Japan’s Elite Fairways: The Top 7 Golf Courses You Must Play
From traditional links-inspired layouts on the Pacific to pristine parkland set against soaring mountains, Japan offers an extraordinary spectrum of golf experiences. In this guide, we journey across the country to uncover the top seven golf courses in Japan, each linked to its full profile on Mulliganplus.com for easy booking. Along the way, we’ll spotlight the cultural touches, scenic highlights, and practical tips that make each destination unforgettable. And before you tee off, be sure to suit up in performance-ready apparel from MplusGolf.com.
1. Hirono Golf Club (Hyōgo Prefecture): A Highlight of Japan Golf Courses
Often dubbed “Asia’s Pine Valley,” Hirono Golf Club is a private haven designed by C.H. Alison in 1932. Nestled in the foothills of Kobe, its firm fairways and strategic “Alison-style” bunkers have tested generations of Japanese champions. The course’s sandy soil and towering pines evoke the grandeur of America’s East Coast classics, while meticulously maintained greens reward precise iron play. While tee times are invitation-only, working through a travel partner or Mulliganplus.com concierge can secure access to this storied layout. After your round, unwind in the elegant clubhouse with a glass of local sake and browse moisture-wicking polos at MplusGolf.com.
Explore Hirono on Mulliganplus.com
Learn more about the Surbiton Golf Club and its facilities in Surrey.
Golf Club History
The story of golf clubs in Japan is a journey through more than a century of sporting tradition and innovation. It all began in 1907 with the founding of the Kobe Golf Club, the country’s very first golf course, nestled in the scenic hills of Hyōgo Prefecture. Since then, Japan has become home to some of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs, many of which boast a rich heritage and have been shaped by legendary architects like Tom Fazio and Ben Crenshaw. These visionaries have left their mark on the landscape, designing courses that challenge and inspire golfers from around the globe.
Japan’s golf clubs are not just about the game—they are destinations in their own right. Many feature grand clubhouses, luxury hotels, and state-of-the-art practice ranges, ensuring every visit is a complete golfing experience. Over the decades, these clubs have played host to numerous high-profile tournaments, including stops on the PGA Tour, further cementing their reputation for excellence. Courses like the iconic Kawana Hotel Fuji Course have been welcoming golfers for over 80 years, blending time-honored traditions with modern amenities. Whether you’re teeing off at a historic club or relaxing in a plush hotel overlooking the greens, Japan’s golf clubs offer a unique blend of history, hospitality, and world-class golf.
Golf Course Design
Golf courses in Japan are celebrated for their breathtaking design, seamlessly blending the country’s natural beauty with challenging layouts that captivate golfers of all skill levels. From the rolling foothills of the Fuji area to the lush forests of Hokkaido, each course is a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship and respect for the land. Renowned architects like Bill Coore and Logan Fazio have contributed to this legacy, creating courses in Japan that are as visually stunning as they are strategically demanding.
Players can expect undulating fairways that wind through ancient trees, lightning-fast greens that test every putt, and bunkers placed with surgical precision. Many golf courses in Japan incorporate dramatic elevation changes and water hazards, requiring golfers to carefully plan each shot. Some of the most memorable courses offer panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, providing a spectacular backdrop that elevates every round. The design philosophy here is to harmonize with the environment, allowing the natural contours and features of the land to shape the course. Whether you’re navigating a challenging dogleg or pausing to admire the scenery, playing golf in Japan is an experience that combines world-class design with the serenity of nature.
Golf in Japan Culture
Golf in Japan is more than just a sport—it’s a cherished part of the country’s culture, steeped in tradition, etiquette, and a deep appreciation for nature. For over a century, Japanese golfers have embraced the game not only as a test of skill but as a way to cultivate respect, discipline, and mindfulness. On Japan’s golf courses, players are expected to follow time-honored customs, from precise dress codes to the quiet observance of etiquette on the greens and fairways.
Many golf courses in Japan are designed to reflect the nation’s cultural heritage, featuring traditional Japanese architecture, tranquil gardens, and even opportunities to experience tea ceremonies or savor authentic Japanese cuisine after a round. The connection to nature is ever-present—courses are often set amidst forests, mountains, and streams, creating a sense of tranquility that encourages golfers to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. For many, playing golf in Japan is a way to escape the bustle of city life, reconnect with the natural world, and find a moment of calm in the midst of a busy day. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the game, the unique blend of tradition, etiquette, and natural beauty makes golf in Japan a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Kawana Golf Club – Fuji Course (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Perched dramatically atop red cliffs overlooking Suruga Bay, Kawana’s Fuji Course has welcomed prime ministers, emperors, and Hollywood legends since 1936. Robert Trent Jones Sr. crafted a routing that embraces panoramic ocean vistas and rugged coastal terrain. Signature holes, such as the par-3 7th, demand nerve as shots play toward the sea. The Fuji Course’s elevated tees offer views of the famous Mount Fuji on clear mornings—a bucket-list photo opportunity. The course is located atop the red cliffs, providing golfers with some of the most famous views of Mount Fuji in Japan, making it a famous destination for those seeking iconic scenery.
After navigating the cliffside fairways, enjoy a scheduled lunch break—an integral part of a round at Japanese golf courses—by dining on fresh seafood at the resort’s ocean-view restaurant, where on-course lunch options are a highlight. Pick up a wind-resistant jacket at MplusGolf.com to brave coastal breezes.
3. Kasumigaseki Country Club (Saitama Prefecture)
Host of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic golf competitions, Kasumigaseki’s East Course epitomizes classic parkland golf in the shadow of Japan’s capital. The club also features the renowned West Course, known for its unique design and distinct architectural features that set it apart from the East Course. Established in 1929, its tree-lined fairways, tiered greens, and subtle contours require a full bag of shots—from long drives to deft wedge play. The finishing holes wind around reflective ponds, offering both challenge and tranquility. When planning your visit, be sure to book your tee time in advance, as punctuality and proper etiquette are highly valued at Japanese golf courses. While membership is exclusive, Mulliganplus.com provides access for international travellers seeking Olympic-calibre conditions. After your round, sample delicate kaiseki cuisine at the clubhouse and browse UV-protective polos from MplusGolf.com.
4. Tokyo Golf Club (Chiba Prefecture)
Just an hour from downtown Tokyo, the Tokyo Golf Club is a legendary venue dating to 1935. Walter Hagen’s influence is felt in the forested corridors, strategic bunkering, and quirky elevation changes. The par-4 9th and the elevated par-3 15th stand out as strategic masterpieces demanding club-perfect execution. The club features a well-equipped practice range with distance markers and targets, providing a convenient space for players to warm up and refine their shots before heading out. Subtle green complexes test your putting artistry as much as your tee shots, and maintaining focus is essential for success on these challenging greens. After posting your score, savor Edo-inspired dishes at the club’s fine-dining restaurant and browse premium outer layers at MplusGolf.com, ideal for the region’s temperate climate.
5. Sapporo Golf Club (Hokkaido)
Venture north to Hokkaido and discover Sapporo GC, where cool summers and rolling parkland define the experience. Founded in 1936, this club features wide fairways framed by birch and oak, with gentle elevation changes that showcase Hokkaido’s natural beauty. The golfing experience here changes with each season, from vibrant spring blossoms to the striking winter landscape, when snow transforms the scenery. The course’s signature par-5 18th doglegs around a tranquil pond, providing a scenic—and often score-deciding—conclusion. During the winter months, the region is also renowned for skiing, making it a year-round destination for sports enthusiasts. Post-round, warm up with a bowl of miso ramen at the clubhouse café and shop high-performance UV-protective gear from MplusGolf.com. Accessible to guests via Mulliganplus.com tee packages.
6. Kobe Golf Club (Hyōgo Prefecture)
As Japan’s oldest golf club (established in 1903), Kobe GC blends century-old traditions with modern refinements. The course meanders through lush parkland at the foot of Mount Rokko, offering cool mountain breezes and panoramic city views. Tight corridors and small, undulating greens call for strategic shot-making on every hole. The club’s historic stone clubhouse, with its wooden beams and fireplaces, invites you to linger with a cup of artisanal coffee before exploring MplusGolf’s cozy mid-layers for those crisp mornings.
7. Diamond Country Club (Iwate Prefecture)
Hidden amid the mountains of northeastern Honshu, Diamond CC offers a resort-style escape with championship routing and breathtaking topography. Designed by Hideki Irie, the course winds through pine forests and along rivers, with dramatic elevation shifts that reward bold line calls. The par-4 15th, perched on a ridge, provides a view of Mount Iwate’s snow-capped peak—an unforgettable backdrop. After your round, soak in the nearby onsen (hot spring), then browse MplusGolf’s thermal base layers to stave off mountain chills. Diamond’s remote setting is ideal for golf travellers seeking solitude.
A trip to Diamond Country Club offers a unique escape for golfers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Where to Stay, Dine and Unwind
- The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (Midtown location): Spectacular skyline views and five-star service, typically including spa, fine dining, and easy access to Tokyo’s premier golf courses. Equipment rentals and storage are available for guests.
- Hiruton Hotel & Resort (Kawana) (location: near Kawana Golf Course): Cliff-side rooms with Pacific panoramas, typically offering shuttle service to the course and equipment storage. This luxury golf resort features an all-inclusive experience with spa, dining, and on-site amenities.
- Standard Clubhouse Lodges at Kasumigaseki (location: adjacent to Kasumigaseki Country Club): Traditional comfort near Tokyo, typically including breakfast and convenient access to the course. Equipment storage is available.
- Hakodate Onsen Resorts near Sapporo GC (location: close to Sapporo Golf Club): Soak in hot springs after your round, with equipment storage and easy access to hiking trails in the surrounding area.
Travelers can also enjoy other activities such as diving, with support for sports equipment and convenient storage options at many resorts. For booking accommodations or transportation, please refer to the official website.
Nearby hiking trails offer additional outdoor adventures for guests seeking more than just golf.
Restaurants & Bars
- Kobe Beef Kaiseki (Kobe GC location): Savor world-renowned wagyu in multi-course elegance, typically just minutes from the course.
- Sushi Kanesaka (Tokyo location): Michelin-starred nigiri moments from the Tokyo GC, typically offering seasonal tasting menus.
- Ramen Alley (Sapporo GC location): Post-round comfort food featuring local miso ramen, typically popular with golfers and hikers alike.
- Seafood Grill at Kawana (location: within the resort): Fresh catch with ocean views and local sake pairings, typically open late for guests returning from the course or nearby hiking trails.
Vineyards & Breweries
- Marufuji Winery (Hokkaido location): Cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, typically served with local cheese platters.
- Otomachi Vineyard (Iwate location): Boutique reds framed by mountain vistas, typically open for tastings and tours.
- Tokyo Craft Beer (Chuo-ku location): Urban taprooms showcasing local hops, typically within walking distance of major hotels.
- Hyogo Sake Breweries (Hyogo location): Historic breweries offering brewery tours and tastings, typically featuring seasonal releases.
