How much does it cost to golf in Japan?
In past decades, golf was a fairly expensive and exlusive sport in Japan. However, these days a large majority of courses are open to the general public, and it is not uncommon to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 yen per person for an 18-hole round of golf, including lunch and golf cart, especially on regular weekdays.
Is playing golf expensive in Japan?
But even as a visitor, playing golf in Japan is not cheap. The greens fee on weekends starts at about $70 at the less expensive country clubs and at others can reach $140. In addition, there are caddy fees, meals and transportation costs to and from the country clubs, many of which are several hours from major cities.
Are there a lot of golf courses in Japan?
As a country, Japan is home to the second most golf courses in the world. With around 2,350 golf courses across the nation, they're only outnumbered by the Golf Mecca that is the U.S.
Is golf a big deal in Japan?
Yes, Japan is a country that takes golf very seriously, with more than 10 million active golfers, second only to the United States. Japanese golfers have access to close to 2,500 golf courses in their country, and they spend billions of dollars a year on equipment.
Is it hard to play golf in Japan?
Golf in Japan is something you HAVE to experience. Yes, it is ritualized, and yes, it does take almost all day to play a round. However, you are left with an understanding of how wonderfully dedicated and perfectionistic Japanese golfing culture is, and how amazing the country and its fabulous golf courses are.
Do Japanese like golf?
“There has always been many core golf fans in Japan, but with the pandemic, Japan also saw a huge surge in golf popularity with new people joining the game so there were many more new fans this time around,” Ishizaka said.
Why does Japan have so many golf courses?
Japan Has Half Of Asia's Golf Courses, But The Game's Popularity There Is Flagging : Parallels In the 1980s, Japan built thousands of golf courses and the game became baked into its business culture. Those days are over.
Is golf gaining or losing popularity?
Golf is on the decline in America. That reality has finally smacked us in the face like a two-by-four. The number of core American golfers (those playing eight rounds or more per year) has fallen between three and 4.5 percent every year since 2006.
How much does golf cost?
According to research from the National Golf Foundation, the average cost to play a round of golf in the United States in 2020 is $61. The average cost to play nine holes in the United States is $33.
How much does a round of golf cost in Tokyo?
Teeing off on such a course in the Tokyo area costs about 30,000 yen ($195) in green fees for one 18-hole round. In the U.S., by comparison, there are more than 13,000 golf courses, and memberships in even the most exclusive clubs are usually no more than $35,000.
Does Japan have country clubs?
Koganei Country Club, Kodaira Arguably the most exclusive country club in Japan. Membership is very restrictive. So much, that a man once offered over $3,000,000 for membership, and even at that price, no one would give up their spot. In 2004, the Wall Street Journal cited membership was around $467,000.
How many golfers are in Japan?
approximately 10.3 millionNumber of golf course users in Japan 2011-2021 In 2021, the number of golf course users in Japan amounted to approximately 10.3 million. Figures during the past decade revolved around the nine million mark, pointing at a relatively stable player population.
Where is golf played in Japan?
A large variety of courses to fit golfers of every budget and skill level can be found across all regions of Japan, with some of the best located around famous resort areas such as Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, Karuizawa and Miyazaki, where they offer beautiful mountain views or coastal scenery. Golf can be played year round in Japan except in the snowy regions where courses close in winter.
What are the rules for playing golf in Japan?
Most courses enforce a dress code requiring players to wear appropriate golf clothes (typically a collared shirt and slacks or shorts/skirt) while on the course.
How long is a golf break in Japan?
Playing a round of golf in Japan is typically an all-day event with a lunch break of around one hour between the first and second halves of the course . Playing 18 holes without a break in between is possible only at selected courses, except in Hokkaido and Okinawa where it is the norm. At the end of the day, tired golfers head off to ...
Do Japanese golf clubs speak English?
Furthermore, signs and rules on the course are usually written only in Japanese, and most staff members at the golf clubs do not speak English. Foreign visitors may try to make reservations via a travel agent or their hotel's concierge, or check out the foreigner-friendly courses we introduce in our Golf in Japan blog.
Is golf open in Japan?
Golf can be played year round in Japan except in the snowy regions where courses close in winter. In past decades, it was fairly expensive to play golf in Japan. However, these days a large majority of courses are open to the public, and it is not uncommon to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 yen per person for an 18-hole round of golf, ...
How many golf courses are there in Japan?
Additionally, there are many smaller islands, notably Okinawa. There are more golf courses in Japan than the rest of Asia put together. With nearly 2,500 courses (and many more driving ranges), the Japanese are serious golf lovers and they have built some of the world’s finest courses. The entire tapestry and the full legacy ...
How many yards is Hirono Golf Club?
Hirono Golf Club has played host to all the major Japanese championships and, although it measures a mere 6,925 yards from the back tees, it’s a supreme test of golf.
What golf courses are Charles Alison in?
Other notable courses, including Kasumigaseki Country Club and Nauro Golf Club, benefited from Alison’s visit. The esteem in which Charles Alison is held in Japan is reflected in the Japanese term for a deep bunker, which is simply an ‘Alison’.”. We updated Japan's rankings in March 2020. Full details are here: Top 80 Golf Courses of Japan 2020.
How many seasons does Japan have?
The Japanese people are also proud of their four seasons, which can be quite extreme in terms of weather conditions. This is why many Japanese courses have dual greens, one for summer and one for winter. Japan consists of four main islands, Hokkaido in the north, Honshu, the main island, Shikoku and southernmost Kyushu.
Who built the Kobe Golf Club?
From the book World Atlas of Golf: the greatest courses and how they are played , edited by Mark Rowlinson: “Japan’s love of the game began when the British expatriate Arthur Groom built the Kobe Golf Club in 1903. Set in the cool mountains above Kobe, the course helped create a love affair with the game that few golfing regions can rival.
Do you need an invite to play Tokyo Golf Club?
You’ll need an invite to play here at Tokyo Golf Club but if you are lucky enough to receive one, take it immediately. This is a world-class golf course that is mature way beyond its years.
How many golf courses are there in Japan?
Did you know there are totally 2331 golf courses in Japan? Japan is one of the top destinations for golfers! Japan consists of 5 main groups of islands : Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.
What is the capital of Japan?
Tokyo is a capital city of Japan, the largest number of population in the world. Tokyo Olympic Game will be held in 2020. You can find almost everything what you want in Tokyo, excellent museums, temples, shrines, shops, restaurants, bars, etc. except golf course.
What are the three prefectures of Fuji?
Mt. Fuji area includes Hakone, Gotenba and Fuji Five lakes across the 3 prefectures, Kanagawa, Shizuoka and Yamanashi, having beloved by Japanese since the old days. There are not only many excellent and challenging courses, but also hotels, hot springs, restaurants, outlet mall and more.
Is Kyoto the capital of Japan?
As the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, it is nearly impossible to overstate the significance of Kyoto in Japanese history. Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan boasting seventeen World Cultural Heritage Sites in the city alone.
When was Fuji Golf Course opened?
The Fuji course came after the original Oshima course and opened in 1936 . It is the handiwork of Charles Alison, a close associate of Harry Colt.
Who designed the Yokohama Country Club?
Founded in 1960, Yokohama Country Club has two courses, the East and West, with the latter being of higher quality. Architect Takeo Aiyama designed both and the West would go on to host several professional tournaments, such as the 1978 Japan Open which was one of Seve Ballesteros’ first wins as a professional. Architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have been tasked with renovating the course.
Where is Oarai located?
Oarai is located right on the shores of the Pacific to the North-east of Tokyo and despite having ample trees on site the winds can occasionally howl through the course to drastically affect scoring.
How many golf courses are there in Japan?
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 ...
What is the best thing about Japan after golf?
After golf, one of the best things about the Japan golf experience is bathing in an onsen ( hot spring). There is nothing better for a tired body, and onsen are renowned for their healing properties. However, there are a few things to remember as far as etiquette is concerned.
What color tees are used in Japan?
In Japan, you will most likely be playing from the white tees. This is the regular tee, with the black or blue being competition or long tees, gold being senior, and pink or red being ladies. As you tee up, you will see a flag in the middle of the fairway about 230 yards from the whites.
Why are clubhouses so extravagant in Japan?
Most clubhouses in Japan are on the extravagant side in a nod to the 80s bubble economy, which saw the popularity of golf explode across the country - and with it extortionate membership fees.
How long do you have to break after nine holes in Japan?
No matter what time you teed off, you generally will break after nine holes for 40 minutes or so and eat lunch. Diehards, of course, can go to the range or the practise green, but what we say is "when in Nippon !". Golf in Japan has many intricacies and these should be enjoyed.
What is Japan known for?
Japan is renowned for its transportation, whether it's the always-punctual trains, endless local flight options (67 airports in all) and modern expressway road system, which ever you choose there is always a way to get you to your game on time!
Is golf a ritual in Japan?
Golf in Japan is something you HAVE to experience. Yes, it is ritualized, and yes, it does take almost all day to play a round. However, you are left with an understanding of how wonderfully dedicated and perfectionistic Japanese golfing culture is, and how amazing the country and its fabulous golf courses are.
Near-Tokyo Golf Courses to Put on your Bucket List
The Windsor Park Golf and Country Club in Ibaraki Prefecture is the least expensive of the three but every bit as classy. It’s an hour’s drive up the Joban Expressway from Tokyo and is maintained to international standards with a backdrop of beautiful rolling hills.
Golf in Tokyo with Simulator Lounges
When you don’t have time for a day out, or want to practice your swing in a relaxed setting, there are a number of simulator lounges that allow you to enjoy realistic golf in Tokyo proper itself.
Driving Ranges in Tokyo
To increase your Tokyo golf options further there’s a plethora of driving ranges throughout the city. Most of the websites mentioned below are in Japanese.
Golf Lessons in Tokyo
Jinji golf community is based in Tokyo greater area. The community offer a complete package for golfers, by helping them book a golf course, teaching golf and transportation to the golf range. They have the complete guidance and support for golfers living in or visiting Japan. The community was established in 2002 by NRPGI certified Shai Gigi.
Head over to Shinjuku for Equipment and Apparel
Golf in Tokyo, as everywhere, does require the proper equipment. When it’s time to get kitted out with a new pair of shoes or set of irons, there are some great places in Shinjuku that offer a wide variety of everything you might need.
Things You Should Know Before Playing Golf in Japan
There are certain rules to play golf in Japan. This article would be useful to read before you visit a golf club in Japan.
Tokyo Golf Options are Plentiful
You may not have expected to maintain your game in Japan’s crowded modern capital, but as you can see, there are plenty of Tokyo golf options and no reason to let your swing get rusty. And if golf is not your only sporting interest, there are various opportunities for many different sports in this city.
