From Elite Pastime to National Passion: The Fascinating Story of Golf in Japan

⛳Golf in Japan isn’t just a sport — it’s a century-long journey that mirrors the nation’s path to modernity. The story begins in 1903, when the Naruo Golf Club near Osaka opened under the influence of British expatriates🇬🇧. At the time, golf was considered an exclusive pastime for diplomats, businessmen, and the Japanese elite.

By the 1950s, golf was on the move — quite literally. Courses began springing up around Tokyo and Yokohama, offering city dwellers a new leisure escape. The post-war boom brought prosperity and with it a surge in golf enthusiasm. Within a few decades, Japan’s landscape transformed into a golfer’s dream, with more than 2,000 courses across the country today.

Golf also became a stage for Japanese talent to shine internationally. Legends like Isao Aoki — famous for his smooth putting stroke — and Ryo Ishikawa, the “Bashful Prince” of Japanese golf, captured hearts at home and abroad, inspiring a new generation of players.

Today, travelers can experience this history firsthand at remarkable courses that blend tradition, nature, and championship-level play.

One such gem is 🏌️‍♂️ Fujizakura Country Club in Yamanashi, where fairways wind through peaceful forests under the watchful gaze of Mt. Fuji. Known for its immaculate greens and panoramic views, it’s a course where every hole feels like a postcard — and a favorite among international visitors seeking both challenge and beauty.

Another standout is the 🏞️ Daihakone Country Club in the resort town of Hakone. Surrounded by mountains and onsen (natural hot springs), it offers wide, forgiving fairways, crisp mountain air, and, on clear days, glimpses of Mt. Fuji. Here, golf becomes part of a broader retreat — one where you can finish your round and be soaking in a hot spring within the hour.

Beyond the courses themselves, Japan’s regional golf culture adds richness to the experience. In Shizuoka’s countryside, you might join a local festival after your game; in Hokkaido, you can tee off amid summer wildflowers. Some heritage clubs display black-and-white photos from the 1930s, reminding you that the ground beneath your feet holds decades of stories.

For the traveling golfer, knowing this history makes every round more meaningful. Playing at a course tied to the nation’s golfing heritage, or attending a local pro-am where tradition meets modern competition, turns a golf trip into a cultural immersion — one that stays with you long after the final putt.

📩 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.