20 Best Golf Courses in Japan: A Complete Guide for Golf Enthusiasts

Japan, a country where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge modernity, offers a wonderful golf experience. There are more than 2,300 meticulously maintained golf courses in Japan with stunning natural landscapes, strategic design, and rich culture.

From the iconic views of Mount Fuji to the urban convenience of Tokyo and Osaka, and the tropical vibes of Okinawa, each golf course in Japan offers a unique experience. Golfers of all skill levels can find the best golf course in Japan.

The following lists 20 top golf courses in Japan, covering regions including Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Fukuoka. Next, find the golf course that suits your preference.

Golf Courses in & near Tokyo Japan

Tokyo is the top choice for most visitors to Japan. Consider the following courses when planning your Japan golf tour.

1. Narita Golf Club

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chiba Prefecture, Narita Golf Club is one of the best Japan golf courses for travelers. Designed by Taizo Kawada, this 18-hole, par-72 course embodies classic American-style golf. This golf course is the venue for the 2017 Japan Airlines Championship on the PGA Tour.

Stretching 7,140 yards from the back tees, Narita Golf Club features wide fairways surrounded by mature trees and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. Gentle slopes allow you to focus on your game rather than strenuous terrain.

It is close to Narita International Airport. For business travelers with long layovers or those who arrive at the airport early, a nearby golf course is an excellent leisure option.

2. Tokyo Classic Golf Club

Built on a patch of a former cedar tree farm, Tokyo Classic Golf Club is about a one-hour drive outside of Tokyo. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it's a unique top golf course that offers a standard country club experience. The golf course features 18 holes and stretches 7,220 yards.

It welcomes golfers of all skill levels. One of the design highlights is short par-4 second, with forward tees allowing direct drives to the green, paired with challenging bunkers. Beyond golf, you can also enjoy a range of activities, including horseback trekking and summer camps.

3. Tokyo Bay Country Club

For those who want an urban escape with scenic views, Tokyo Bay Country Club provides an unparalleled experience, just a short drive from central Tokyo. This extensive golf course features a 27-hole layout, including distinct 9-hole courses (Nagaura, Kubota, and Kuranami). The total length is 10,008 yards.

This golf course is located beside the bay, treating players to sweeping views of Tokyo Bay. The wide fairways are suitable for beginners, while the gentle slopes and strategic terrain provide enough excitement for seasoned players. Tokyo Bay Country Club also offers a driving range, restaurants that serve delicious specialties, and other modern facilities.

4. Daiatsugi Country Club

Located in the rolling hills of Kanagawa Prefecture, Daiatsugi Country Club is a gem that offers a superb golf experience and a beautiful cherry blossom view in spring. Opened in 1970, the golf course was crafted by the respected Miyoshi Tokuyuki.

Daiatsugi Country Club has a main course with 27 holes (10,515 yards) and the renowned Sakura Course with 18 holes (6,576 yards).

This course is near Tokyo and Yokohama, which only takes about an hour's drive to get there.

Golf Courses near Mt Fuji

If you want to play golf in Japan, don't miss the Japan golf clubs around Mt. Fuji. As a must-visit destination in Japan, Mt. Fuji offers a breathtaking view and fun outdoor activities.

5. Kawana Hotel – Fuji Course

Located in the scenic coastline of Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawana Hotel's Fuji Course is a golf resort course. It is a traditional Japanese golf course with a long history. You can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Fuji from this golf course while swinging your golf club. After playing golf, you can take a hot spring bath in the hotel.

It stretches 6,691 yards from the back tees with hilly terrain and punitive bunkers. There is a driving range with 8 stalls for warming up. You need to stay at the hotel to use this course.

6. Fuji Classic Golf Club

Designed by famous architect Desmond Muirhead, the Fuji Classic Golf Club is a top golf course close to Mount Fuji. The layout of the golf course is spacious. The Fuji Classic Golf Club perfectly integrates the surrounding scenery with its facilities. Fuji Classic Golf Club is one of the public golf courses in Japan.

This 18-hole, par-72 course is inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai's work, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji". With a 7,179-yard layout, each hole offers you a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. After your round, take a hot spring bath to relax.

7. Fujikawaguchiko Country Club

Fujikawaguchiko Country Club is a strategic 27-hole course. This golf course is located at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters on the northern slope of Mount Fuji, with gentle terrain and lush trees. The beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi enables golf enthusiasts to be completely immersed in it.

The East and South nines are masterpieces of the golf course with a carefully designed layout and certain challenges. It has a total distance of 6,707 yards. The course with a moderate slope also provides strategic challenges. For those who want to enjoy golf while taking in the scenery, Fujikawaguchiko Country Club is undoubtedly a must-visit place.

Golf Courses in Osaka Japan

Osaka is home to several outstanding golf courses that offer both challenging play and beautiful scenery. The following golf courses in Osaka cater to golfers of all skill levels.

8. Hirono Golf Club

If you happen to be in Osaka during your Japan golf trip, you shouldn't miss the historical Hirono Golf Club, which opened in 1932.

Hirono Golf Club is one of the top-rated golf clubs in Japan and has hosted numerous championships. This 18-hole, par-72 course has a wonderful design for strategic golf. It offers an atmosphere of parkland, with well-manicured fairways and fast greens. The front nine is gentle, while the back nine is quite undulating.

Stretching 6,925 yards, it's not the longest course, but its difficulty lies in its thoughtful design. Most of the putting greens are surrounded by deep and challenging bunkers.

9. Osaka Golf Club

Osaka Golf Club is a historic golf course in Japan, with a challenging links-style layout. Osaka Golf Club offers multi-tiered greens with tight holes and steep undulations, which can make putting more challenging. It is regarded as one of the most challenging public golf courses in Japan. This golf course has a strategic 18-hole layout.

Osaka Golf Club is located by the seaside and is influenced by strong winds. The golf course combines golf with the views of Osaka Bay. You can enjoy the ocean view from nine holes.

10. Naruo Golf Club

Another golf gem in the Kansai region, Naruo Golf Club in Hyogo Prefecture, features rolling fairways, which adds interest and thrill. It is one of the top 100 golf courses in the world, offering an unforgettable golfing experience.

This golf course was originally designed by the Crane brothers, but later C.H. Alison made revisions to the design. The golf course is known for being narrow and hilly, and ideal for strategic shot-making. Some of the par-3 holes have elevated green areas and are protected by deep bunkers. The rough area around the green makes your shots more challenging.

11. Ibaraki Kokusai Golf Club

Ibaraki Kokusai Golf Club is located in the beautiful hills of Ibaraki, just a short drive away from central Osaka. You can start your round with a day trip from Osaka. Ibaraki Kokusai Golf Club offers a narrow terrain with significant elevation changes. You can enjoy 27 scenic holes with lush fairways and strategic bunkers.

It provides high-quality golf experiences for players of all levels, with a driving range and chipping areas for golfers to improve their golf-playing skills. You can relax in the clubhouse after playing golf.

12. Arima Country Club

For golfers seeking a blend of great golf and Japanese hot spring culture, Arima Country Club in Hyogo Prefecture is the perfect destination. This 18-hole, par-72 golf course is designed by Yasuda Yoten and set in a picturesque onsen town. Golf players at all levels can enjoy a pleasant swinging experience.

The layout is a parkland-style course with well-manicured fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards that add both beauty and challenge. Arima Country Club also boasts spacious fairways and bentgrass greens. Near the golf course, you can also visit Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets for shopping and relax in Arima Onsen.

Golf Courses in Kyoto

Golfing in Kyoto offers a unique blend of competition, serenity, and cultural charm. Well-crafted courses located in Kyoto's rolling hills and lush landscapes which offer you an unforgettable experience.

13. Seta Golf Course

Designed by renowned architect Seiichi Inoue, this tournament course features three distinct 18-hole courses (with a total of 54 holes): the North, East, and West Courses. Each course offers a unique challenge and stunning views of Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei. Three distinct courses are enough to meet the needs of different skill levels.

The North Course has hosted many tournament events. The golf course is located in a hilly area with undulating terrain, with wide fairways and the serene atmosphere of the forest. The 14th (Par 4), also famous as "Witch Valley", is a challenging hole, because the left dogleg hole is a deep valley.

14. Century Golf Club

Century Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 golf course with a distance of 6,579 yards. The golf course is known for its meticulously designed layout, with well-groomed fairways and top-level greens.

Century Golf Club is a strategic championship course. Golf players at every level can both challenge themselves and enjoy the pleasure of the game. There is a premier clubhouse and great amenities, such as a driving range, putting green, and restaurants. This golf resort has a prime location adjacent to Kyoto, making it an ideal choice for a day trip departing from Kyoto.

Golf Courses in Hokkaido Japan

Hokkaido is an exceptional destination that combines top golf courses in Japan with pristine natural scenery. A Japan golf tour to Hokkaido also combines with local gourmet foods like fresh seafood and Genghis Khan barbecue.

15. Katsura Golf Club

Located in Tomakomai, it takes about 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, or approximately 1 hour if you start from Sapporo. This 18-hole, par-72 course, with over 7,116 yards, is ranked among the best golf courses in Japan, thanks to its stunning natural setting and strategic design.

This golf course has hosted the LPGA Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament four times. Undulating fairways, water hazards, and the trees on both sides offer thrilling challenges. The greens here are quite spacious, but this may lead you to tight chipping areas.

16. Needham Classic Golf Club

Hokkaido is cooler in summer than Tokyo. Needham Classic Golf Club also offers a comfortable summer golfing experience. The course is also close to Sapporo city, with an hour's drive, and you can spend a day here when you visit Sapporo.

Needham Classic Golf Club has 45 holes in total, including the IKORO course with 27 holes and the NISPA course with 18 holes. The IKORO course consists of three courses (Asiri, Pirika, and Kamui).

This golf course is located in thick forests and is surrounded by various trees. Nidom Classic Golf Course is a renowned golf course that hosts many tournaments. This golf course has very high requirements for the techniques of golfers. You need to make accurate judgments when hitting the ball.

Golf Courses in Okinawa

Okinawa offers a tropical paradise experience, where you can find the best golf courses, stunning coastal scenery, and unique island hospitality.

17. Kise Country Club

Kise Country Club houses two golf courses, including the Woods Course and the Ocean Course. As the top golf course in Okinawa, Kise Country Club hosted two major tournaments. This course is built in a deep forest with sweeping ocean views. Apart from golfing, this golf course also offers a luxurious resort experience.

Kise Country Club is a classic 18-hole, par-72 layout, stretching 6,804 yards. The challenging environment of the golf course enables you to practice sophisticated strategies. Undulating doglegs are skillfully arranged with the pond and bunker hazards. The club offers meals, accommodations, and a tea house for breaks.

18. Kanucha Golf Course

The greens are of moderate difficulty and are easily accessible. This is a great advantage for beginners and higher handicap golfers. Kanucha Golf Course boasts a 9-Hole Seaside Course with the turquoise ocean view and a 9-Hole Village course in the forest area. The total length is 6,946 yards.

The first-class facilities of the golf course offer the services you need, including bars, restaurants, swimming pools, and a private beach. The view of the golf course is beautiful. The beach and forest are carefree and joyous. Families with children will also find a lot of fun.

Japan Golf Courses in Fukuoka

Merging Kyushu's natural charm with well-crafted layouts, golf courses in Fukuoka are the best leisure during your Japan golf tour.

19. Fukuoka Century Golf Club

As the gateway to Kyushu, Fukuoka is home to the Fukuoka Century Golf Club. The golf course is easily accessible by car from Fukuoka City, making it a popular choice for day trips during your golf trip in Japan. Designed to blend with the natural landscape, it features undulating fairways, strategic bunkers, and challenging greens. What makes it unique is that you need to use all 14 clubs.

There is an additional practice hole in both the front and back nine, which makes it the first 20-hole style golf course in Japan. You can also play only with 18 holes, and just a few adjustments will be needed.

20. Nijo Country Club

Nijo Country Club is located on a hill by the Genkai Sea. While the golfer is swinging the club on the golf course, they can also enjoy the magnificent ocean view from all 18 holes. After golfing, you can relax your mind in the panoramic bathroom or restaurant.

The distance of this golf course is 6,615 yards. The course design is clever, and the greens are extremely challenging. From beginners to experienced players, everyone will love it.

Planning Your Golf Trip to Japan: A Quick Guide

Best Time to Play Golf in Japan

Japan is suitable for playing golf all year round. The best time to play golf in Japan depends on what scenery you want to see or where you want to go.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are usually popular times. These two seasons feature warm sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and pink cherry blossoms and colorful autumn foliage.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with occasional rain showers. You can enjoy your Japan golf tour in Karuizawa, Hokkaido, or Mt. Fuji, which has cooler weather.

If you plan your Japan golf trip in winter (December-February), warmer Okinawa is perfect for escaping the northern cold.

Booking Your Tee Times

You can book a Japanese golf course by phone or through the official website of the golf course. However, for foreign tourists who don't understand Japanese, this might be a challenge. Some staff may not be fluent in English, so you need to deal with potential language barriers.

Hi Five Trip would be your best partner to help you with golf reservations. We can deal with language barriers and handle all the intricate details, so you can focus on your game and enjoyment.

FAQs about Japan Golf Courses

1. Is golf popular in Japan?

Yes, golf is quite popular in Japan. All over Japan, you can find all kinds of golf courses.

2. How many golf courses are in Japan?

Japan is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, boasting over 2,300 courses. It is said that this quantity is second only to that of the United States.

3. Is golf expensive in Japan?

The price of golf in Japan is reasonable. Average golf course prices in Japan are around (¥7,000-12,000 JPY) ($ 45-80 USD) on weekdays. Weekend play might cost twice as much.

4. Are golf courses in Japan open to non-members?

Yes, many golf courses in Japan are open to non-members, but some are members-only.

5. Can foreigner visitors play golf in Japan?

Yes, you can book through the websites or a local travel agent, like Hi Five Trip.

6. Is English widely spoken?

English is not widely spoken in Japan. When making a reservation for Japanese golf, remember to make sure that the caddy can speak English.

Plan Your Japan Golf Trip with Hi Five Trip

A great Japan golf tour is about more than just playing. It will make you immerse yourself in Japan's unique blend of sport, culture, and natural beauty. Our Japan golf packages are designed to offer you an unforgettable golf experience and leisurely vacation.