10 Best Golf Courses in Japan
Discovering Japan's Elite Greens: The Most Prestigious Golf Courses Unveiled
Golf enthusiasts out there! Did you know that Japan, a land renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and technological prowess, is also a hidden gem for golf? With an impressive array of high-quality golf courses, the country offers a unique golfing experience that blends meticulous course design, breathtaking scenery, and a distinct sense of tradition.
For foreign visitors who cherish the game, playing golf in Japan is more than just a leisure activity; it’s an immersive journey into a world where the sport is treated with reverence and artistry. From the lush, rolling hills of Hokkaido to the historic links in Chiba, each course presents its own character and challenges, making Japan a must-visit destination for any avid golfer.
In this article, I will introduce to you our picks for the 10 best golf courses in Japan. It is different from the actual golf course ranking in order to include courses from various areas in the country. If you are a golf enthusiast and happen to be traveling near one of these courses, be sure to check them out beforehand!
1. Hirono Golf Club (Hyogo)
The first golf course on our list is Hirono Golf Club (廣野ゴルフ倶楽部). This Golf Club, located in Miki City, Hyogo, opened in 1932 and was designed by Charles Hugh Alison. It stands out as a top-tier golf course, consistently ranked within the world’s top 50, recently ascending to the top 20.
Its acclaim includes a significant rise in rankings by American Golf Magazine (42nd to 40th in 2017) and 21st place in American Golf Digest (2016). Hirono has hosted the prestigious Japan Open Golf Championship five times, including a memorable 2005 victory by Shingo Katayama. The course’s rating was revised in September 2011, indicating its increasing challenge. Additionally, it houses the JGA Golf Museum, showcasing contributions to Japan’s golf history.
Need ideas to incorporate along with this golf activity in your trip itinerary? Check out the following link for more things to do in the nearby area!
2. Kawana Hotel Golf Course Fuji Course (Shizuoka)
The Kawana Hotel Golf Course Fuji Course (川奈ホテルゴルフコース 富士コース) in Ito City, Shizuoka, opened in 1936, eight years after its sister Oshima Course.
The Fuji Course symbolizes Japan’s golfing tradition, designed by Charles Hugh Alison, who also crafted the renowned Hirono Golf Club. It’s regularly selected among the world’s top 100 golf courses and is highly regarded in Japan, second only to Hirono. Known for its dramatic and challenging final three holes, the course has been the stage for many tournament dramas. Its high ratings in reviews and its historical significance make it a popular destination for golfers.
In 2023, it hosted the 39th Fuji Sankei Ladies Classic of the LPGA Women’s Tour.
Need ideas to incorporate along with this golf activity in your trip itinerary? Check out the following link for more things to do in the nearby area!
▶Best Things to Do in Shizuoka
3. Koga Golf Club (Fukuoka)
Next on our list is Koga Golf Club (古賀ゴルフ・クラブ) in Fukuoka. This is a distinguished course with a rich history dating back to its origins in 1926 as the Fukuoka Golf Club Oho Course. Known for its challenging layout and scenic location facing the Genkai Sea, it’s one of Kyushu’s most prestigious golf clubs.
Twice the host of the Japan Open Golf Championship, with a third scheduled for 2019, it showcases the difficulty and beauty of a links course. The course features gently rolling hills and is surrounded by a pine forest, protecting it from the sea breeze, which adds to its challenge. The course rating, once 74.1, has been updated to 75.0, reflecting its toughness. Notably, the winning scores in its Japan Open events underline its difficulty, with low under-par scores marking the victor’s achievements.
Need ideas to incorporate along with this golf activity in your trip itinerary? Check out the following link for more things to do in the nearby area!
4. Tokyo Golf Club (Saitama)
Founded in 1913, Tokyo Golf Club (東京ゴルフ倶楽部) in Saitama is one of Japan’s oldest and most esteemed golf courses. Initially located in Tokyo’s Setagaya, it moved to Saitama in 1940, merging with Chichibu Country Club.
Notable for hosting the Japan Open seven times, this course is a significant part of Japan’s golf history. Its founders included Junnosuke Inoue, and its designers were Scots Colchester and Bredy, with later contributions from Komei Ohtani. Renovated by Gil Hanse, known for the Rio 2016 Olympics course, it ranked 95th globally in 2012.
Upcoming events include the 28th Japan Junior Golf Championship and the 89th Japan Open in 2023-2024.
Need ideas to incorporate along with this golf activity in your trip itinerary? Check out the following link for more things to do in the nearby area!
5. Yokohama Country Club (Kanagawa)
Opened in 1960, Yokohama Country Club (横浜カントリークラブ) in Kanagawa is a distinguished membership golf course with a rich tradition. Offering two 18-hole courses, the East and West, it provides a total of 36 holes.
Despite being just 40 minutes from the city center, it’s enveloped in vast greenery, creating an oasis-like atmosphere. The West Course, ranked 10th in Japan by American Golf Digest in 2020, has hosted prestigious tournaments like the Japan Open. It underwent modernization by Coore & Crenshaw from 2014 to 2016. The East Course, redesigned by Kentaro Sato, features challenging greens and numerous bunkers, enhancing its strategic play.
Additionally, the club hosts official competitions by the Kanto Golf Federation, adding to its prominence as a top golfing destination.