Crowded but fabulous: What it's like at the new Amex Centurion Lounge in Tokyo

American Express just opened a nearly 7,500-square-foot Centurion Lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND). With the opening still fresh, I had the chance to check it out firsthand on a recent trip to Tokyo.

The lounge has been in the works for the past several years, but it was worth the wait. While it was pretty crowded, it wasn't enough to put me off.

There is a delicious selection of food and drinks, as well as showers and a variety of other amenities.

Here's what you can expect when you visit.

Related: Travel to Japan with points and miles: Best ways to redeem your rewards for flights and hotels

Centurion Lounge Tokyo amenities

This new Centurion Lounge is beautiful and offers lots of lovely seating and lounging areas.

Fortunately, during my afternoon stay in September, I didn't have to wait to enter. I did, however, have to get escorted to one of the few available seats in the lounge that weren't already occupied or reserved for those holding the invitation-only Centurion Card from American Express.

Many of the best seats were reserved for only those with the black card.

The information for the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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I eventually snagged a seat surrounded by other passengers at a counter facing the window (no complaints there). When I left my seat, an attendant put up an occupied sign.

Despite the crowd, I loved the lounge's design, which draws inspiration from Japan; Amex calls the pops of color "Japanese blue."

You'll find art throughout the lounge, much of which was created by local artists.

Various books and ceramics, including pieces by Shimpei Mawatari (a potter based in Hokkaido prefecture), fill the public spaces as well.

There are two showers that lounge guests can request access to at the front desk. After making a request, guests will receive a buzzer that lights up when their shower is ready.

The shower areas are chic, featuring a predominantly black design, fluffy towels and amenities like shaving kits, toothbrushes and hair dryers.

There is a shower system with both a rainfall showerhead and a wand. As at other Centurion Lounges, the bathroom features amenities by L'Occitane.

I waited 30 minutes for a shower to open up, so if you want to use one, be sure to request it as soon as you check in.

Finally, there are a couple of "phone rooms" (as the lounge calls them), but they seem more like ideal places for a quick nap or meditation session. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you'll need to request access from the front desk. Inside, there are adjustable lights, and you can choose from a selection of 10-minute "audio relaxation experiences," including water, wind and birdsong.

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

Centurion Lounge Tokyo dining and bar

The new lounge really shines when it comes to food and drinks. American Express hired chef Satoshi Ogino — who manages several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Akasaka Ogino in Tokyo — to help with the menu.

Two chefs cook in an open-concept kitchen, where you can order dumplings, sushi, ramen or beef sliders.

I tried a delicious bowl of ramen and a generous serving of sticky rice, and I appreciated the beautiful presentation.

The ramen was especially good — they made it quickly right in front of me, and I enjoyed eating alongside views of the bustling airport.

There was also a large self-serve buffet with both Western options and Japanese dishes.

Among the offerings were a variety of sushi, pickled seasonal vegetables, fresh greens, miso soup, rice, noodles, tempura and wagyu beef curry.

Along with a soda fountain, there were coffee machines and a tap offering Asahi, a Japanese beer.

Of course, the bar was the centerpiece of the lounge. Well-dressed bartenders were on hand to mix up pretty much anything you could imagine.

There was an excellent selection of top-shelf booze from Japanese and Western brands, including Belvedere vodka and Bombay Sapphire gin.

The extensive wine list included an Italian Bellenda San Fermo prosecco, a Japanese Koshu, Shirayuri L'Orient white wine and a French Chateau de Champteloup rose.

I also appreciated that the bar had a selection of mocktails available, including a matcha-squash concoction and something the lounge called L'ora del Te. I tried the latter and found the mix of Japanese black tea and cranberry juice refreshing.

Back in a separate corner of the lounge, there's a full sweets station with a nice selection of desserts, including Japanese wagashi treats.

Location of the Centurion Lounge at HND

The brand-new Centurion Lounge is in Terminal 3 on Level 4F, not far from Gate 114; it's an escalator ride up from the main terminal at HND. If you've been to one of Japan Airlines' Sakura business-class lounges, it's in the same section of the airport. It's also near the only Delta Sky Club outside the U.S.

Related: Huge suites and phenomenal amenities: A review of Japan Airlines' new Airbus A350 first class

Centurion Lounge Tokyo entry requirements

Entry requirements are the same as at Centurion Lounges in the U.S. You can enter if you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Those with the personal or business version of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can also enter as long as they are flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or -operated flight booked with a U.S.-issued American Express charge or credit card.

As mentioned above, the lounge tends to get very crowded, especially when there are several flights bound for the U.S. at the same time, so plan accordingly.

Related: Amex introduces Centurion Lounge wait times as part of all-new travel app

Bottom line

This new lounge is a knockout. It's stylish and cozy, with excellent food and drink options. The ramen was an especially appreciated touch.

While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the larger Japan Airlines lounges at HND, it is a great place to chill before a flight ... as long as you can find a seat.

TPG has a comprehensive guide to the entire Centurion Lounge network if you are hungry for more.

Related reading:

• The do's and don'ts of visiting an airport lounge
• Best credit cards for airport lounge access
• A guide to lounge access with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum
• Best American Express credit cards