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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!

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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...

Top 10 Golf Shops in Tokyo

In Tokyo, as in the rest of Japan, golf is an immensely popular sport, enjoyed by the Japanese on meticulously kept golf courses and driving ranges. Not surprisingly golf shops in Japan are also high spec, and it is not hard to find stylish apparel and high-quality equipment from both international and domestic brands in Tokyo. Here Is our list of the top 10 golf shops in Tokyo.

Taylormade Flagship Store, Ginza Just opened in late 2019, this is a must-go for anyone visiting Japan, check out the Taylormade equipment, tax-free, with some exclusive Japan-only goods on offer such as the Gloire range as well as Ginza-original branded goods.

Address: GICROS GINZA GEMS 1F, 6-4-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

Opening hours: 11:00～21:00

Tel:...

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!

Gordon Ramsay at the Conrad Tokyo A culinary experience beyond compare

Among the definitive pleasures of the Conrad Tokyo in Shiodome is dining at the Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo, a French restaurant providing everything you expect of such a master under the expert supervision of Chef de Cuisine Maeda.The moody ambience of the Conrad Tokyo, ultramodern but with an emphasis on wood and natural tones, is carried seamlessly into the décor of Gordon Ramsay. Seven-meter-high windows remove the need for artificial lighting during the day and make possible low-key illumination after dark, allowing guests to enjoy a stunning meal while taking in the breathtaking light show that is Tokyo after dark.