Ultimate Japan Tour
14 Days with 7 Rounds of Golf
JAPAN ULTIMATE 14 DAY TOUR
14 Days 7 Rounds of Golf starting from NZD16,995pp
The Hotel and Golf Courses
Prince Park Tower Hotel, Tokyo. Arrive Sunday – depart Tuesday
Prince Hotel Takaragaike, Kyoto. Arrive Tuesday – depart Thursday
Grand Prince Hotel, Osaka. Arrive Thursday – depart Saturday
Katsuragi Hotel, Shizuoka. Arrive Saturday – depart Monday
Kamakura Prince Hotel. Arrive Monday – depart Wednesday
Prince Park Tower Hotel. Arrive Wednesday – depart Saturday
13 continental breakfasts served on a daily basis
7 golf lunches with drinks (day 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 )
4 golf dinners served with drinks (day 2, 7, 8, 13)
7 golf rounds including shared carts (as available) and lunch.
Click on the Courses below for more details.
Seta Golf Course, Kyoto
Osaka Golf Club, Osaka
Yamana Course, Shizuoka
Ugari Course, Shizuoka
Lakewood Golf Club
Narita Golf Club
Twice a year, in spring and autumn, we invite golf lovers and Japan dreamers to join our 14-day golf adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Shizuoka, Mt Fuji, Kamakura, Chiba and then back to Tokyo once again. The first tour is scheduled to coincide with the April cherry blossom season and the start of spring when the temperatures begin to rise, the cherry blossom bloom and all along the seaside, vivid fireworks displays colour the evening sky. The second tour is at the start of Autumn and is about the crimson leaves and near perfect golfing weather while sitting in the background entire mountains are being enveloped in swathes of vivid red, orange, and gold. Are you coming along with us. Two fabulous times to visit Japan.
Sunday Day 1 – Arrive. Arrive Tokyo, Japan. Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)
Welcome to one of the most dazzling cities in the world. Due to staggered arrival times, we have pre-paid your seat on the Airport Limousine Service for you to relax enroute to the Tokyo Prince Park Tower Hotel. The comfortable ride is approximately one hour, subject to traffic conditions. We have a welcome greeting tonight with drinks and canapés in the lobby from 7pm to meet with your fellow travellers. Then the rest of the night is free to enjoy.
Tokyo
Monday Day 2 - Golf. Hirakawa Country Club, Chiba.
Hirakawa CC is interesting because of its layout and awesome conditions. There is sufficient water and bunkers that protect fast greens and many interesting long holes. Hirakawa CC is 7,206 yards, par 72, built in 1988 affording a reasonably flat terrain surrounded with forests of cedar and cypress trees. These surroundings are sensational so do enjoy the golf.
Here is a top championship course and home annually to the JPGA’s Fujifilm Japan Senior Open. As a private members only course, it is not easy to get on unless you know someone. Hirakawa is one of the Japan courses that does not have power carts. You walk the course and you have a caddy bringing all your clubs to you and your ball. The elevation change is less than 10 metres across the entire course which makes the walk even more pleasant. The fairways are like lush carpets and the greens are tour standard. This is a 2 bent green system. Course maintenance is of high quality and the condition of the turf is very good regardless of the season. The high quality of the greens is part of this well-earned course reputation.
Special thanks to Hirakawa CC
Tuesday Day 3 – Tour. Tokyo and Kyoto.
After breakfast we meet in the hotel lobby before we take a further look at Tokyo. The nearby Imperial Palace is a fabulous introduction to this country. One can gaze in awe at the Nijubashi bridge, with imperial castles in the background, to realise that you are in a very different world. The Imperial East Gardens can be enjoyed all year round. These are home to a variety of historic structures including giant stone walls, remains of the castle tower and turrets dating back to the Edo (1603-1868) period. We then make our way to Tokyo Station. You are escorted right onto the platform to board the Shinkansen bullet train bound for ancient Kyoto; 2 hours 30 minutes away. On arrival at Kyoto Station, you’ll be met right on your train’s arrival platform and escorted to the Prince Hotel Kyoto.
After check in, drop off your bags and have time to refresh. Then your Kyoto tour conductor will lead you on an engaging tour to give an authentic evening view of Kyoto. Visiting the vivid Gion district for an understanding of Japan’s culture and traditions then settle in with dinner at a favourite izakaya restaurant
Niro Castle
Wednesday Day 4 - Golf. Seta Golf Course North, Kyoto.
The Seta Golf Course is a 54 hole course that spreads across a hilly area overlooking Lake Biwa and Mount Hieizan. Designed with Mackenzie bent golf green, the course is kept in best conditions throughout the year. The surrounding golf views are absolutely stunning. The setting of the US annual women’s LPGA tour Toto Japan Classic. This championship course designed by renowned Japanese Seiichu Inoue and measures 7012 yards with a par of 72. This is a highly enjoyable and challenging course with lots of water to watch out for on holes 3, 6 and 11. As your first Japan course, it will be interesting discussions on the 19th.
We expect to complete the round by mid-afternoon. We encourage full participation with a soak in the hot baths after the round. You have a free night in Kyoto to explore at leisure.
Special thanks to SETA GC.
Thursday Day 5 - Tour. Kyoto to Osaka.
We continue exploring and learning about this ancient capital. We visit two famous sites of Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. Lunch is served along the way. Kyoto actually means ‘capital city’, which may seem a bit odd given that Tokyo is the capital. But that points back to the history. For over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto served as the capital city of Japan. It originated in the form Heian-kyo (literally ‘peaceful capital’) that was centred around the Imperial Palace. It was from here that Japan’s emperors ruled for centuries. It’s no surprise that Kyoto remains so woven with palaces, gardens, temples and shrines. There’s an endless amount of fascinating things to see, making Kyoto almost like a museum. Kyoto has its own unique charm and atmosphere, attracting millions of tourists each year from Japan and overseas. Historic traditions have been maintained in this cultural capital that may not be experienced elsewhere in Japan – like its geisha district, for example. These sites, these people and these places may well be engraved on your memory forever.
Later in the afternoon we board a shinkansen for Osaka. A trip takes just 15 minutes. We have 2 nights in our lovely hotel; Prince Hotel Osaka. Tonight is free time to enjoy Osaka, relax and have a great night, known for exciting nightlife, delicious food, plenty of shopping and modern attractions. Around the river and close to the hotel there are many fantastic dining restaurants. These locals are very friendly and love to chatter about everything. You will have a nice relaxing time in this fabulous city.
Kyoto
Friday Day 6 - Golf. Osaka Golf Club
Located about an hour’s drive from Osaka. It is here, on the cliff tops above Osaka Bay, that holes were designed across a tight parcel of land by Osamu Ueda back in 1937 and also where the sparkling waters of the bay below can be seen from many vantage points on the tree-lined fairways. The 396-yard 7th is a feature hole on the front nine, where golfers fire their tee shot across a small pond to a fairway which then veers 45 degrees left to a triangular-shaped green. This putting surface, like those at holes 1, 3 and 4 on the front nine, sits close to the edge of the coastline.
On the back nine, the very short 14th hole plays along the boundary of the property, next to the road that separates the course from the sea. Here at Osaka you can find several world class golf holes. You will also likely enjoy the superb views of the mystical and historical Seto Inland Sea. And don’t forget to try the amazing bento box lunches, add incredible staff and the option for a dip in a hot tub after the round. It is likely difficult to comprehend how life can get much better than this.
Special thanks to OSAKA GC.
Saturday Day 7 - Tour. Osaka to Kakegawa.
After a hearty breakfast, Osaka Castle is a great place to discover more about Japanese history and to wander the beautiful grounds. Autumn produces an amazing colour display of the falling leaves. We have a scenic highlights half-day tour of the castle today. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century.
In the early afternoon we take the shinkansen to Kakegawa and see more of the country. We get a lovely view of the surrounding landscapes during this 2-hour journey. Then a short drive to the resort which is our home for the next 2 nights. Once known as the land of Totomi, the Enshu region of western Shizuoka embraces both the history and culture of Japan. At the heart of this fabled region stands the distinctive Katsuragi Hotel Kitanomaru, an extraordinary modern-day Japanese castle created and developed by the Yamaha Group. This is exquisitely Japanese; a standard you likely have never experienced before. It was created from a historical home built long ago by skilled craftsmen and transported to this site. With attention to every detail, it has been transformed into a facility that combines traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals with discreet modern conveniences, creating a destination of unrivaled luxury and comfort. This is the Japan from which Yamaha arose, and we are delighted to be able to share this sensibility and culture. Relax your body and mind in the peace and beauty of this incredible resort. Breakfast and dinner is included.
Osaka Castle
Sunday Day 8 - Golf. Yamana Golf Course.
Located within the Katsuragi Resort is the first of two fine golf courses. Yamana is a course steeped in the traditions and drama of professional competition. Here we witness the handiwork of master golf course designer Seiichi Inoue on the strategically demanding Yamana Course. A grand course carved out of a gorgeous forest, with views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Here he will awaken your desire to win as you take on the challenging layout with uniquely positioned ponds and bunkers. Yamana is the setting for the Yamaha Katsuragi Ladies Open and only a short stroll to our accommodation and dinner location. Immerse yourself in an open-air bath that faces a bamboo garden or experience a relaxing mist sauna.
Special thanks to KATSURAGI GC.
Monday Day 9 – Golf. Ugari Golf Course.
Again, inside the resort, the spacious Ugari course design highlights the natural rolling hills. With holes that call for massive carry, and others that demand precise shots, the course is punctuated by major changes in rhythm and dynamics. This wide-open hilly course is perfect for casual golfing with friends or clients and extend a charming Japanese welcome.
After the round we make our way towards Kamakura, the ancient political capital of Japan. If we are lucky, Mt Fuji will be in view today from the left hand side of the bullet train. At Odawara station we change to our coach for the short leg to our seaside hotel in Kamakura.
Kamakura is a small city about an hour south of Tokyo and nestled between the mountains and the sea, this charming coastal town has long been a popular choice for relaxing day trips and weekend getaways.
Tuesday Day 10 – Tour. Kamakura-Enoshima.
After the hotel breakfast, we start our day of exploring. Kamakura is a picturesque town with an ocean beach, old shrines and temples, and delicious local food. Kamakura is a relatively small sized town and you can easily explore the centre on foot. We also will frequently use the local Enoshima Electric Railway that has been operating since Christmas Day in 1900. We start at Enoshima Island, just off the coast. Benzaiten Nakamise Dori (street) to see the island come alive. Snacks, drinks and all sorts of souvenirs are available. Then to Enoshima Shrine, either by the steps or the escalator, to the wonderful views atop. Then we spend 15 minutes on our coastal train riding to Hase Station. Just a 5-minute walk to Hase-Dera Temple, built in the 8th century, is home to an eleven headed gilded statue of Kannon, the Japanese goddess of mercy. The Great Budda is only a 10-minute walk away. Built in the 13th Century and measures a massive 13 metres in height, Leaving here we train a couple of stops to Kamakura Station. Adjacent to the station is Komachi Street. A small walking alley with lots of restaurants, cafes and local specialities and souvenirs. This is a perfect time for lunch and a rest-break. The cake, snack, coffee and tea selection is beautifully amazing.
There are numerous temples and shrines in Kamakura. Our Favourites include Tsurugaoka Shrine, Meigetsu-in and Kencho-ji. Hokoku-ji is famous for its bamboo grove and tea house. From Kamakura Station, you can reach this temple in around 10 minutes by bus. Meigetsu-in is one of the most frequently visited temples of Kamakura in June, thanks to all of the hydrangea flowers blooming during the rainy season. It’s also known for the round window of the main temple hall, majestically framing the view of the garden behind it. Going there from Kamakura Station will take you 10 minutes by train. Established in 1253, Kenchō-ji is known to be the oldest and most important Zen temple of Kamakura, rich in history and a hoard of multiple national treasures of Japan.
Tonight we investigate an explosion of delicious seaside restaurants, bistros and cafes serving fine dinners with great ocean and beach views, meet some of the interesting locals and relax beside the sea. Hopefully, we will be able to have lovely views of Mount Fuji as we dine.
Tsurugaoka Shrine
Wednesday Day 11 – Golf. Lakewood Golf Club, Kanagawa
Near the Pacific Ocean and Sagami Bay, we find the Lakewood Golf Club. Here we have two fantastic 18-hole courses, East or West. Set amidst the majestic Mt. Fuji, the Hakone Mountains, and the Tanzawa Mountain Range, this 36-hole course is strategically designed and challenging, with fairways and greens harmoniously integrated with the surrounding lakes, trees, and forests on the hills of Shonan. Both the West and East 18-hole courses feature iconic holes that offer a variety of dramatic experiences from tee shot to green. There are several large water hazards to negotiate around these two golf courses. The delicious restaurant and refreshing bar has been designed to complete this fine coastal golfing experience.
The coast roads give us wonderful ocean views along the way home. After arrival at the Tokyo Tower Prince Hotel, we check-in and refresh. The choices for dinner seems to be endless and we will decide on one of our favourites which is within walking distance of the Hotel.
Special thanks to Lakewood GC.
Thursday Day 12 – Tour. Tokyo Half Day Tour
We begin at the legendary Tsukiji Fish Market. The tightly packed rows of vendors, which originally formed the Outer Market, hawk market and culinary-related goods, such as dried fish, seaweed, kitchen tools and crockery. It's also a fantastic place to eat or simply graze, with great street food and a huge concentration of small restaurants and cafes, most specialising in seafood. The market handles more than 480 different kinds of seafood as well as 270 types of produce, from affordable seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from millions of tiny sardines to individual giant 300kg tuna fish. It makes for a fun morning.
We take a look at the amazing sights from atop the Tokyo Sky Tree before visiting the vivid Ginza district for an understanding of Japan’s culture and traditions. Once the most expensive real estate in Japan and now full of high-end department stores and eatery establishments. There is also free time available for you to visit other sights or do some more exploring in Tokyo under your own steam. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy.
Tokyo
Friday Day 13 - Golf. Narita Golf Club, Chiba.
Seemingly forever suited to become a golf course, designed by Gary Player, who won all four of the world’s major golf championships, the Narita Golf Club course quickly became referred to as one of the most memorable in Japan. The holes make use of the level marshes and plains that curve subtly among small groves. Player has said, ‘Lots of places seemed to be asking to be hole locations from the very start. There was practically no need to shave off mountains or move masses of earth. Just standing there, I could envision a hole and then plan it. I had no idea such a wonderful location still existed in Japan’.
This course design takes the fullest advantage of its undulating conditions. The tree lines and perfectly placed water hazards add great definition and astounding character. It hosted the first US PGA Tour sanctioned tournament, the ‘2017 Japan Airlines Championship’ and many legendary players were impressed by the well-maintained green conditions. The average golfers can enjoy a round if they play according to their skills as the course is enjoyable for all levels of golfers.
After your golf and suitable refreshments, we return to the Prince Hotel to prepare for tonight’s included farewell dinner which will be around and under the railway at Yurakucho station. Thereafter it’s a free night to enjoy on the town – and this is Friday night in Tokyo.
Special thanks to NARITA GC.
Saturday Day 14 – Depart
Hotel checkout time is 10am We make our way to Ginza. Once the most expensive real estate in Japan, and now full of high-end department stores and drinking and eatery establishments. Time for lunch at a local restaurant, visit to a department store for last minute shopping then transfer to Narita Airport by express train. Arrive with plenty of time for airline and customs departure procedures. We wish you all a pleasant flight back home.
Come back to Japan again. For now we say Sayonara.
THE GOLF TOURIST Ltd
Suite 3, 23 Graham Street,
Auckland Central 1010,
NEW ZEALAND.
