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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!

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Sunny day, blue skies in a garden in Okayama

Okayama Travel Guide The land of Sunshine in Japan

After visiting one or many of the 55 golf courses Okayama prefecture has to offer, be sure to take time to explore this beautiful rural landscaped area. Affectionately referred to as “the land of sunshine” by the locals, Okayama has a mild climate and boasts having the most number of fine days per year in Japan, making any time of year comfortable to visit. Located in the Chugoku region, the prefecture’s capital Okayama city is easily reached from Kyoto and Osaka by a 1hr Shinkansen ride.

Gunma Travel Guide Accessible Hot Spring Retreat

Another side of Japan awaits you in Gunma Prefecture. Beautiful lakes, peaceful valleys, and natural hot springs make Gunma perfect for a relaxing golf getaway. You may have trouble fitting everything in, though, as this prefecture is home to over 80 courses. Luckily, Gunma is easily accessible. Just a quick one-hour train ride from Tokyo, you’ll be able to fit in a golf weekend even when you’re on a busy work trip to the capital. Here is what you need to know about your newest go-to golfing location.

Photo: Hot spring at Kusatsu by Aiko Konishi https://flic.kr/p/dwwVcy

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Yamaguchi Travel Guide Harmony of history and natural beauty

Welcome to picturesque Yamaguchi prefecture. Located in the west of Honshu Island, this historical area is unmarked by the neon signs and hustle and bustle that is found in the more tourist-run areas of Japan. The capital city is Yamaguchi, while the largest city is Shionoseki. Yamaguchi prefecture presents a quiet and peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a long day of golf. And what better place to be in than an area that is full of hot springs to loosen up those sore muscles?

Hyogo Travel Guide A unique blend of nature and modernity

Hyogo prefecture shares its boundaries with Japan sea in the north and the Seto Inland sea in the south. It’s uniquely characterized by the existence of areas of amazing natural beauty alongside ultra-modern cities. The economic centre of the prefecture is Kobe, which is also one of the leading trading ports in Japan. Hyogo offers you plenty of places to visit and many sporting activities to enjoy in your leisure time. The prefecture is the perfect place to experience both a good pace of life and tremendous gallery of natural wonders. And if you are a golfer then you are most welcome here as Hyogo often referred to as ‘golf-course heaven’.

Fukuoka Travel Guide Though off the beaten track, Fukuoka has something to offer everyone

Fukuoka is rich in history, known for uncommon food culture and exciting nightlife. Located just 5 hours away by train from Tokyo, it’s Japan’s largest city in the southwest and one of the destinations in the Kyushu region. Because of its location just across a narrow strait from Korea, Fukuoka has a rich history of exposure to Mainland Asia and to the Western world, even while the rest of Japan was isolated. Founded in the 7th century, it has long been considered a gateway to the rest of the world, with large cultural influences from China and Korea. There are plenty of things to occupy your time on a break from one of Fukuoka’s many golf courses. So if you are looking for a break from golfing, you have plenty of options to see Fukuoka’s exciting, off-the-beaten-track side.

Aichi Travel Guide A calm and relaxing golf getaway in the middle of Japan

Just another announcement on the shinkansen to more popular spots, Aichi offers a calm and relaxing golf getaway in the middle of Japan. The prefecture is often overlooked as a vacation destination despite having a lot to offer visitors, including over 50 golf courses. And while you can expect beautiful sights and authentic experiences, you don’t need to worry about the long lines and busy crowds. Located on Ise Bay with Mie to the west and Shizuoka to the east, you’ll find it’s super easy to get there. Take a shinkansen from Tokyo and you’ll be in Aichi in less than two hours.

Photo: Daijuji temple, Okazaki, Aichi. From Flickr cc by Bong Grit
Hitachi Seaside Park Ibaraki Prefecture blue flowers

Ibaraki Travel Guide So many things to do in every season

Learning about space and science tech at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center or hiking around the majestic Fukuroda Falls, visiting a Kairakuen, a garden that was built to be enjoyed by all, a rarity in the waning years of the Tokugawa Shogunate, apple picking or enjoying a traditional small town festival and onsen in scenic Daigo, so many things to do and see in Ibaraki prefecture.

Ibaraki Prefecture makes up a large portion of the northern area of the Kanto plain, some spots within 30 minutes of Tokyo. It’s easy to see that Ibaraki offers so many opportunities, no matter the season.

Kyoto Travel Guide The historic heart of Japan

The capital of Japan for over a thousand years, it is nearly impossible to overstate the significance of Kyoto on Japanese history and culture. Kyoto is the historic heart of Japan, with seventeen World Cultural Heritage Sites in the city alone. From the intricacies of tea ceremony to the breathtaking beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto has captured the hearts and imaginations of travelers for centuries. It is also very easy to access, a short train ride away from Tokyo in the Kansai region. If you want to take a break from the golf course and you find yourself in Kyoto, here are the absolute must-sees for your visit to this stunning city.

Saitama Travel Guide Edo inspiration and natural beauty

Saitama is one of the largest prefectures near Tokyo. A visit to Saitama offers you mountain climbing, hiking, natural beauty, hot springs, a variety of other outdoor activities as well as traditional food. You can check into a top ranting hotels - Urawa Royal Pines Hotel after a golf break and enjoy the artwork at the Urawa Museum nearby. Access from Tokyo by train is only about 25 minutes from Tokyo Station or by car depending on traffic you can be in Saitama in around 40 minutes.

Akita Travel Guide Explore lush valleys and and sleepy onsen towns

For genuine experiences without the crowds, golf your way through Akita. Located in the northern part of the main island Honshu, Akita is one of the six prefectures that make up the Tohoku region. The area, abounding with lush valleys and and sleepy onsen towns, is the perfect escape back to nature. Akita is also filled with tradition and hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Despite this, the region is still relatively untouched by foreign visitors compared to other destinations in Japan like Kyoto or Hiroshima. Accessible from Tokyo by a four hour bullet train (or a one hour flight), you’ll have plenty of time to golf and explore Japan’s history in Akita.

Mie Travel Guide Steeped in History and Culture

Beautiful manicured fairways, rolling greens and challenging sand traps, sit high within the sweeping mountains above the breathtakingly rugged coastal views of the golf courses in the Mie prefecture. Mie is situated in the Kansai region on the Pacific Ocean side of Japan, easily accessible within a few hours of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya. However, there is much more awaiting you after a round of golf than just the 19th hole.

Mie prefecture is steeped in history and culture, having one of only a handful shrines that are thought of as power spots within Japan. It is because of this, and its link to the Imperial family that pilgrims have, and continue to travel to Mie to receive power and vitality from the gods. The capital city of Mie is Tsu, which is home to the Tsu Castle, first...

Toyama Travel Guide Keep your camera constantly at the ready!

Have you ever dreamed of a place which gives you the possibility of exhausting your camera by the continuous flow of scenic spots which shout at you to capture them and share them with your loved ones back home?

No one could blame you if you feel enthralled by The Japanese Alps, which have been dubbed as the roof of the world. Toyama Prefecture, here we come.

The location of Toyama Prefecture is in central Japan. Noteworthy mountains on three sides, and opening on to the majestic Toyama Bay and the Sea of Japan surround it. There are ten cities within this mini Prefecture that forms part of Chubu on the main Island of Honshu.

Aomori Travel Guide Natural Wonders in the North of Japan

Natural highlights abound in Aomori. Located at the northern tip of Japan’s largest island Honshu, in a region called Tohoku, the prefecture is only a 3,5-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. On a golfing trip to Aomori, you can admire forests of cherry blossoms in spring. The long coastline is perfect for a beach vacation in summer. During autumn, the heavily wooded region shines bright with red, orange, and golden foliage. And large mountains of snow invite winter sports enthusiasts during the cold season. Aomori’s northern location means that summers are especially pleasant, great for golfing or hiking.

Photo: Hirosaki Sakura Festival by Shinya ICHINOHE https://flic.kr/p/9F4kts

Gunma Travel Guide Accessible Hot Spring Retreat

Another side of Japan awaits you in Gunma Prefecture. Beautiful lakes, peaceful valleys, and natural hot springs make Gunma perfect for a relaxing golf getaway. You may have trouble fitting everything in, though, as this prefecture is home to over 80 courses. Luckily, Gunma is easily accessible. Just a quick one-hour train ride from Tokyo, you’ll be able to fit in a golf weekend even when you’re on a busy work trip to the capital. Here is what you need to know about your newest go-to golfing location.

Photo: Hot spring at Kusatsu by Aiko Konishi https://flic.kr/p/dwwVcy

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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...