Japan golf is going to be spending a lot of time in the spotlight between now and July, 2020 when Tokyo hosts the Olympic Games. We recently dispatched one of our Senior Writers, Bradley S. Klein, to explore the golf heritage there. He learned the culture there is still fanatic about the sport, even if the country's golf participation is tapering off. It remains an aspirational game in many ways there, as many of the top courses are very exclusive and expensive. But there are driving ranges all over the country as well as some public courses.
Revelations from a visit to Japan and travel tips
In this episode of the Golf Advisor Podcast, Klein provides host Brandon Tucker a history of the sport as well as what it's like to be a visitor in the country: where to go and where to spend less time, and the best courses to play you can access.
Japan's Best Public Course
The "Pebble Beach of Japan" is spectacular and it's also available to the public. Klein details the historic Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel and why it's a must-play in Asia.
Klein talks 2020 Olympic Venue, Kasumigaseki
Japan's No. 1 Course:
Hirono Golf Club is historic and exclusive. It has also undergone extensive work lately. Leaern more about the pace-setter among Japan's golf scene.
I would like to play a round of golf on a future trip to Japan. Do the Japanese courses carry rental clubs? If so, which courses and what are the costs involved?