.

Buffet Spread: A Solid 8/10, Karaage Recommended

Food-wise, the Royal Lounge offers a surprisingly diverse selection, with local Japanese dishes like ramen and chicken karaage (both highly recommended), alongside international options.

While the food didn’t blow me away, it was tasty, well-prepared, and consistent with what you’d expect in a Japanese airport lounge—reliable, well-executed, and refreshingly unpretentious.

That said, the seating arrangements in the dining area could use some tweaking.

Smaller groups occupying larger sofas meant that families and larger groups had to get creative, or just eat in shifts. Still, it’s a small price to pay for decent ramen before a flight.

Alcohol Corner: Whiskey Wisdom & Lounge Chair Zen

Now, the bar. I’ll be honest and repeat—booze isn’t my thing.

But I couldn’t resist a small taste of Nikka Super Whisky, if only to feel fancy for a fleeting moment. Was it good? No idea. But it looked expensive, and that’s what counts, right?

Post-sip, I made my way to the back of the lounge where three glorious lounge chairs awaited.

These chairs are the real MVPs of the space—ultra-comfy, tucked away in a quieter corner, and ideal for a quick nap or a fake work session while you dramatically stare into the distance.

Just note: there are only three of these thrones, so you’ll want to snag one early. If you're travelling with kids, maybe let them run wild at the buffet while you get some “me time” here.

Shower Suites

Even though I didn’t actually need a shower, I tested one out just for the sake of thoroughness (you're welcome).

Clean, modern, and equipped with full amenities, the suites were impressive. Just register at the front desk and you’re good to go. I counted around 5–6 suites in total, so if the lounge starts to fill up, get in early before they’re all taken.

The North Lounge: Great for... Avoiding People You Know

Lastly, I paid a quick visit to the North Lounge, which caters to credit card holders and those with DragonPass access.

I used my UOB Visa Infinite’s DragonPass access just to do a full sweep of all lounges here. Unfortunately, this lounge is strictly “functional only.” There was no hot food, barely any drinks, and an ambiance best described as “airport waiting room vibes.”

Unless you're taking a private Zoom call or avoiding an awkward encounter with an ex, there’s really no reason to go here. You’ve been warned.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Lounge at Sapporo New Chitose Airport genuinely exceeded my expectations. Spacious, tastefully designed, and equipped with a respectable food spread and excellent shower facilities, it delivers what a premium lounge should—comfort, convenience, and just enough luxury to remind you that you're not in economy anymore.

While it’s not the most exclusive lounge out there, the relative emptiness and thoughtful touches made my visit thoroughly enjoyable. Just remember to grab a lounge chair before someone else does, enjoy the karaage while it’s hot, and maybe pretend you know your whiskey even if you don’t.

As for the North Lounge? Let’s just say it makes a great backup plan—for emergencies only. Or awkward social encounters. Or when you're really desperate for Wi-Fi and lukewarm coffee.

For those departing from the Domestic Terminal of Sapporo New Chitose Airport, and hold Enrich Platinum or Oneworld Emerald status, I wrote about JAL's First Class Lounge here.

Until then, may your flights be on time, your ramen be hot, and your lounge chairs always available.