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Golfing and Sightseeing in Japan

– Get the most satisfying
golf experience in Tochigi –

From Tokyo, central Tochigi is only 50 minutes away by Shinkansen. Although not so widely known, Tochigi boasts many beautiful golf courses with abundant nature.
Courses featuring a lush green forest and natural terrain against the backdrop of scenic mountains will give you the luxury of playing while enjoying the natural beauty of the season. Many clubhouses have onsen (hot spring baths), a part of Japanese culture, and restaurants serving local specialty food for your refreshment, both body and soul.
Another factor making golfing in Tochigi attractive is the proximity between courses and historic and cultural tourist destinations such as the world heritage site “Shrines & Temples of Nikko,” which include Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Great course location, a wide variety of courses requiring strategic play, and Japanese cultural experience – Tochigi has it all. Why don’t you step out of Tokyo and have a memorable golf trip to Tochigi?

If you are golfing in Japan, you probably want to enjoy golfing and sightseeing without spending too much time travelling. Golf courses in Tochigi are super-easy to get to because the central part of the prefecture is only 50 minutes away by Shinkansen from Tokyo and only a 2-hour drive away from Narita International Airport. If you are heading to Mount Fuji, Kyoto, or Osaka from Tokyo, you can make a quick detour to Tochigi for a one or two night stay.

What makes golf courses in Tochigi attractive is the great view of nature and a wide variety of spacious courses, which cannot be found near Tokyo. Tochigi offers technically challenging and engaging courses designed by globally renowned golf course architects such as Pete Dye and Robert Von Hagge, and what’s more, you can play on these courses at a reasonable price!
Tochigi is also a famous onsen resort. Many country clubs have a clubhouse with a natural hot spring, so you can enjoy the luxury of washing away your sweat in the hot spring after playing. Since hot spring water relaxes the muscles and alleviate fatigue, you can refresh yourself fully both mentally and physically. Some golf courses have a lodge or hotel on the premises for you to enjoy a residential resort.

Country clubs featuring a course designed by famous golf course architects and a residential resort

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Tochigi Prefecture has many well-known tourist destinations, including the Nikko area famous for the world heritage site Shrines and Temples of Nikko, the Nasu area which is a resort area visited by the Imperial family, Ashikaga Flower Park famous for Japanese wisteria, and the city of Tochigi featuring a townscape preserved from the Edo period.
With a range of mountains stretching in Nasu and Nikko, Tochigi is also a place with abundant water resources. There are many restaurants offering dishes prepared with fresh ingredients including Wagyu beef and local vegetables and local specialty food including Nikko yuba(tofu skin), Sano ramen noodles, and Utsunomiya Gyoza®️ dumplings. Since these tourist destinations are close to various golf courses, you can play golf and at the same time enjoy Japanese history, culture, and food.

Golf courses with easy access to tourist spots

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Here are recommended trip plans for those who are playing golf in Tochigi for the first time. Each plan starts and ends in Tokyo, and you can modify it to a 2-day-1-night trip or a 3-day-2-night trip. Find the plan that best suits your interest!

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Although the basic style of golfing is ‘through play’ meaning you play 18 holes without a break, it is common in Japan that you play 9 holes, take a lunch break, and play another 9 holes. The restaurant menu at Japanese clubhouses offers a rich lineup of food choices. In Tochigi, restaurants offer a wide variety of unique dishes prepared with local ingredients. Please do enjoy golfing and food at the clubhouse. Golf rules and etiquette in Japan are similar to other countries. Note, however, each golf course may have its own rules. Check them in advance on the official website or via reliable sources before making a reservation.

<A typical day at a Japanese golf course>
  • (1) Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the start time (tee time).
  • (2) Check in at the reception desk.
  • (3) Stand-by at the teeing ground at least 10 minutes prior to tee off.
  • (4) Play half a round (first 9 holes).
    　 *It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • (5) Lunch break (about 45 to 60 minutes).
  • (6) Play the remaining half a round (second 9 holes).
    　 *It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • (7) Finish playing. Rinse off your sweat in the shower or hot spring.
    　 *Many golf courses in Tochigi have a hot spring.
    　 Hot spring water has the effect of alleviating fatigue.
    　 Slowly unwind in the tub and release your fatigue.
  • (8) Pay at the reception desk to complete the day.
<General etiquette>
  • ・Do not shout on the golf course as it may disturb other players.
  • ・Do not litter on the golf course.
  • ・Contact each golf course to learn its own unique rules.
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