Where to Play Golf In or Around Tokyo
Been missing your pitching wedge? Wondering what the links are like in Japan? Hoping that tee time is still an option in your new Tokyo home? If so, we’ve got some ideas for you. You may know the reputation of golf in Japan – that it’s very exclusive and very expensive. Fortunately, Tokyo golf options actually run the gamut.
There are a number of courses accessible from the city that allow non-club visitors, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to play for a day or weekend trip. There are also numerous driving ranges and golf practice grounds where you can brush up on your swing.
Once you’ve decided on a course to visit, make sure you plan ahead: Single players are not allowed on Japanese courses, so always go with at least one other person. And if you intend to rent clubs and shoes, call ahead to confirm availability as many Japanese players bring their own. Now let’s get into some specifics of the Tokyo golf scene.
If you are looking for a Golf community, Air Golf and their Facebook page would be helpful.
Near-Tokyo Golf Courses to Put on your Bucket List
The Winsor Park Golf and Country Club (Ibaraki)
The Windsor Park Golf and Country Club in Ibaraki Prefecture is the least expensive of the three but every bit as classy. It’s an hour’s drive up the Joban Expressway from Tokyo and is maintained to international standards with a backdrop of beautiful rolling hills. The 18-hole course is par 72 and will challenge novices and pros alike, and if you want to stick around after a day on the green you can enjoy a delicious meal and a comfortable night’s rest in their accommodation.
Gotemba Golf Club (Shizuoka)
The Gotemba Golf Club is located in Shizuoka Prefecture and boasts some beautiful views of classic Japanese scenery including Mt Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. A par 72 hillside course with plenty of challenges, it’s worth the roughly hour-and-and-half trip from Tokyo. The Gotemba Kogen Resort is nearby and offers accommodation for those looking to make the outing into a weekend trip.
Aqualine Golf Club (Chiba)
The Aqualine Golf Club in Chiba Prefecture was designed by renowned course architect Shunsuke Kato and is the most accessible from Tokyo – an easy drive through the Tokyo Bay Aqualine Tunnel. The 17th and 18th holes are renowned for their challenging bunkers and water hazards so be cautious on the back half. The facilities offer some great relaxation too, with onsen-like baths, massage chairs, and a seasonal menu in the restaurant.
Golf in Tokyo with Simulator Lounges
When you don’t have time for a day out, or want to practice your swing in a relaxed setting, there are a number of simulator lounges that allow you to enjoy realistic golf in Tokyo proper itself.
Tokyo American Club
The Tokyo American Club in Minato Ward is a private club, but if you’re a golfer, it might be worth joining for their two cutting-edge golf simulators that feature high-definition imagery of some of the world’s top golf courses. Beyond being a great spot for golf in Tokyo, the fact that they offer food-and-drink packages makes this club great for social and corporate parties; you can also get in on group trips to outdoor golf courses in Japan and overseas, or take lessons with a professional.
Ginza Koso
At Ginza Koso you can move from the fine raw-beef-sushi restaurant and softly lit karaoke lounges to a virtual golf reality in their simulator, a paragon of the Tokyo golf experience. Choosing from 56 world-famous courses and various scenarios, the simulator uses original technology to duplicate the feeling of playing on a real course. Foreigner friendly, this sophisticated setting is a great place to take friends or colleagues, or just practice your swing out of the weather.
Kojimachi Golf
In addition to featuring simulations of several renowned courses in various simulator rooms (including a VIP room), Kojimachi Golf also offers an extensive array of golf lessons by a highly experienced coach, including one for beginners. Whether you play for 2 hours or 30 minutes, they allow you to schedule around your busy city life. When you’re done teeing off, head over to Cafe Bo-log’ne, an atmospheric space where you can reflect on your game over a number of inexpensive dishes and partake in a diverse drink menu, which even has an all-you-can-drink option.
Driving Ranges in Tokyo
To increase your Tokyo golf options further there’s a plethora of driving ranges throughout the city. Most of the websites mentioned below are in Japanese.
Lotte Kasai Golf (Edogawa-ku)
Lotte Kasai Golf is one of the largest driving ranges in Japan.
Distance: 250 yards / Bays: 300
Address: 2-4-2 Rinkaicho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
Website: Lotte Kasai Golf
Metro Green Toyocho (Edogawa-ku)
Distance: 165 yards / Bays: 90
Address: 1-6-40 Shinsuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Website: Metro Green Toyocho
Funabori Golf (Edogawa-ku)
Distance: 220 yards / Bays: 72
Address: 1-1-38 Funabori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
Website: Funabori Golf
Accordia Garden Tokyo Bay (Ota-ku)
Accordia Garden Tokyo Bay is formerly the 'Jack Nicklaus Golf Center Omori', the practice facilities were developed and designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.
Distance: 130 yards / Bays: 60
Address: 3-28-1 Omori-Higashi, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Website: Accordia Garden Tokyo Bay
Tamagawa Golf (Ota-ku)
Distance: 250 yards / Bays: 36
Address: 7-4 Minami, Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Website: Tamagawa Golf
Meguro Golf Driving Range (Meguro-ku)
Distance: 50 yards / Bays: 59
Address: 5-6-22 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Website: Meguro Golf Driving Range
Active Akiba Golf Garden (Chiyoda-ku)
Distance: 35 yards / Bays: 30
Address: Yodobashi AKIBA 9F, 1-1 Kanda Hanaoka-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Website: Active Akiba Golf Garden
BOXGOLF (Shinjuku-ku)
Indoor / Bays: 7
Address: 4-3-15-2F, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Website: BOXGOLF
Asakusa A Golf (Taito-ku)
Indoor / Bays: 9
Address: 2-24-1-2F, Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Website: Asakusa A Golf
Golf Lessons in Tokyo
Jinji golf community is based in Tokyo greater area. The community offer a complete package for golfers, by helping them book a golf course, teaching golf and transportation to the golf range. They have the complete guidance and support for golfers living in or visiting Japan. The community was established in 2002 by NRPGI certified Shai Gigi. Since 2004 they started our unique service of offering SMILE GOLF package where the golfer and the family can pick up from the airport to the hotel and then transport to the golf course. They are the only organizer offering this kind of service.
Please mention "PLAZA HOME" on booking to receive 10% discount.
Head over to Shinjuku for Equipment and Apparel
Golf in Tokyo, as everywhere, does require the proper equipment. When it’s time to get kitted out with a new pair of shoes or set of irons, there are some great places in Shinjuku that offer a wide variety of everything you might need.
Festival Golf
Festival Golf is a chain of golf stores offering second-hand and discount clubs from a variety of manufacturers. If you’re looking to save a little money but still want high quality, gently used clubs, this is the spot for you. There’s a branch in the basement of Shinjuku Center Building just west of Shinjuku Station.
Address: Shinjuku San-ei Building 1F, 1-22-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Victoria Golf
Victoria Golf, another chain of golf stores around Japan, boasts a nine-story golf shopping paradise just outside the Shin-Minami exit of Shinjuku Station. They have everything from clubs to shoes to apparel for both men and women, so you can be sure to find what you need here.
Address: 4-1-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Things You Should Know Before Playing Golf in Japan
There are certain rules to play golf in Japan. This article would be useful to read before you visit a golf club in Japan.
Tokyo Golf Options are Plentiful
You may not have expected to maintain your game in Japan’s crowded modern capital, but as you can see, there are plenty of Tokyo golf options and no reason to let your swing get rusty. And if golf is not your only sporting interest, there are various opportunities for many different sports in this city. So whether it’s Japanese golf or something new, why not give it a shot?
Aikido Dojos in Japan
Aikido is a style of Japanese martial arts that is relatively new. Aikido focuses on defending its practitioners without injuring their attackers. Aikido does not have tournaments or fights since the purpose is to work and train together rather than defeating an opponent. Aikido means "way of the harmonious spirit" in Japanese.
How to play golf in Japan
What would it be like to play golf in Japan? Are there any differences? It would be ideal to know about Japanese golf customs /style to make your round and day go smoothly. This is the flow of your day. You don't have to have an official HCP card to play golf in Japan, there is no handicap limit.
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Japan
There are various dojos throughout Tokyo where you can take classes in English, just as there are for karate. The Kodokan Judo Institute, which has at least one English-speaking instructor, is a fantastic alternative for anyone interested in learning this unique martial art.
English-Speaking Gyms in Tokyo
Find information English Friendly Tokyo Gyms. You can also learn about some etiquette and rules of Japanese Gyms.
Kendo Dojos in Japan
If you're interested in learning and competing in Kendo in English, there are many schools in Japan where you can do so. If you wish to see a match or two, there are Kendo competitions held throughout the year. The greatest fighters compete in All Japan Kendo Federation tournaments.
Karate Dojos in Japan
Karate, which began in Okinawa, is perhaps the most well-known of all the martial arts. It is a striking martial art featuring many punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and open hand techniques. Its name means "empty hand" in Japanese. There are quite a few that provide English classes.
