Discover Golf in Japan: Tradition, Scenery, and Susono Country Club
- swaggolf3923
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Japan offers an unparalleled golf experience for travelers. There are over 3,100 golf courses across the country – more than any nation outside the US – so you could play a new course nearly every day for years. The famous Japanese omotenashi (courtesy and hospitality) means every step of your golf trip is handled with care.
Clubhouses feel more like five-star resorts, staff bow with a smile, and even the playing conditions are pristine. A typical round in Japan is “9 holes, eat lunch, 9 holes,” followed by a soothing onsen (hot spring) soak.
In short, golf here is a civilized, relaxed affair – a real treat for visitors. Yet many international golfers don’t immediately think of Japan as a golf destination and miss out on what it has to offer.
Endless Variety: With 3,100+ courses nationwide, every region offers something different – from mountain layouts and coastal links to parkland courses under cherry blossoms.
Effortless Travel: Japan’s ultra-efficient trains and domestic flights make it easy to hop between regions. Bullet trains can whisk you from Hokkaido to Honshu in hours, so multiple courses are within reach.
Tradition & Relaxation: The standard playing format is two 9-hole rounds with a buffet lunch in between, then often an onsen bath at the end. This means your day is unrushed and restorative – far from the sprint of a typical 18-hole round elsewhere.
Meticulous Service: Courses are immaculately maintained and staffing is world-class. Caddies in Japan are highly trained professionals (often required by the clubs) who study course strategy and etiquette. The level of care – from raked bunkers to warm towels and little courtesies – makes every round feel special. If you’re not familiar with these unique customs, check out this short video we made about golfing in Japan: Golf in Japan Video.
Susono Country Club – Access and Highlights
One outstanding example is Susono Country Club in Shizuoka Prefecture. Set at the eastern base of Mount Fuji, Susono CC opened in 1985 and is an 18-hole championship course.
The layout features wide fairways lined with trees, water hazards, and bunkers. On clear days Fuji-san dominates the view – especially on the par-4 3rd hole, where the tee shot must fly over a large pond with the mountain towering behind it.
When the wind is still, you can even see Mount Fuji reflected perfectly in the water – a truly postcard-worthy sight.
By Car: Take the Tomei Expressway. From Tokyo, exit at Komagome Smart IC (downbound), then immediately turn right and drive ~5 km (15 minutes) to the club. Alternatively, use Susono IC: coming from Tokyo exit and turn right; from Shizuoka exit and turn left (in each case about 5 km, 15 minutes).
By Train: The nearest Shinkansen station is Mishima on the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’s roughly a 30-minute car/taxi ride from Mishima Station to Susono CC. (Local trains to nearby stations plus shuttle or taxi options are also available.)
Susono CC’s clubhouse restaurant serves regional specialties that showcase Shizuoka’s cuisine alongside international favorites. Three standout lunch options are:
Unaju (Grilled Eel): A box of plump, domestic eel fillets glazed in a sweet-savory sauce and broiled over rice. This “unajū” is tender and fragrant, typically served with miso soup, pickles, and a small sashimi on the side.
Suruga Kaisen-don (Seafood Bowl): A hearty rice bowl topped with fresh sashimi from Suruga Bay – including local tuna, boiled whitebait (shirasu), sakura shrimp, sea grapes, and a rolled egg omelette. This colorful “seafood rice bowl” reflects the bounty of the nearby ocean. Both dishes are limited in quantity (popular specialties) and come as a set with sides such as soup and pickles.
Paella: A vibrant Spanish-style rice dish, beautifully presented with seasonal seafood and vegetables. The golden saffron-infused rice is layered with flavors from shrimp, clams, and squid, offering a Mediterranean touch that pairs perfectly with the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.
These flavorful meals are a highlight of the round. After a few holes, many players look forward to tucking into these local delicacies during the 18-hole break.
Breathtaking Mount Fuji Vistas
Finally, golf at Susono CC is as much about the scenery as the sport. Almost every fairway offers a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, and nowhere is it more dramatic than on the 3rd hole. Tee shots here frame Mt. Fuji squarely above the tee box, with the green flanked by bunkers and a reflective pond.
On a still day, the azure sky and snow-capped peak mirror perfectly in the water – a moment that makes any round unforgettable. In short, Susono Country Club delivers world-class golf alongside the iconic beauty of Japan’s tallest mountain.
📩If you have any questions or special requests, please feel free to contact us at japangolftrip@gmail.com — we’ll be happy to assist you in crafting your perfect family golf adventure in Japan.
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