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Editor's Pick

Destinations

Osaka Canal and Bright lights

Osaka Travel Guide Japan's 2nd largest city but still intimate, approachable, and welcoming

As Japan’s original commercial capital, Osaka prefecture, which wholly incorporates the city that bares its name, has been at the center of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. Today, the Osaka metropolitan region is the world’s 8th richest metropolitan area, on par with cities like Los Angeles and Paris. The city is roughly divided by an uptown district and a downtown district. Uptown, or the Umeda district, is characterized by its many skyscrapers and Osaka station; while downtown’s Namba district is known for its extensive entertainment and shopping. Aside from its long history and modern cosmopolitan atmosphere, Osaka is known throughout Japan as the nation’s kitchen; it is said that what Tokyoites spend on clothes, Osakans spend on food!

fall leaves in iwate along river with boat

Iwate Travel Guide Japan’s most under-explored hidden wonder

Nestled in the northern region of Tohoku on Japan’s main island of Honshu, Iwate prefecture is one of Japan’s most underexplored hidden corners. Traditionally considered a remote frontier land, Iwate still retains much of its rustic appeal, complete with all the convenience of modern Japan.

Iwate happens to be Japan’s second biggest and least densely populated prefectures after Hokkaido; so, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the open air and get exploring. The prefecture contains some surprisingly magnificent natural and cultural scenery that will equally delight and stir your mind and senses!

Courses

Kasumigaseki Country Club Kawagoe, Saitama

Not much is known about Kasumigaseki Country Club outside of its domestic fanbase, but an upcoming appearance in the world’s greatest sporting contest is about to change all of that. Kasumigaseki CC beat other prestigious Japanese golf courses, including Yokohama Country Club and Wakasu Golf Links, to lay claim to Japan’s second Summer Olympics hosting gig – and its first Olympic golf competition.

Following last year’s completion of the redesign from legendary American golf course architect Tom Fazio, the course is now ready to welcome the best golfers on the planet as the countdown to July 29 begins. I was able to pay the course a visit in early May and get a preview of its impressive new layout, as well as learn more of its fascinating history.
Playing golf at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club, Mie prefecture, Japan

Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture

As a mid-handicap golfer, I’ve never played in any serious golf competitions. The monthly medal at my home course or a "few bob" on a skins game with friends is as close to real tournament pressure as I will ever find. But as a fan of the game, I do love playing championship courses. Remembering the epic battles of professional tournaments fought by the greats of the game, the shots that won them the tournament, how they played the course and their composure never fails to inspire us to try and bring some of that into our own games.

On a recent trip to Mie prefecture in the southwest of Japan, I was lucky enough to enjoy a round at the fantastic Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club. A masterful design by Mr Osamu Umeda, this 18-hole, par-72 course was made famous by being home to...

Travel

Winter Golf in Tokyo

Admit it, you think golf in winter is crazy talk. Only a fool would brave Japanese winters to play golf on a frozen course you say. Well, I am here to debunk this myth and explain why golfing in winter in Japan is not only great fun, but equally as enjoyable as any other season.

To be fair, Tokyo is nowhere near as cold in winter as people might imagine. Sure, everyone skis in the mountains of close by Niigata and Nagano, but the vast majority of golf courses in and around Tokyo are snow free year round. And aside from a few seasonal adjustments, winter golf is just like golf during any other season. To prove this point, I went golfing during a winter week at 4 separate courses--each with its own special way to handle the winter weather.

Escape from Tokyo: North or South? A closer look at Hokkaido and Okinawa

Tokyo winters are very mild. The daytime temperature hovers around 10 C and snow rarely disrupts the capital. It’s just business as usual. Which is why Tokyoites look to get away when they have a chance. And many of them head in different directions: some head north, some (especially golfers) go south.

The Japanese archipelago is always described as stretching for 3,000 km from north to south, but that’s not strictly true. It stretches from the southwest to the northeast, from just above the 24th parallel (Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture) to the 45th (the tip of Hokkaido). Ishigaki’s latitude puts it south of Miami, Riyadh and Taipei. Surprisingly, Hokkaido, Japan’s snow country, is no further north than Milan or Ottawa.

But to the residents of Tokyo, Okinawa and...

Community

Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower

Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi: A new home for the city's international elite The beloved expat institution has just opened some swanky new digs

Based on the award-winning Tokyo American Club’s concept of a first-in-class private club in the American tradition, Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi combines dining, drinking and fitness venues for members to unwind, entertain and exercise as part of an international community.

With a design by acclaimed architect Daishi Yoshimoto and bespoke furnishings throughout, including a curated collection of artwork, the club’s interior provides unparalleled luxury for all members. Its location in the heart of the business-focused Nihonbashi district - within walking distance of Tokyo station - also positions the club as a prime destination for those in search of a refined retreat before or after work.

About Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi

Tokyo American Club...

STH Japan Open Golf Event With INSTYLE group

The STH Japan Open Golf, a one-of-a-kind golf hospitality event will make its inaugural debut on Friday, November 27, 2020, at the Jack Nicklaus designed Haruna no Mori CC . The event is being organized by STH Japan, who provides access to exclusive corporate hospitality and travel at the biggest sporting events in the world, previously delivering the Rugby World Cup 2019 Official Hospitality program- so you know you are in good hands. The all-day package is perfect to entertain clients, featuring fine dining, world-class facilities, celebrity meet and greet, amazing prizes, and of course, fantastic golf.

The package includes:

  • Champagne breakfast and welcome reception
  • Gourmet food and beverage served throughout the day on the
    • ...

News

Zalatoris aims for winning Asian debut at ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP

American rising star Will Zalatoris hopes to produce a winning debut in his maiden visit to Asia when he tees up in the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club starting on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Zalatoris, who was named the 2021 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, is amongst the top names gathered in Chiba for the TOUR’s first tournament back in the continent since the 2019 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, won by Tiger Woods.

Home hero and Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama headlines the US$9.975 million showpiece alongside Olympic Games gold medallist Xander Schauffele, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa and five-time TOUR winner Rickie Fowler. A total of 19 Japanese players, including one-time TOUR winners, Satoshi Kodaira, Ryuji Imada and current world amateur...

Schauffele Receives Keys To The City of Las Vegas

World No. 5 Xander Schauffele enjoyed receiving the Keys to Vegas from mayor, Carolyn Goodman on Tuesday in recognition of his gold medal winning feat at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this July. He is keen to win THE CJ CUP after finishing second when it was played at Shadow Creek, also in Vegas, last year. “I'm pretty excited to sort of get back into the competitive swing of things,” said Schauffele.

“Apparently it (keys to Vegas) gives me all the power in Vegas, so I'm pretty excited about it. I can go to slot machines, any hotel I want, shopping, the whole nine yards. The mayor was telling me all the perks of it, so feeling pretty powerful as of right now. It's been cool. My in laws live here in Las Vegas. It's a place I visited a lot prior to living here and I feel quickly...

Equipment

Instruction

Club 360 7 Mobility and Stability Drills for Golfers to Increase Swing Power and Improve Golf Performance

7 Mobility and Stability Drills for Golfers Sam Gilbert

Any golfer, or even those who have simply observed the game of golf, inherently understand that the swing is primarily a rotational movement. With any rotational sport, whether it be golf, punching, throwing, or tennis, there is a contribution to this rotation from several segments of the body, or what we refer to as the kinetic chain.

Maximizing force output in rotational movements for the large part requires optimization of rotational force through the hips and the upper back (thoracic spine).

If we fail to utilize these areas to their maximal potential, we may leave a lot of potential power (in other words, yards!) on the table. This may also increase the rotational load through the lower back, potentially contributing to injury in this area.

Utilization of...

4 Strategies to Hit Better Approach Shots Stroke Savers

When watching the PGA tour you will often see the stat for GIR or 'Greens in regulation' appear on the screen. You might have thought that SGP or 'Strokes gained putting' is the most important area for saving strokes in a round of golf, but it is actually the approach that accounts for 40% of the scoring average.

So, how do you improve your approach shots? In this guide, we have four strategies that will have you doing exactly that.

First off, let me explain what an approach is. An approach shot is generally any shot at the green on a par-4 or par-5, basically not including your drives on these holes. Par-3s are not considered an approach shot, but strategies two to four below can be used for par-3s as well.

Lifestyle

Enjoy A Staycation In The Heart Of The City This Is What You Experience With the Roppongi Hills Serviced Apartment #3

Photo by Kohei Omachi Edit by Jun Ishida Text by Akane Maekawa Translation by Yoshiko Kogi

Serviced apartments are gaining attention these days as we move through the transformation of lifestyles caused by the COVID pandemic. Serviced apartments have become spaces that meet a wide variety of needs for those who travel between city and suburbs, or for those looking to be refreshed from working from home. Three people who know Roppongi Hills well have stayed at its serviced apartment recently. This is what they have experienced.

Castiglion del Bosco golf and wine estate

The Club at Castiglion del Bosco is Italy’s only private, members-only golf club and features a world-class 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf.

When designing the course, Weiskopf added a short 19th ‘Brunello Hole’ to settle matches and where a hole-in-one wins a magnum of Brunello. It is also the setting for many fun member competitions and challenges.

Castiglion del Bosco is a historic 800-year-old estate in the UNESCO protected Val d’Orcia that spreads across 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) and comprises organic-certified vineyards, a state-of-the-art Winery and a luxury Rosewood hotel, centered on a medieval castle ruin and exquisitely restored hilltop village.

More on Air

What happens if your ball strikes another players ball? Golfing Rules, Seriously!

On the course this past weekend, I putt from just off the green and my ball struck my playing partners ball, knocking it closer to the hole.

After a quick giggle, we began to discuss the ruling, 'I'll play from there and its a one-shot penalty for you' my friend said. 'I was off the green' I said, 'Doesn't matter' he said. Right, I said. 'Hang on, and I'll consult the rule book'.

Luckily, I had The R&A's Rules of Golf on my phone (Well worth a download and it's FREE)

Without quoting the book verbatim, there are basically three scenarios which you should be mindful of:

On the Fairway If your ball strikes a fellow players ball on the fairway by accident, both players will play from where their balls lie. There will be no penalty...

Up Your Golf Game With an Apple Watch More than an accessory!

Mark your score after that awesome birdie, check the yardage via GPS, decide strategy on the next hole. But first, a quick press of the digital crown to have Siri remind you to call your wife when you get back to the clubhouse. Wait,… what? Yep! All of that was just done on your Apple Watch. It's certainly not your father’s Rolex anymore when it comes to golfing and the Apple Watch.

Just like how the iPhone and other smartphones revolutionized how we communicate and use technology 10 years ago, the new Apple Watch has changed how golfers approach the game today, and possibly changed the game itself. And, with onboard GPS, increased water protection and other performance enhancements Apple Watch Series 2 has the potential to make an even bigger impact. It comes as no surprise...