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Golf in Japan FAQs

What's it like to golf in Japan? FAQs when it comes to Asia's best kept golfing secret

Golf in Japan is as unique as the country itself. Across the more than 6,852 islands - including the four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu - there are no less than 2,349 golf courses, varying from revered top-100 courses to riverside pitch and putts. The below information is aimed at newcomers to Japan and attempts to cover the basic questions on teeing it up in Asia's best-kept golfing secret!

Image: © shibuya246.com

Destinations

Kochi Travel Guide Year-Round Golfing And Adventure!

Kochi is located on the island of Shikoku, in the southwest of Japan. Beloved by visitors for its unspoiled and surprisingly varied landscapes and has over 700 kilometers of magnificent coastline, which varies from wild rocky beaches with dramatic rock formations to pristine golden sands and turquoise water. It is one of the least populated areas in Japan which means you will have plenty of personal space when golfing or exploring.

This laid-back corner of Japan offers everything from secluded valleys and coastal retreats to lush mountains, and the year-round temperate weather also confirms it as a haven for travelers AND golfers who want something relaxing and different from pedestrian “Golden Route” escapes. Golf-wise, it's definitely quality over quantity, and from the 11...
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!

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

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...
Mizuha boat tour sumida river at sunset

5 Unusual Experiences for Your Trip to Tokyo See the city from a new perspective on one of these terrific tours

Tokyo is the most amazing place in the world. Food, culture, fashion, natural and urban landscapes — Tokyo has it all. No wonder the city boasts around 4.81 million foreign visitors and 420 million Japanese visitors every year. Tourism is a major industry in Tokyo and the metropolis seems to have countless offers on what to do, eat, and see. However, despite all this variety, most people seem to end up doing the same things. If you’re here for a golf trip and also to visit Tokyo and don’t want to end up with the same vacation photos as everybody else, we have you covered! Or perhaps you are a Tokyo veteran ready for some new adventures? Either way, here are 5 unusual experiences to try in Tokyo.

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...

Japan Golfing During Covid-19 Your guide to stay safe and enjoy the game!

Japan was ready for an awesome golf season. An unusually mild January and February saw the courses full, and we were looking forward to more of the same with the sakura season, early summer, and then the Olympics where we knew many visitors would also give golf a go.... 2020 was set to be a momentous year for Japan Golf. We all know what happened next, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Since then we are doing our best to self-isolate, work from home, distance learning, and so on, and Japan has been stand-out in terms of flattening the curve.

The number of cases of Covid-19 are falling in Japan, and a likely lifting of the state of emergency as early as next week in all prefectures is expected, we dare to dream of hitting the links and enjoying the sport we hold so dear. But the 'New...

News

The Week in Golf Tour Round Up - Nov 28th

The Japan women’s golf tour ended its season on Sunday with the JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, which was won by the year’s top player, Miyu Yamashita, with a 5-meter birdie putt on the first playoff hole. She edged out Minami Katsu who fired off nine birdies in a final-round 65, including a 20-meter birdie putt at the 18th that tied her with Yamashita on 15 under par. Erika Kikuchi was third at 13 under par at Miyazaki Country Club. Yamashita finished the day with a 70 and took home the top prize of 30 million yen ($210,000). It was Yamashita’s fifth win of the season and brought her 2022 winnings to 235 million yen ($1.67 million). Yuna Nishimura was second in the money rankings with 149 million yen ($1.1 million). The JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup is limited to JLPGA Tour...

This Week In Golf October 24th 2022

An interesting week in golf that saw McIlroy returning to world number 1, Dustin Johnson making piles of cash (surprise surprise), and locally, the emergence of a powerhouse amateur taking the Japan Open.

PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy successfully defended the CJ Cup in Congaree golf club, the 33-year-old Northern Irishman celebrating his 23rd PGA Tour win, which saw him return to the world number 1 spot. McIlroy was composed and consistent throughout the week, and even finishing with 2 bogeys saw him win by a shot over Kurt Kitayama and Korea’s CJ Kim in third. McIlroy said the key to his success in the last 12 months has been the work he had put in with his team and ‘being able to enjoy the game again’.

Image: Getty Images

Equipment

TaylorMade Golf X Star Wars Original Goods Japan-Only Collaboration Product Drop!

Today the eagerly anticipated STAR WARS" MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU "SPECIAL COLLECTION" drops online and at Taylormade shops in Japan! This unique and super cool collection features 6 types of head covers, 6 types of putter covers, caps with the STAR WARS" characters and logos, and a total of 39 types of towels, tote bags, and commemorative ball markers will be released.

This will be a limited run and only for Japan so be sure to pick up these highly collectible goods soon (perfect Father's day gift!)

Watch out for Taylormade tour players Hiroyo Ikemura, Ayaka Matsumori, and Aoi Onishi among others to be rocking the new collection on tour.

Summer Kicks! 10 New Summer Golf Shoes

It's heating up here in Japan! but not before we have to deal with the rainy season! Of course, we would like to go with spikeless as the lightweight summer style and we have put together a collection of 10 golf shoes that will be effective in the rainy season and still look cool on the fairways in the summer scorching months (just in time for typhoon season!)

Stan Smith X Vice Golf (Above)

This awesome take on the classic Stan Smith sees Adidas and Vice Golf collaboration producing a playful and bold style in this limited edition. It features adiwear rubber spikeless outsole with the original sole design, reinforced on the medial and lateral sides to provide additional stability throughout the golf swing. The classic design just got better.

$...

Instruction

Can I Take Relief From A Water-Filled Bunker? Golfing Rules-Seriously!

On a recent golf outing following some heavy rainy season weather with some friends, a lot of bunkers were filled with rainwater. One bunker, in particular, was half-filled with a puddle but the other half was mucky. My playing partner landed in the mucky part, and after failing to get out after two attempts tried to argue the point of 'Casual water should apply' and this 'Should have been staked'. After we refused his requests, he actually opted for an unplayable and moved the ball out from the bunker on the same line of entering, about 5 feet from the edge of the bunker, and took a 1 shot penalty. He wasn't a happy camper and was grumbling all the way home in fact. So what do the rules state?

Rules on water in a bunker: When the bunker is filled with...
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...

Lifestyle

An Insider’s Guide to Toranomon Hills Residential Tower These serene serviced apartments offer a blend of luxury living and home comforts in the heart of Tokyo

A well-located residential property that rivals a five-star hotel, is furnished to an impeccably high standard, and comes with friendly, hospitable staff? That doesn’t sound like a bad way to begin your new life in Japan, does it?

Whether you’re coming to the city on a short to medium-term assignment or wanting to get your bearings before settling longer-term, serviced apartments are a first-class option for temporary accommodation in Tokyo – especially if you are looking to make the most of your experience here.

Right now, the best-in-class serviced apartment in the capital has got to be the newly opened Toranomon Hills Residential Tower, part of the Toranamon Hills development project. I recently had a chance to visit the development and learn more about its urban...

Gold Bar Opens At Edition Tokyo Cocktails in Kamiyacho

Launching today, Tokyo's latest suave and sophisticated cocktail bar is born. Gold Bar in Tokyo Edition located in Toranomon (really Kamiyacho) is on the ground floor next to the entrance, and is presented as 'An urban hideaway where guests can savor luxurious and exceptional moments'.

The decor is certainly reminiscent of the roaring 20s and is quite lavish; gold leaf and plush armchairs within a tastefully lit room, blending the contemporary style of the hotel, the Gold Bar will definitely be a hit with the local business crowd as well as pre-dinner cocktails for Tokyo Ex-pats.

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...