Here’s our guide to golf in Japan. We included a brief history of the game in Japan, a list of popular golfers and courses, information about how and where to play, and our insight as to what is like to play golf in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Keep reading to learn more about golf in Japan!
Table of Contents
Table of contents:
- Introduction – an overview of golf in Japan
- A brief history of golf in Japan
- Japan’s first famous golfer
- Famous Japanese golfers – male
- Famous Japanese golfers – female
- Top golf courses in Japan
- Where to practice
- How and where to play in Japan
- What is it like to play golf in Japan?
- Etiquette and customs of golf in Japan
- Conclusion
- References
Introduction – an overview of golf in Japan
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Koji Aoki/Aflo Sport)
Golf in Japan has a rich history and is a popular pastime for both locals and tourists.
Japan is home to some of the world’s most top golf courses and golfers, and the country has a deep appreciation for the sport. There are now over 2,300 golf courses in Japan and these are known for their immaculate greens and beautiful scenery, making the country a golfer’s paradise. Many visitors come to the country specifically to play golf, and golf tourism has been on the rise with courses and resorts offering golf packages; including green fees, accommodation, and transportation.
Another aspect that sets golf in Japan apart is the culture surrounding the sport. Golf is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture, and it is considered a social activity as well as a sport. Many Japanese golfers belong to golf clubs where they can play with friends and colleagues, and golf is often used as a business tool for networking and building relationships.
A brief history of golf in Japan
Aerial view of Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Aflo Images)
Golf in Japan dates back to the early 20th century. British expatriates built the first golf course in Japan, named Kobe Golf Club in 1903. A decade later the Tokyo Golf Club at Komazawa was established by Japanese who had experienced golf in the United States.
In 1924 the Japan Golf Association was founded. Anti-Western sentiment in the 20s and 30s limited the growth of the game and by 1941 there were only 23 courses in the country. One of these was Kasumigaseki Country Club, established in 1929.
Before the outbreak of the second World War, golf had remained almost exclusively a sport for expats and Western-educated Japanese. In the years following World War II, changes to the Japanese social class system saw more members of the new middle class beginning playing golf.
After World War II, golf in Japan experienced a period of rapid growth. Many American soldiers stationed in Japan played golf, and they introduced the sport to more Japanese. By the mid-1950s, the country had about 75 courses. That number rose to about 200 by the end of that decade and then more than doubled again, to 424 by 1964.
In 1957, Torakichi Nakamura and his partner Koichi Ono won the Canada Cup, a team event that later became known as the “World Cup of Golf”. This victory was a major catalyst for the growth of golf in Japan. A boom in new golf courses soon followed along with commercial activities around the game.
The Japan Golf Tour was founded in 1973, and by 2006 it was offering the third-highest annual prize fund behind the PGA and European Tours.
The first official PGA Tour event played in Japan, the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPS, was held at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in 2019. The golf superstar Tiger Woods won this tournament.
Japan’s first famous golfer
Hisako Higuchi
Hisako Higuchi wins the 1971 Japan Women’s Open (Photo by Nikkan Sports/Aflo Images)
Hisako Higuchi, born on October 13th, 1945 in Kawagoe, Saitama, is one of the most high-profile golfers in Japan.
Higuchi completely dominated the Japanese tour in the first decade of its existence. She turned pro in 1967 and went on to win 69 titles on the LPGA of Japan Tour, which is still the record for the most titles won by a single player.
She was considered to be the first female golf star in Japan. Higuchi rose to fame with the win in the LPGA Championship in 1977, making her the first Asian-born player, male or female, to win a major championship.
Higuchi became President of the LPGA of Japan Tour in 1996. In 2003, she became the first Japanese golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Famous Japanese Golfers – Male
These are some of the most famous male Japanese golfers that have made a significant impact in the world of golf and have left a legacy in the sport.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama playing at the 2022 Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia, United States (Photo by Koji Aoki/Aflo Sport)
Matsuyama was born in February 1992 in Matsuyama city, Ehime. When he was four years old his father introduced him to a golf and served as his first coach.
He ripped up the history books in 2021 when he won the Masters Tournament and became the first Japanese player to win a men’s major championship.
His triumph in the 2021 Masters Tournament took his reputation back home and around the world into another league, and he subsequently received the Prime Minister’s Award in Japan.
When he was a student at Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, the region of Tohoku was devastated by a major earthquake on March 2011. Fortunately, Matsuyama was in Australia at the time. He soon returned to Japan finding his dorm room destroyed. He was just one month away before playing the 2011 Masters Tournament. Nevertheless, he participated in the 2011 Masters becoming the first Japanese amateur to compete at the Augusta National Golf Club.
In 2013, Matsuyama turned professional having ascended to the top of the World Amateur Golf Rankings in the previous year.
In 2022, he has won two major events, the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan and the Sony Open in Hawaii, USA. He later advanced to the TOUR Championship for the ninth consecutive season.
Isao Aoki
Isao Aoki at the 53rd Japan Golf Tour Nippon Series JT Cup (Photo by Aflo Images)
Isao Aoki was born on August 31st, 1942 in Abiko, Chiba. He was introduced to golf while caddying at the Abiko Golf Club as a schoolboy. He turned professional in 1964. Aoki was one of the first Japanese golfers to achieve success on the international stage with a win at the Hawaiian Open on the PGA TOUR in 1983. Aoki was the second Japanese golfer in history to join the World Hall of Fame in 2004.
Aoki is an icon for Japanese golf and around the world. He recorded 80 professional tournament wins across six different tours. With over fifty wins on the Japan Golf Tour between 1972 and 1990, Aoki trailed only behind to Masashi Ozaki on the list of golfers with most Japan Golf Tour wins. He was also known for his consistency and longevity on the tour, earning him the nickname, “Mr. Consistency”.
Masashi Ozaki
Masashi Ozaki at the Token Tado Country Club Nagoya, Mie, Japan. (Photo by YUTAKA/Aflo Sport)
Known as “Jumbo”, Masashi Ozaki is considered a legend of Japanese golf. He has won 94 times on the Japan Tour, being the most successful player of all time. He spent the majority of his career in Japan, but had three top 10s in majors and was a big presence wherever he played. Before he became a professional golfer, Jumbo was a baseball player from 1965 to 1967. In 1971, at the age of 23, he won his first Japan PGA Championship.
Ozaki was listed on the “Official World Golf Ranking Top 10” for more than 200 weeks in his career, reaching as high as No. 5. In 2011, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Other notable mentions
Ryo Ishikawa – Known as the “Bashful Prince” in Japan, Ryo Ishikawa turned professional at the age of 15 and quickly established himself as one of the top golfers in the country. He has won multiple events on the Japan Golf Tour and has represented Japan on international competitions.
Shigeki Maruyama – Another successful Japanese golfer, Shigeki Maruyama has won multiple events on the Japan Golf Tour and the PGA Tour. He is known for his aggressive playing style.
Tadayuki Ohta – He has had a successful career on the Japan Golf Tour, winning multiple events and earning the nickname “The Ironman” for his consistency and longevity on the tour.
Tsuneyuki Nakajima – He is considered one of the greatest Japanese golfers of all time. He won multiple events on the Japan Golf Tour, including the Japan Open Golf Championship. He also had success on the PGA Tour, finishing in the top 10 at the US Open in 1957.
Hideto Tanihara – He played mainly on the Japan Golf Tour and European Tour. He has won 5 times on the Japan Golf Tour and has also played in several major championships including Masters, US Open and The Open Championship.
Famous Japanese Golfers – Female
These are some of the famous female Japanese golfers that have made a significant impact in the world of golf. They have inspired many young girls to pick up the sport.
Ai Miyazato
Ai Miyazato playing at the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship 2010 (Photo by Aflo Images)
Miyazato was born on June 19th, 1985 in Okinawa Prefecture and was raised in a family of golf enthusiasts. She became a teenage phenomenon and went on to record nine LPGA Tour wins. In 2010, she was World No.1 spanning for 11 weeks, becoming the first Japanese player to hold the top-ranking spot.
Miyazato enjoyed a successful career on the Japanese LPGA Tour, winning 15 times before moving the to the U.S. to qualify for the LPGA Tour. In the 2009 season, she won her first LPGA Tour event.
Miyazato has become a legend in women’s golf in Japan serving as an inspiration for young upcoming golfers. She officially retired from competitive golf in 2017.
Nasa Hataoka
Nasa Hataoka representing Team Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (Photo by Aflo Images)
Nasa Hataoka was born on January 13th, 1999, in Ibaraki Prefecture. She first started playing golf at 11 years old. In 2016, Hataoka became the youngest player and also the first amateur to win a Japan LPGA Major, the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship.
Hataoka turned professional in 2017 and has won six LPGA titles. In 2018, she climbed into the top ten of the Women´s World Golf Rankings at just 19 years old, and also won her first LPGA Tour event at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
Hinako Shibuno
Hinako Shibuno attends a press conference in Tokyo, Japan (Photo by Motoo Naka/Aflo Images)
Born on November 15th 1998 in Okayama Prefecture, Hinako Shibuno comes from a sporting family. Her father was a discus thrower while her mother was a javelin thrower. The young Shibuno preferred playing softball and baseball, joining her junior high’s program as the only girl on the team.
She also played golf from an early age, taking up the game at 8 playing at Pal Green Golf Club in Okayama Prefecture. As a teenager, she committed fully to golf and has since enjoyed worldwide success in the game.
Her breakthrough moment came in the 2019 Women’s British Open. This was her major-championship debut and she became the second Japanese female player to win a major.
Other notable mentions
Momoko Ueda – Ueda is a professional golfer from Japan who has had a successful career on the LPGA Tour. She has won multiple events, including the 2012 LPGA Malaysia and the 2011 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
Mika Miyazato – Miyazato is a professional golfer and younger sister of Ai Miyazato. She has had success on the LPGA Tour, winning the 2013 Reignwood LPGA Classic and the 2012 TOTO Japan Classic.
Sakura Yokomine – Yokomine has had success on the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour. She has won multiple events, including the 2008 Fujitsu Ladies and the 2006 Tsuruya Open.
Mayumi Hirase – She has had success on the Japan LPGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. She is a four-time winner on the Japan LPGA Tour and has represented Japan in international competitions.
Ayako Uehara – She has had success on the LPGA Tour and the Japan LPGA Tour. She has won multiple events, including the 2012 Japan LPGA Championship and the 2012 Daikin Orchid Ladies.
Ritsuko Ryu – She has had success on the Japan LPGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. She has won multiple events, including the 2007 Sun Chlorella Classic and the 2007 Daikin Orchid Ladies.
Chie Arimura – She has had success on the Japan LPGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. She has won multiple events, including the 2013 Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship and the 2013 Japan LPGA Championship.
The Top Golf Courses in Japan
Let’s take a look at 5 of the top golf courses in Japan:
Hirono Golf Club, Hyogo Prefecture
Hirono Golf Course (Photo by Aflo Images)
The Hirono Golf Course, built by Charles Hugh Alison in the 1930s, is believed to be the best golf course in Japan and frequently appears on Top 100 lists worldwide. Often called the Pine Valley of Japan, the Hirono Golf Course is a par-72 course which features bunkers and tree-lined fairways with a total length of 7,292 yards.
Kawana Hotel Golf Course, Shizuoka Prefecture
Kawana Hotel Golf Course from above (Photo by Aflo Images)
The famous Kawana Fuji Course is a distinguished course with a long history. Another course designed by Charles Hughes Alison, it opened in 1936 and was highly regarded as the quintessential Japanese golf course. With breathtaking views looking over the Pacific Ocean, the Kawana Fuji Course is a par-72 course which stretches out to a total of 6,701 yards. This 18-hole course has a variety of deep bunkers have earned considerable acclaim both inside and outside Japan.
Tokyo Golf Club, Saitama Prefecture
Tokyo Golf Club (Photo by Aflo Images)
Established in 1913, the Tokyo Golf Club is a prestigious club and the oldest in the Kanto Region. In its 100-year history, the Tokyo Golf Club went through many changes, moving from Komazawa to Asaka and then to the present Sayama location. Despite the moves, the club has always remained the pillar of the Japanese golf world. In 2010, Gil Hanse contributed to a course redesign and as of now, it measures at a length of 7,215 yards as a par-72 course.
Naruo Golf Club, Hyogo Prefecture
Naruo Golf Club (Photo by Aflo Images)
Naruo Golf Club was founded in 1920 and is one of the oldest courses in Japan. It became more prominent after C.H. Alison added his touches to the course design and development in the early 1930s. The Naruo Course features deep bunkers that frames the fairways and elevated greens. Currently, the 18-hole course is a par-70, measuring a relatively modest 6,616 yards.
Kasumigaseki Country Club, Saitama
Kasumigaseki Country Club (Photo by Koji Aoki/Aflo Images)
Historic and iconic Kasumigaseki Country Club was the golf course for Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Surrounded by the green forest of the Musashino hills, the 36-hole golf course was designed by prominent architects who are recognized as creators of some of the world’s best courses. The East course is the most popular among the members and was opened in 1929. It was designed by Kinya Fujita and Shiro Akaboshi. The West course opened in 1932 and was designed by Seiichi Inoue. Kasumigaseki’s unique features include over 120 bunkers and small greens, set against a backdrop of ponds and beautiful pine forests.
Other notable mentions
Hakone Golf Course in Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture – Known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji and its challenging course design. The course has hosted many professional tournaments, including the Japan Open Golf Championship and the Japan PGA Championship.
Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture – This course is considered one of the best in Japan and has hosted many professional tournaments, including the Japan Open Golf Championship. The course offers a challenging layout and beautiful views of Mount Fuji, and it is a must-play for any golfer visiting Japan.
Koganei Country Club in Kodaira, Tokyo – This is one of the most famous golf clubs in Japan and has a rich history. The course has hosted many professional tournaments, including the Japan Open Golf Championship and the Japan PGA Championship. It’s known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery.
Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club in Shima, Mie Prefecture – This is a beautiful course set on the Ise-Shima Peninsula and it’s known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. It has hosted many professional tournaments, including the Japan Open Golf Championship and the Japan PGA Championship.
Where to practice
Kawasaki golf driving range in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan (Photo by Aflo Images)
Japan is a country that takes golf very seriously. With more than 10 million active golfers, it is second only to the United States. Golfers looking to practice in Japan have many options available, from driving ranges and golf academies to public courses and private clubs. It is important to research the different options and choose the one that best suits your needs and skill level.
If you would like to practice and want to hit golf balls at the driving range, you will have no trouble finding one in Japan. There are hundreds of driving ranges found across the country. Once in Japan, visitors can easily spot large facilities wrapped in two or three story-tall green nettings. Many feature automatic teeing machines, making practicing your wood and long iron shots very easy. Driving ranges typically charge around 10 yen per ball. The price may vary depending on the location, the season, and the time of day. For visitors to the country, driving ranges can be an easy way to experience golf in Japan as they offer club rental and lesson packages and do not require membership or advanced reservation.
Many public golf courses in Japan also offer practice facilities, such as putting greens and chipping areas, ready for visitors to use. These courses also often have lower green fees than private courses, making them an affordable option to play a round.
Japan also has golf simulators and indoor practice facilities located throughout the country. These facilities often have extra features such as virtual reality simulators and swing analysis software.
How and where to play in Japan
Number 1 Hole at 2022 Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship (Photo by Nikkan Sports/Aflo Images)
Japan is an increasingly trendy destination for serious and amateur golfers. It has a large variety of courses for players of every budget and skill level and is home to numerous world-class golf courses.
Prices may vary depending on the club. The best golf courses usually require a membership and often charge high fees. However, more and more courses are opening to the public, meaning, you can play golf for a reasonable price. When playing golf in Tokyo, you should expect to pay between 15,000 yen – 20,000 yen on a weekend and 8,000 yen – 12,000 yen on a weekday. Reservations at many of Japan’s golf courses are typically made over the phone, or through via website. Clubs and carts can usually be rented, and caddies can be hired for an additional fee.
What is it like to play golf in Japan?
Kawasaki golf driving range in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan (Photo by Aflo Images)
There is a unique golf culture thriving in Japan, although the history of golf in the Land of the Rising Sun may be shorter than in westerns countries. Playing a round of golf in Japan is typically an all-day event with a lunch break of around one hour between the first nine and second nine holes of the course. As a result visitors may end up playing the “back nine” first in the morning and the “front nine” after lunch. At the end of the day, tired golfers head off to the clubhouse to relax in its large public baths. Towels, soap and shampoo are usually provided, so there is no need to bring your own.
Etiquette and customs of golf in Japan
Happy Japanese couple at Golf Club (Photo by Koji Aoki/Aflo Images)
Whether it’s the course, clubhouse etiquette, or dress code, golf culture in Japan can be very different compared to other countries.
Some of the rules in Japan:
Dress Code: Many Japanese golf courses still have strict dress codes that must be followed by all players. This often includes a requirement to wear collared shirts and to avoid wearing denim or other casual clothing.
Course maintenance: Japanese golf courses are known for their immaculate greens and fairways, and players are expected to help maintain the course by filling in divots, raking bunkers, and repairing ball marks on the greens.
Shoes: Many Japanese golf courses have a strict no-spike policy, which means that players must wear shoes with soft spikes or no spikes at all. This is to prevent damage to the course and to ensure that the greens are in the best condition possible.
Quiet and respect: Golf is considered a social activity in Japan and players are expected to be quiet and respectful on the course, avoiding loud talking and excessive celebrations on the greens.
Tee time: Japanese golf courses are typically very busy, so players are usually required to book a tee time in advance. It is also common for courses to have a maximum number of players per group, which is usually four or five.
Caddies: Many Japanese golf courses offer caddie services, and it is often mandatory to use a caddie for the round. Caddies are expected to be knowledgeable about the course and to assist players with club selection and course strategy.
Smoking: Smoking is generally not allowed on the course or in the clubhouse, and those who do smoke are expected to be discreet and to dispose of their cigarette butts properly.
Bowing: Bowing is a common form of greeting and respect in Japan, and it is also a custom on the golf course. It is customary to bow to other players and to the caddy as a sign of respect and courtesy.
By following these rules and regulations, players can help ensure that Japanese golf courses remain some of the best in the world and that the sport of golf continues to be a valued and respected part of Japanese culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, golf in Japan offers a unique and unforgettable experience for golfers of all skill levels. With its world-class courses, rich culture, and beautiful scenery, Japan is a must-visit destination for any golfer. The country has a deep appreciation for the sport, and it is evident in the quality of the courses, the strict dress codes and the respect and courtesy shown on the course.
Japanese golfers, both male and female, have left a significant impact on the world of golf, and they are an inspiration to many young players. The country has produced some of the best golfers in the world, and their achievements are a testament to the high level of golf in Japan.
if you’re a golfer looking for a unique and enjoyable experience, Japan is definitely worth considering. With its top-notch courses, rich culture, and beautiful scenery, it’s an ideal destination for any golfer
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References
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