Japan

Japan Golf Tours Exclusive Private Club Tours

Japan Golf Tours is now taking reservations for 2 tours in the 2012 season, May and October. We will also be introducing our new “Winter Getaway” Tour shortly which will feature the “tropical” Japanese islands of Kyushu and Okinawa in January. Details of our Winter tour will be released shortly. All of these tours include many of Japan’s top ranked private courses. This “private club” tour cannot be duplicated by any other tour company at any price. Only Japan Golf Tours can offer this unforgettable golf and cultural experience.

The “Spring” Tour

The Spring Tour is a 9 day tour that includes Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hakone, the Mt. Fuji area. We will play 5 of Japan’s finest private courses. We will also give you ample time for shopping, sightseeing and relaxing. We will stay at some wonderful hotels along the way and be treated to a feast of sights, sounds and tastes.

Here is the itinerary for our Spring Tour

Day 1
Arrival at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and transfer to the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo by coach. “Get Acquainted” Cocktail Party at the Keio Plaza Hotel in the evening.

Day 2
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Abiko Golf Club by coach. In the evening, we will have our first group dinner in Tokyo along with some sightseeing of Tokyo by night.

Day 3
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Musashi Country Club by coach. In the evening, Japanese major league baseball game at the Tokyo Dome Stadium, sightseeing or relaxing.

Day 4
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Hakone (Mt. Fuji area) by coach and sightseeing to include a cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi with magnificent views of Mt. Fuji. Check in at the Kowaki-en Hotel in Hakone. In the evening, group dinner in Hakone, optional sightseeing.

Day 5
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Dai-Hakone Golf Club in Hakone by coach. In the evening, dinner on your own, sightseeing or relaxing.

Day 6
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Kyoto by first class reserved seat on the Shinkansen Bullet Train. Afternoon sightseeing in Kyoto. Stay at the Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel.

Day 7
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Hirono Golf Club by coach. In the evening, sightseeing of Osaka by night or relaxing. Dinner on your own.

Day 8
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Ibaraki Golf Club by coach. In the evening, our Farewell Cocktail Party and Dinner.

Day 9
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Osaka’s Kansai Airport for return flights home.

Contact us for a quotation.

Price includes all transportation and transfers, 5 rounds of golf including caddy and cart*, lunch with each round of golf, Get Acquainted Cocktail Party, Farewell Cocktail Party, 3 group dinners, 8 nights deluxe hotel accommodations, breakfast each day, all sightseeing entrance fees, English speaking guide for sightseeing and English speaking guide accompanying the tour.

* All courses will have caddies. Hirono Golf Club, however, does not have golf carts. You will be required to walk at Hirono Golf Club.

The Fall Tour

Our Fall Tour is basically the same as our “Spring” Tour.

Here is the itinerary for our Fall Tour

Day 1
Arrival at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and transfer to the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo by coach. “Get Acquainted” Cocktail Party at the Keio Plaza Hotel in the evening.

Day 2
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Abiko Golf Club by coach. In the evening, we will have our first group dinner in Tokyo along with some sightseeing of Tokyo by night.

Day 3
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club by coach. In the evening, Japanese major league baseball game at the Tokyo Dome Stadium, sightseeing or relaxing.

Day 5
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Dai-Hakone Golf Club in Hakone by coach. In the evening, dinner on your own, sightseeing or relaxing.

Day 6
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Kyoto by first class reserved seat on the Shinkansen Bullet Train. Afternoon sightseeing in Kyoto. Stay at the Westin Miyako Kyoto Hotel.

Day 7
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Hirono Golf Club by coach. In the evening, sightseeing of Osaka by night or relaxing. Dinner on your own.

Day 8
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to and from Ibaraki Golf Club by coach. In the evening, our Farewell Cocktail Party and Dinner.

Day 9
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Osaka’s Kansai Airport for return flights home.

Contact us for a quotation.

* All courses will have caddies. Hirono Golf Club, however, does not have golf carts. You will be required to walk at Hirono Golf Club.

So Much More Than Just A Golf Vacation...

Our tours bring you the best that Japan has to offer; the best golf, sightseeing, accommodations, transportation and dining. Furthermore, we offer what no other tour at any price can offer: some of Japan’s finest private golf courses. Through our network of contacts in Japan, we have been given the opportunity to bring our guests to play some of these world famous courses. No other tour at any price can offer these courses.

When we are not playing golf, we will see some of Japan’s greatest national treasures. Japan has so much history and culture. Fascination lies around every corner.

We will travel in style, aboard the world famous Shinkansen bullet train whenever possible. It is the fastest, safest and most civilized way to travel anywhere. Sit back and relax as the Shinkansen glides through some of Japan’s most scenic countryside.

We will stay at the very finest accommodations and we will treat you to a culinary experience unlike any other. Japanese food is not only a feast for your taste buds but for your eyes as well. The Japanese have made food preparation an art form. The result is maybe the healthiest, freshest and most beautiful cuisine anywhere on earth.

For some strange reason, not everyone plays golf but if your wife or guest is not a golfer, we will offer sightseeing, shopping or relaxing opportunities for the non-golfers.

Let Us Make It Easy For You...

Japan Golf Tours can take the bother out of making flight arrangements for you. If you would like, we will find you the most affordable airfares to and from Japan. Or, if you prefer, you can make your own flight arrangements.

Please see the contact page for our e-mail address.

There is a perception that Japan is one of the most expensive places on earth. I remember hearing about the astronomical prices for golf, hotels and food in Japan when I was younger. Let me dispel that notion right now. Those days are gone. Japan is now quite affordable with prices very comparable to other great destinations. Also, Japan Golf Tours knows where and when to find the best deals on all of the things that make Japan so fascinating. You will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable we make it for you.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us and we will get you started on the golf vacation of a lifetime.

Golf, Japanese Style

If this is your first experience of playing golf in Japan, it is quite different than what you are probably accustomed to. The great game is the same but the procedure is quite different…..very unique and very enjoyable. Many non-Japanese that I have taken there have used the same phrase to describe it. They call golf in Japan “very civilized”. I would have to agree.

First, a word about the courses. They are designed with nature to give the courses a natural look. They are immaculately maintained with careful attention to the minutest details. The maintenance of a Japanese golf course is one thing in particular that impresses me greatly. The Japanese have a reverence for nature and especially for trees and they go to great lengths to give the trees a “Japanese” look. It is not unusual to see maintenance workers up in the branches fine-tuning the shape of a tree, something I don’t believe I have ever seen on a golf course anywhere else in the world.

When you arrive at the golf course each day, you check in at the reception desk. You will be given a numbered locker key and a scorecard in a small leather wallet. Your locker key is the way you will be identified by the courses and charged for any purchases in the Pro Shop, etc.

After you have changed your shoes, you report to your caddy outside. The caddies in Japan are almost invariably women. They will probably not speak English but they do know the game very well and are very good and knowledgeable caddies. When you meet her, she will most likely be tending to the golf cart, organizing, counting and cleaning all of the clubs. I do not believe that these caddies are golfers but I am consistently amazed at their uncanny awareness of a golfer’s needs on the golf course. I recall several occasions where I have gone to my ball with, say, a 3 or a 4 iron and, arriving at my ball, discovered that I need a 5 iron. More often than not, caddie-san is standing nearby with my 5 iron and a knowing smile.

The golf courses usually have several refreshment stands along the way. Most Westerners would normally have a cold drink at this time. The Japanese, however, generally opt for a hot green tea (ocha) when they stop. Cold drinks are also available, as are Japanese and some Western snacks.

In Japan, the custom is to stop for a full lunch after nine holes. As you go up to the dining room, you are given a back nine starting time, which will give you about 45-50 minutes for lunch. After a delicious and relaxed lunch, it’s on to the back nine or, as they say in Japan, the “in” nine. They refer to the nines in the traditional Scottish parlance, “out” for the front nine and “in” for the back.

Japanese Baths (o-furo)

After the round is completed, most Japanese take the traditional baths, which are a fixture at every Japanese golf club. Although this custom is quite foreign to us Westerners, it is wonderfully relaxing and one of the things that make golf in Japan so civilized.

There is a very strict protocol for the Japanese baths (o-furo). If you wish to try the baths (and I highly recommend them), this is the procedure. First of all, there are separate bath facilities for both men and women. When you get to the bath area, you remove your shoes and put on a pair of the slippers provided there. In the changing area, you will find wicker baskets on shelves. These are for your clothes. After you undress, you proceed to the bath area. YOU DO NOT GET INTO THE BATH BEFORE YOU HAVE TAKEN A COMPLETE SHOWER. The Japanese sit on the small stools and wash completely. There are also Western “stand up” showers similar to those in the West. After you have showered and rinsed, then you can get into the tub. (Note: One of the things that Japanese find curious about Westerners is that they get into the bathtub when they are dirty. Here, in order to ensure the pristine cleanliness of the bathing water, everyone is already completely clean when they get into the bath.) The water is hot (but not overly so), crystal clear and very relaxing. After a leisurely soak, you get out, dry off and dress. While you’re here in Japan, give the baths a try. I guarantee that they will soothe your aching muscles like nothing else. Personally, I like a beer or two after playing golf. After the Japanese o-furo, the beer becomes almost a religious experience.

Only Japan's Finest Courses

Below is a sampling of some of the golf courses we will be including in our tours. There will be more starting next year but we will include only the very best. There are over 2,500 golf courses in Japan. Japan Golf Tours has many of the very best, including many of Japan’s most private and exclusive clubs. The courses you will play have all been ranked as the finest courses Japan has to offer. No other tours can offer these golf courses to you at any price.

Japanese golf courses are known for their outstanding beauty and are maintained like perhaps no other courses in the world. The attention to the minutest details is truly remarkable. Unlike many courses around the world, they are built to commune with nature, not to conquer it. The Japanese have a reverence for nature and you will sense it as you play their marvelous golf courses.

The courses included on our tours are indicated below along with some of the others we will be offering in upcoming tours. In 2012, we will offer a broader assortment of tours to suit every taste and budget. Add japan-golf-tous.com to your “Favorites” list or, if you prefer, we can e-mail you as new tour dates and itineraries are introduced. Come join us for the golf and cultural experience of a lifetime.

The Courses

Abiko Golf Club

Abiko is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous private clubs. It is also famous for being the course where legendary Japanese golfer, Isao Aoki learned the game. Designed by Rokuro Akaboshi in 1930. Known for its lightning fast small greens, strategically placed bunkers and brilliantly conceived undulations, Abiko is a course you will never forget.

Dai-Hakone C.C.

Dai-Hakone is located in the Hakone area, one of Japan’s most beautiful and popular recreation areas. It is located in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park and is almost a mile above sea level. The terrain is rolling and is surrounded by mountains, including Mt. Fuji. The fairways are open and the holes are lined by magnificent pines and cypress. This course has hosted many major golf events in Japan and is the home of the JLPGA Championship every year.

Ibaraki Country Club

Ibaraki Country Club is conveniently located near Osaka and features 36 holes with a great variety of golfing challenges. The East Course opened in 1925 and was designed by Robert Ford and Seiichi Inoue. It is built on gently rolling terrain and was completely built by hand. It is not a long course but there is a premium on accuracy. The West Course is newer, longer and there is more variation in the terrain. The courses are very different but both are challenging and enjoyable. Ibaraki is ranked #40 in Japan’s Top 50 Courses.

Musashi Country Club (Sasai Course)

Located in Saitama, the Sasai course opened in 1959 and was designed by legendary Japanese golf course architect Seiichi Inoue. The course is located in the Musashino forest and the abundance of red pines maintains that forest atmosphere. The course plays long but, even with all of the trees, there is room to negotiate the long distances. The Sasai Course is ranked #22 in Japan’s top 50 courses.

Musashi Country Club (Toyooka Course)

The Sasai Course’s sister course, the Toyooka Course was also designed by Seiichi Inoue. The courses have a similar feel but are really quite different. The Toyooka Course features strategically placed fairway bunkers that place a premium on well placed tee shots. The Toyooka Course is ranked #20 in Japan’s top 50 courses.

Ono Golf Club

Ono Golf Club opened in 1961 and is located in Hyogo, Japan near Osaka. The course has several interesting ponds which work their way in and out of the layout. Ono is known for its excellent greens and gentle rolling terrain. The “out” nine has several ponds of varying sizes and the “in” nine is more heavily treed. It is a challenging course and fun to play.

Taiheyo Golf Club (Gotemba Course)

Taiheyo Golf Club is located in Shizuoka, near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Founded in 1977 and designed by Shunsuke Kato, this private club is heavily wooded course yet affords expansive views of the surrounding area and Mt. Fuji itself. The layout is not too hilly but the natural undulations make club selection difficult. It features undulating greens and strategic bunkering. This course is ranked as Japan’s #2 golf course in Golf Digest’s Top 100 World Rankings. It was also the site of the 2001 World Cup whre Tiger Woods and David Duval won in dramatic fashion. It is also one of Japan’s most beautiful locations with Hakone, Lake Ashi, Mt. Yamanaka and, of course Mt. Fuji all nearby.

Chiba C.C. (Umesato Course)

Located in Chiba, this is a true champions course. Each hole is separated by pine trees and a good score here is something to be proud of. Well placed hazards, narrow fairways and difficult doglegs put a premium on keeping the ball in play.

Hirono Golf Club

Hirono Golf Club, founded in 1932 is Japan’s highest ranked golf course. This private club is located in Kobe, not far from Osaka. It was designed by the great Charles Allison, who designed many of Japan’s finest courses. The course is beautiful yet very challenging. It has been host to all of Japan’s biggest championships. The course is heavily treed and there is plenty of water. The landscape of several holes is reminiscent of some of the British Isles’ great parkland courses. It is also famous for its three very difficult finishing holes which have seen the demise of many would be champions over the years.

Naruo Golf Club

Naruo is one of the oldest and most distinguished private clubs in all of Japan. It is located in the Kansai area near Osaka. Founded in 1920 and designed by H.C. Crane and Charles Allison, Naruo is really fun to play, with great rolling to hilly terrain and wonderful bunkers. The bunkers are beautiful to look at but not much fun to be in. The whole course is great but the par 3’s are especially memorable. Accurate approach shots are a must as all greens are well protected. A good score at Naruo is quite an achievement. Naruo is ranked #36 in Japan’s top 50 courses.

Oarai Golf Club

Oarai Golf Club was designed by legendary Japanese golf course architect, Seiichi Inoue in 1953. It is the 3rd ranked golf course in Japan and has hosted many major Japanese championships. It is a seaside course facing the Pacific Ocean in Ibaraki. Wide lush fairways are bordered by ancient pines. The greens are big but the course is made difficult by the wind which is always a factor on this unforgettable course.

Sayama Golf Club

Sayama Golf Club is a private course with 27 holes located in Saitama. Founded in 1959, this course, like Musashi Country Club maintains the atmosphere of the old Musashino Forest. It is basically flat but with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Each hole has a pond which adds both beauty and difficulty. Numerous bunkers will test your play from the sand.

Tokyo Yomiuri C.C.

Tokyo Yomiuri is one of Japan’s finest private clubs and yet another gem by Seiichi Inoue. Built in 1964, it is a challenging and sometimes windy course that uses the hilly terrain to its full advantage. It is a “shotmaker’s” golf course with many doglegs and interesting undulations. Many major Japanese championships have been held here over the years. Tokyo Yomiuri is ranked #46 in Japan’s top 50 golf courses.

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