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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

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

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...

Green Feel Golf Club Kataoka, Kochi Prefecture

It is no surprise that Green Feel has been voted the number 1 course in Shikoku for the last number of years. The designer, Mr Sho Tobari (a prominent tournament producer and TV commentator in his own right) got it right with a design that all levels of golfer can enjoy. He is quoted on their website as saying: 'This is a course designed to be enjoyed by regular amateurs, but also to offer a high degree of difficulty from the championship tees, keeping in mind that tournaments can be held at any time'. Stepping out into the caddy masters area you can see the 1st and 9th holes from a slightly elevated position and they look glorious in the September sunshine, there is a palpable air of excitement as players go through the bustle of their pre-game routine, and after a quick warm-up, we...

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

Korea's Lee Looks To Emulate Matsuyama As He Dreams Of His Own Major Moment

Korea’s newest star K.H. Lee vividly remembers competing against Hideki Matsuyama during his amateur days. Back then, the slender Japanese stood out due to his raw talents and also for his tremendous work ethics where he would pound golf ball after ball for hours at the practice range.

It is a lasting memory that would help shape Lee’s own golf career.

As the Korean prepares for his third U.S. Open at Torrey Pines starting on Thursday, the 29-year-old knows only too well that he needs to keep living the mantra of “The harder you practice, the luckier you get” coined by South African legend Gary Player if he is to emulate Matsuyama’s major success in the near future.

Two months ago, Matsuyama, who is six months younger than Lee, triumphed at the Masters...

Winning, dreaming and giving make golf a beautiful game

Phil Mickelson, K.H. Lee and Justin Thomas are as different as they come but the trio delivered feel-good and standout moments on the PGA TOUR to show the beautiful game of golf is in a very good place and thriving for the right reasons. One tale was about winning, another about dreaming and the third was on giving.

Belonging to the generation of greats who include Vijay Singh and Ernie Els, the left-handed Mickelson, who turns 51 on June 16, would have been forgiven if he had chosen to wind down his World Golf Hall of Fame career on the over-50 circuit. However, Phil the Thrill showed he wasn’t done just yet competing against the young guns and displayed what winning truly meant with his heart-stopping victory at the PGA Championship in May making him the oldest major champion...

Equipment

Adidas Stan Smith golf shoes released for 2021 Masters Dustin Johnson's 'Secret Weapon' at the masters

Just days before the 2021 Masters tournament, Adidas golf today has released a new Stan Smith golf shoe. A teaser video has also been released with current masters champion and Adidas staffer Dustin Johnson and legendary US tennis star and long-time Adidas collaborator Stan Smith.

In a classic marketing take-over strategy, the teaser video features the two talking about Dustin's bid to emulate Smith's 100 career wins himself, with Smith sending him the tennis-inspired golf shoe. If Johnson does wear the shoe this week at the Masters it will be one of the fashion talking points of the world's biggest golf event, watched by millions of people worldwide.

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

Remembering Seve’s special moment at the Memorial

By Jim McCabe

It is impossible to be cold at the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. Not in early June when stifling humidity engulfs the Midwest. But a lasting memory frozen in time? It happened right there at Jack Nicklaus’ famed club, no matter that temperatures were fixed in the 30s Celsius and sweat flowed excessively from a few dozen players who were grinding away on the range. Until they stopped. In unison. This is where the memory becomes frozen, an unforgettable sight that was a tribute to the aura of Seve Ballesteros.

It was June of 2010 and Ballesteros, then 53 and deep in the throes of a battle with cancer, offered his thanks to Nicklaus and his tournament committee for being that year’s Memorial Tournament Honoree. Unable to attend, the gallant...

Sakura Golf in Japan 8 courses to consider this Cherry blossom season

Nothing heralds that spring has arrived along with the new golf season like the cherry blossom. Each year, as soon as the national flower appears in late March and early April, the Japanese golfers hit the fairways to enjoy the new season and indeed life, which the blooms remind them is both precious and fleeting.

The blooms came a little early this year, but if you are planning on heading out this week or next, here are eight courses in eight prefectures that are within driving distance from Tokyo, that are open to the public, and that celebrate the Sakura in style!

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...