Ultimate Japan

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.

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.

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.

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, 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. and 4 on the front nine, sits close to the edge of the coastline. 

Ohayō gozaimasu (good morning in Japanese). After breakfast we take the shinkansen to Kakegawa and see more of the country. We get a lovely view of the  landscapes during this  train journey. Then a short drive to the resort, which is our home for the next 2 nights. Breakfast and dinner is included here.

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 the Japan from which the Yamaha empire arose, and we are delighted  to share this sensibility and culture. Relax your body and mind in the peace and beauty of this resort.

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. A grand course carved out of a gorgeous forest, with views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Yamana is the setting for the Yamaha Katsuragi Ladies Open and only a short stroll to your accommodation.

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. 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.

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. 

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.

Hotel checkout is at 10 AM. After savoring your last breakfast at the hotel, we will gather our belongings and get ready for the day. Our first destination will be the vibrant district of Ginza, where we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch at a local izakaya.

After our meal, you’ll have some time to explore one of the well-known department stores in Ginza, perfect for any last-minute shopping you might want to do.

Once we’ve completed our shopping, we will head to either Narita or Haneda Airport. It’s important to arrive early to fulfill your airline requirements and navigate customs and immigration.

We wish you a pleasant flight back home. For now, we say Sayonara.