Why Golfing is a must in Japan

For similar reasons to why people love to ski and participate in mountainous snow-sports in Japan, people love to golf in Japan: it is the expansive, open space and nature reserves that make it so utterly desirable. There are 2349 golf resorts in Japan, and this should act in itself as a motivation to visit some of its eye-bogglingly beautiful courses – there is just so much variety that you will never find yourself bugged down by repetitiveness, and you will always be challenged in the best possible way. Here are reasons why you should definitely go golfing in Japan.

The Prince Hakone: Hakone-en Golf Course

The Prince Hakone hotel in the Ashigarashimo District is a reason in itself to golf in Japan – it is a prime golfing destination, Hakone-en Golf Course, and therefore the perfect excuse for a trip to the area and a stay in this must-visit. The hotel itself is so delightfully glamorous and luxurious that you really get the best of all worlds by staying there for a golfing trip. From swimming in the pool, overlooking remarkable views, to gastronomically sensational dining in the top quality restaurant after a day on the 18-hole course, there is nothing about this destination that doesn’t scream “MINI BREAK. NOW”. Oh, and did we mention the hot spring?

Address: 144 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
More info: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/the_prince_hakone/

Enjoy the scenery

One of the biggest draws to golfing in Japan has to be the beautiful scenery you have the privilege of being within and looking at in awe whilst playing the course. Whether you just mosey an hour and a half down the road during a city-break in Tokyo to Eastwood Country Club and enjoy the rolling hills of Tochigi prefecture, or even venture to Fuji Golf Course where you golf with a backdrop of Mt. Fuji. By golfing in Japan, you are privileged enough to see some of the most natural, beautiful parts of the country which is unaffected by the high-rise of the cities.

Address: Eastwood Country Club, 1039-3 Fuyumurocho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-0417
Fuji Golf Course, 〒401-0501 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, 南都留郡 山中湖村山中262−1
More info: http://www.eastwoodcc.jp/
http://www.fuji-gc.com/

A city escape

As was mentioned previously, there are a number of golf courses in Japan which are within easy access of major cities. This is why golfing is a must in Japan – there is a lot of congestion and city-buzz within the centres of the cities, but a small bit of travelling exposes you to a brief natural escape that does wonders for the soul. Here are the closest courses to six of Japan’s most prominent cities (and those cities which, with high rise buildings and business-metropolitan vibes, can sometimes seem worlds away from the beauty which is actually just around the corner):

1. Tokyo: Wakasu Golf Links
1, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0083, Japan
http://wakasu.golftk.com/

2. Kyoto: Kyoto Golf Club Kamigamo Course
Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan
http://adachi-group.co.jp/kyoto/
3. Osaka: Yodogawa Golf Club
2 Chome-6-29 Kunijima, Higashiyodogawa Ward, Osaka, 533-0024, Japan
https://www.yodogawagc.com/

4. Yokohama: Yokohama Country Club
1025 Imaicho, 保土ケ谷区 Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-0035, Japan
http://www.yokohama-cc.jp/

5. Fukuoka: Saitozaki Seaside Country Club
316 Saitozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 811-0321, Japan
http://www.saitozaki.co.jp/

6. Hiroshima: Miyajima Country Club
1050 Miyakecho, Saeki Ward, Hiroshima, 731-5143, Japan
http://www.miyajimacc.jp/

An excuse to enjoy the Onsen

Onsen baths are a fantastic draw to Japan, as these hot springs offer up one of nature’s purest of spa-days without any additions from man. A perk of golfing in Japan is that a number of golf resorts and country clubs are within natural spaces and therefore are near to onsen baths, making up the kind of double-whammy day-out that everybody wants. After a day of shooting the breeze (and the golf balls) throughout the 18 holes, you can unwind in nature’s relaxant and heal any potentially aching sporty muscles.

Keeping fit while still having fun

Staying active while holidaying is really important. However, exerting yourself while you are trying to enjoy yourself and unwind often seems counterproductive. Golfing is a happy medium, as it is a fun, luxury activity while still being beneficial to your health. From the enhanced muscles in your swing, to your physical fitness walking the 18 holes (unless you choose to hire a car), golf is a must when visiting Japan as it offers you the improved well-being as well as a great time.

Unwind with your swing

Though playing a game of golf can admittedly be reasonably competitive and stress-inducing at times depending on who you play with, it can also be a great way to relax and unwind on your trip away. When holidaying in a big city, you can sometimes end up heading home just as stressed as before, if not more, only for different reasons. Well, the physical workout combined with the required focus of golf makes sure you really relax into your physicality and enjoy your time away from home. Not to mention the onsen baths which follow in a number of Japan’s golf clubs…

Business is fostered on the golf course

If you are travelling to Japan on business, golf is a must to foster a good business relationship. It is a recipe for success as it offers opportunity to discuss both the important and the frivolous, as well as offering the potential to just remove yourself and enjoy the game, making sure the meeting never gets too intense.

So, if you ever had any doubts about whether or not golfing in Japan is a great idea, these reasons ought to have convinced you, eradicating any doubt. Cities like Kyoto and Tokyo and their metropolitan veracity are part of what make them so incredibly popular as tourist destinations, but if visiting for a little while, you may want a brief reprieve from the hustle and bustle and a golf day is just the way to achieve that.

From the beautiful scenery and fresh air they offer you, to the golf-resort perks like fine-dining and onsen baths, the list of reasons just grows the longer you think about it and unpack everything the various resorts have to offer.

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