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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

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...

Cherry Blossom 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. Remember it is the most popular time for Japanese golfers to get out there so if you are keen to see some hanami on the course- book soon!

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!

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...
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!

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.
beach

Okinawa Travel Guide Tropical Paradise with a Unique Culture

Okinawa, an island chain, is Japan's southernmost prefecture. Described as a beach resort, this prefecture attracts people from all over Japan who are looking for that tropical escape to white sands and brilliant blue waters. It is easily accessible by domestic flights and due to the American military influences, is quite English-speaking friendly. Okinawa has a unique culture that differs to the rest of Japan making it a one of a kind destination. With 27 golf courses and a plethora of beaches, this place is truly a perfect getaway to relax and recharge.

Shiga Travel Guide Breathtaking Views and Natural Wonders

Shiga prefecture is an area rich in natural beauty, and because of its location on an ancient trading route, it also hosts several prominent historical sites, including beautiful shrines and castles. Shiga prefecture is probably most famous for Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. A full sixth of the prefecture is covered by the Biwako Quasi-National Park, which includes several beautiful lakes and mountains. If you’re looking for a break from the course, Shiga prefecture makes a great choice: with so much rich history and so many beautiful sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Historic Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama

Ehime Travel Guide the magic of a traditionally Japanese experience

Located in Japan’s smallest island of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture is a land rich in history that is often overlooked by foreign visitors to the island nation. This is partly due to the fact that Japan isn’t truly an island nation, but a nation of islands.

Shikoku is one of these islands full of mystery and wonder. From the 88 temples that see thousands of Buddhist pilgrims traverse the entirety of the island by foot, to the historical tradition of fishing in the area, Shikoku is enchanting, enigmatic, and yet still easily accessible. The island is connected to Japan’s main island of Honshu by the nation’s largest cluster of bridges and tunnels, among them the Akashi Kaikyo bridge, which until very recently was the longest in the world.

Although traditionally an island of...
Sunset in Kagoshima

Kagoshima Travel Guide Getaway to a Tropical Treasure

The largest prefecture on the island of Kyushu and surrounded by the sea on three sides and dotted with numerous smaller islands, Kagoshima offers a seemingly endless array of experiences. Visit the site where Japan launches rockets into space at Kagoshima’s JAXA Tanegashima Space Center or explore the island of one of Japan’s most famous volcanoes, the still active Sakurajima. Other options might include Miyama Tokuyan, to experience first-hand, the creation of famous Satsuma pottery. Or, you can visit the long-standing shochu (Japanese vodka) distillery, Meijigura, in operation since the Meiji Period (1868-1912), where you'll step back in time to a much simpler life.

Fukui Travel Guide From Dinos to Hot Springs- A unique destination awaits

Fukui Prefecture is situated in the region of Chūbu on Honshū island and Fukui City is its capital. From Tokyo, it takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes by plane and about 3 hours and 40 minutes by train to get to this beautiful prefecture. Fukui has a lot to offer to travelers and tourists. After a round or two of playing golf, check out the prefecture’s many unique attractions such as the Fukui Dinosaur Museum (the best of its kind in Japan) and the 16th century postal town of Kumagawa-juku.

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 (updated June 14th, 2023) If your ball strikes a fellow player's ball on the fairway by accident, The 9.6 rule comes into affect, meaning If my ball...

What happens if I ground my club in a bunker? The new rules of golf explained

In 2020, the US Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) made several changes to the rules of golf.

One major change was to the "drop procedure" when a ball is lost or out of bounds. Players are now allowed to drop the ball from shoulder height, rather than knee height, making the process more consistent and less prone to mistakes. Another change was to the rule regarding penalty strokes. Players will no longer be penalized for accidentally moving a ball on the green, such as when marking or lifting it.

Additionally, players are now allowed to repair almost any damage to the course, such as spike marks on the green. The changes also include simplifying the rules for bunkers, allowing players to touch or move loose impediments...

Taylormade Golf Japan Ginza Store English- friendly Flagship store launches in Ginza

Taylormade Golf Japan opens the doors to its latest store in the Ginza area of the capital today. Ginza is a mecca for tourists and Tokyoites alike, known for its world-class shopping, restaurants, and buzzing nightlife, it will now offer the best in golf technology and style with the opening of the new Taylormade flagship store.

Located on the very exclusive Sotobori street just a few minutes walk from Ginza station, the Taylormade GINZA aims to have a full service for its its international visitors, with trilingual staff (English, Japanese, Chinese) and offering a free testing and assessment service, giving advice on clubs and their set-up as well as offering a tax-free shopping for overseas visitors (that's 10% off!).