Golf in Japan

Japanese golf runs on ritual: lunch between nines, caddies on many courses, and conditioning that rivals anywhere on earth. Hokkaido Classic, Kawana, Naruo, Taiheiyo Gotemba and the Chiba belt outside Tokyo are the names to know. For most visiting golfers the practical shape of a trip is simple: Tokyo Haneda and Narita, plus New Chitose for Hokkaido, then a base within short driving distance of three or four courses so travel time never eats into the day. The season matters more here than in most places. April to June and September to November is when conditioning, daylight and tee sheet availability line up best, and shoulder-season trips can be excellent value if you accept softer ground. Book marquee tee times well ahead, keep one flexible day for weather, and treat green fees as only part of the budget once caddies, transfers and resort golf packages are included. TeeLinkUp lists Japan destinations, resorts and stay and play options as they are verified, and connects you with golfers already playing there so a trip abroad does not have to be a trip alone.