The best golf courses in Japan

Designed by Charles Hugh Alison in 1932 and later renovated by Mackenzie & Ebert, Hirono Golf Club is widely regarded as Japan’s finest layout and arguably the best in Asia. The course features a parkland routing with lush Zoysia fairways, deep bunkering, and a strategic, timeless design. Exclusively private, it consistently ranks among the world’s top courses.

Kawana Hotel's Fuji Course, designed by acclaimed architect C.H. Alison in 1936, is ranked among the world's top 100. Set above the Pacific Ocean with views of Mount Fuji, its classic routing features deep black volcanic sand bunkering and tree-lined holes. The course hosts top tournaments and is enjoyed exclusively by hotel guests, offering a premier traditional Japanese golf experience.

Naruo Golf Club, located in the hills between Kobe and Osaka, is a renowned private course designed by the Crane brothers with revisions by C.H. Alison in 1930. Featuring a classic, strategic parkland layout known for narrow fairways, dramatic terrain, deep bunkering, and challenging 'korai' grass greens, Naruo is widely considered one of Japan's most admired and historic courses.

Phoenix Country Club, designed by Gokichi Ohashi and opened in 1971, lies on the scenic Hitotsuba Pacific Coast. Featuring 27 championship holes among pine groves with bentgrass greens, the club hosts the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament and is part of the famed Seagaia Resort. Renowned for its blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge.

Kasumigaseki Country Club's East Course is an historic and prestigious 18-hole venue northwest of Tokyo. Originally designed by Charles Alison in 1929, the course was extensively modernized by Tom & Logan Fazio in 2016. It features undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and dual greens, demanding accuracy and strategic play. Host of the 2020 Olympic golf competitions.

Oarai Golf Club is a prestigious seaside layout in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, founded in 1953. Boasting challenging holes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the course is admired for its length and natural setting. Designed with links characteristics, Oarai is known for its strong winds and memorable finishing holes. It is highly regarded in Japan’s golf scene.

Koga Golf Club is a prestigious and private 18-hole course located in Fukuoka’s coastal pine forest, designed by Osamu Ueda in 1953. The course is famous for its strategic parkland design, challenging layout, and championship pedigree, having hosted numerous prominent tournaments in Japan. The tree-lined fairways, pure greens, and refined setting have made Koga a favorite of low-handicap golfers and elite amateurs.

Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, designed by Kinya Fujita in 1965, features 18 holes with two greens per hole—a hallmark of classic Japanese golf architecture. The course is renowned for hosting major events, including the PGA TOUR's Zozo Championship, and showcases a woodland setting with a thoughtfully balanced challenge for all levels of play.

Taiheiyo Club Narita Course is a highly regarded Japanese golf course just 6 km from Narita International Airport, designed by Gary Player in 1999. The layout features flat marshes, grasslands, natural forest, challenging bunkers, and creeks. The course showcases Player’s philosophy of testing all skill levels while blending harmoniously with its scenic setting.

Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Oshima) is a scenic seaside course designed by Mitsuaki Otani in 1928, often referred to as the father of Japanese golf. Winding along dramatic cliffs above Sagami Bay, the course features intimate, classic routing and vibrant Pacific views. A part of a historic resort, Oshima offers a blend of Japanese design heritage and breathtaking coastal golf experiences.

Karuizawa 72 Golf Club North Course, established in 1971 in Japan's renowned highland resort region, offers 18 holes of championship resort golf. Designed and operated by Prince Hotel, it features flat terrain, numerous water hazards, and strategic bunkering. The North Course is praised for its outstanding course conditions and is a stage for major LPGA of Japan events, appealing to golfers of all skill levels.

Tokyo Golf Club is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected clubs, founded in 1913 and designed by Komei Otani. Set in a parkland layout amid mature trees, the meticulously maintained course features bentgrass greens, strategic bunkering, and dual-green systems. It has a storied championship history, hosting multiple Japan Opens and offering a serene yet challenging experience for skilled golfers.

Yokohama Country Club’s West Course is a renowned parkland layout in Yokohama, Japan, originally designed by Takeo Aiyama and recently renovated by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw in 2016. With strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and a serene setting, the course stands out for its challenging yet approachable design and has hosted premier tournaments including the Japan Open.

Setouchi Golf Resort, designed by Chohei Miyazawa and opened in 2001, is a stunning seaside course with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from every hole. The layout offers strategic undulations, water hazards, and generous fairways, harmonized with the area's natural beauty, while its on-course villas and scenic terraces provide a luxurious golfing retreat.

Ono Golf Club, designed by Osamu Ueda and established in 1961, is a prestigious private 18-hole, par-72 parkland course in Hyogo Prefecture. Renowned for its classic tree-lined corridors, meticulous maintenance, and strategic bunkering, it is frequently compared to Hirono and considered among Japan's finest, embodying traditional Japanese golf values in a tranquil, exclusive setting.