Japan in Spring
11 Days with 5 Rounds of Golf
Special thanks to Katsuragi GC.
JAPAN SPRING 2025
11 Days 5 Rounds of Golf
March to May 2025
Hotel & Essentials
Prince Park Tower Hotel, Tokyo. Arrive Sun – depart Tue
Prince Hotel Takaragaike, Kyoto. Arrive Tue – depart Thur
Katsuragi Resort, Shizuoka. Arrive Thur – depart Sat
Kamakura Prince Hotel. Arrive Sat – depart Mon
Prince Park Tower Hotel. Arrive Mon – depart Wed
10 continental breakfasts served on a daily basis
5 golf lunches with drinks (day 2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
4 golf dinners served with drinks (day 2, 5, 6, 10)
5 golf rounds including shared carts (as available) and lunch.
Golf Courses
Ichihara Course, Chiba
Seta Golf Course, Kyoto
Yamana Course, Shizuoka
Ugari Course, Shizuoka
Yokohama Country Club
Somewhere in those hidden corners of Japan you will discover our exotic golf journeys. Our incredible 11-day journey through Japan will introduce you to a beautiful selection of elite country club golf courses. With the arrival of spring, when the temperatures begin to rise, the cherry blossoms bloom and all along the seaside, vivid fireworks displays colour the evening sky. The coming of autumn is all about those crimson leaves and near perfect weather where entire mountains are enveloped in swathes of vivid red, orange, and gold.
Sunday Day 1. Arrive Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND).
Welcome to one of the most dazzling cities in the world. Due to staggered arrival times, we have pre-paid your seat on the Airport Limousine Service for you to relax enroute to the Tokyo Prince Park Tower Hotel. The comfortable ride is approximately one hour, subject to traffic conditions. We have a welcome greeting tonight with drinks and canapés in the lobby from 7pm to meet with your fellow travellers. Then the rest of the night is free to enjoy.
TOKYO - GINZA
Monday Day 2 - Golf. Ichihara Course, Boso, Chiba.
Ohayō gozaimasu - good morning. Tokyo simply dazzles. To arrive at the first golf course we travel from central Tokyo, under and over Tokyo Bay via the ‘Aqua-Line’ highway, onto Boso Peninsula and into the dazzling Ichihara Course. Coffee and a snack before we begin.
Opened in 1984, the 18 exquisite holes measure 6,842 yards with a par 72. The golf course employs large ponds and bunkers within a skilful layout in which each hole is completely separated from others by natural groves and mounds. Jumbo Ozaki has praised the highly strategic nature of the course by saying that it demands full use of all 14 clubs in the golfer’s bag. Since becoming the venue for the big spring event, the Descente Classic Munsingwear Cup, it has been the setting for various tournaments. It boasts a rating on par with that of the Gotemba Course. Over-seeding with blue grass keeps the fairways green year round. The greens are well known for speedy bent grass. Some top pro golfers even praise their mirror smoothness as being even faster than those of Gotemba. The course usually stimulates golfers disappointed with their scores to vow to do better next time. Here is a memorable experience and a fine way to play golf.
After your golf and suitable refreshments, we return to the Prince Hotel to prepare for tonight’s included welcome dinner which is centred beside a beautiful Odaiba waterfront.
Special thanks to TAIHEIYO Club.
Tuesday Day 3 - Tour. Tokyo and Kyoto
After breakfast we meet in the hotel lobby before we take a look at Tokyo. The nearby Imperial Palace is a fabulous introduction to this country. One can gaze in awe at the Nijubashi bridge, with imperial castles in the background, to realise that you are in a very different world. The Imperial East Gardens can be enjoyed all year round. These are home to a variety of historic structures including giant stone walls, remains of the castle tower and turrets dating back to the Edo (1603-1868) period. We then make our way to Tokyo Station. You are escorted right onto the platform to board the Shinkansen bullet train bound for ancient Kyoto; 2 hours 30 minutes away. On arrival at Kyoto Station, you’ll be met right on your train’s arrival platform and escorted to the Prince Hotel Kyoto.
After check in, drop off your bags and have time to refresh, then your Kyoto guide will lead you on an engaging tour to give an authentic evening view of Kyoto. Visiting the vivid Gion district for an understanding of Japan’s culture and traditions then settle in with an included welcome dinner at our favourite izakaya restaurant.
KYOTO
Wednesday Day 4 - Golf. Seta Golf Course, Kyoto.
The Seta Golf Course is a 54 hole course that spreads across a hilly area overlooking Lake Biwa and Mount Hieizan. Designed with Mackenzie bent golf green, the course is kept in best conditions throughout the year. The surrounding golf views are absolutely stunning. The setting of the US annual women’s LPGA tour Toto Japan Classic. This championship course designed by renowned Japanese Seiichu Inoue and measures 7012 yards with a par of 72. This is a highly enjoyable and challenging course with lots of water to watch out for on holes 3, 6 and 11. As your first Japan course, it will be interesting discussions on the 19th.
We expect to complete the round by mid-afternoon. We encourage full participation with a soak in the hot baths after the round. You have a free night in Kyoto to explore at leisure.
Special thanks to SETA GC.
Thursday Day 5 - Tour. Kyoto to Kakegawa.
We continue exploring and learning about this ancient capital. We visit two famous sites of Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. Lunch is served along the way. Kyoto actually means ‘capital city’, which may seem a bit odd given that Tokyo is the capital. But that points back to the history. For over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto served as the capital city of Japan. It originated in the form Heian-kyo (literally ‘peaceful capital’) that was centred around the Imperial Palace. It was from here that Japan’s emperors ruled for centuries. It’s no surprise that Kyoto remains so woven with palaces, gardens, temples and shrines. There’s an endless amount of fascinating things to see, making Kyoto almost like a museum. Kyoto has its own unique charm and atmosphere, attracting millions of tourists each year from Japan and overseas. Historic traditions have been maintained in this cultural capital that may not be experienced elsewhere in Japan – like its geisha district, for example. These sites, these people and these places may well be engraved on your memory forever.
In the early afternoon we take the shinkansen to Kakegawa and see more of the country. We get a lovely view of the surrounding landscapes during this 2-hour journey. Then a short drive to the resort which is our home for the next 2 nights. Once known as the land of Totomi, the Enshu region of western Shizuoka embraces both the history and culture of Japan. At the heart of this fabled region stands the distinctive Katsuragi Hotel Kitanomaru, an extraordinary modern-day Japanese castle created and developed by the Yamaha Group. This is exquisitely Japanese; a standard you likely have never experienced before. It was created from a historical home built long ago by skilled craftsmen and transported to this site. With attention to every detail, it has been transformed into a facility that combines traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals with discreet modern conveniences, creating a destination of unrivaled luxury and comfort. This is the Japan from which Yamaha arose, and we are delighted to be able to share this sensibility and culture. Relax your body and mind in the peace and beauty of this incredible resort. Breakfast and dinner is included.
BULLET TRAIN
Friday Day 6 - Golf. Yamana Golf Course.
Located within the Katsuragi Resort is the first of two fine golf courses. Yamana is a course steeped in the traditions and drama of professional competition. Here we witness the handiwork of master golf course designer Seiichi Inoue on the strategically demanding Yamana Course. A grand course carved out of a gorgeous forest, with views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Here he will awaken your desire to win as you take on the challenging layout with uniquely positioned lakes and bunkers. Yamana is the setting for the Yamaha Katsuragi Ladies Open and only a short stroll to our accommodation and dinner location. Immerse yourself in an open-air bath that faces a bamboo garden or experience a relaxing mist sauna.
MIYAJIMA
Special thanks to KATSURAGI GC.
Saturday Day 7 – Golf. Ugari Golf Course
Again, inside the resort, the spacious Ugari course design highlights the natural rolling hills. With holes that call for massive carry, and others that demand precise shots, the course is punctuated by major changes in rhythm and dynamics. This wide-open hilly course is perfect for casual golfing with friends or clients and extend a charming Japanese welcome.
After the round we make our way towards Kamakura, the ancient political capital of Japan. If we are lucky, Mt Fuji will be in view today from the left hand side of the bullet train. At Odawara station we change to our coach for the short leg to our seaside hotel in Kamakura.
Kamakura is a small city about an hour south of Tokyo and nestled between the mountains and the sea, this charming coastal town has long been a popular choice for relaxing day trips and weekend getaways.
Sunday Day 8 – Tour. Kamakura-Enoshima.
After the hotel breakfast, we start our day of exploring. Kamakura is a picturesque town with an ocean beach, old shrines and temples, and delicious local food. Kamakura is a relatively small sized town and you can easily explore the centre on foot. We also will frequently use the local Enoshima Electric Railway that has been operating since Christmas Day in 1900. We start at Enoshima Island, just off the coast. Benzaiten Nakamise Dori (street) to see the island come alive. Snacks, drinks and all sorts of souvenirs are available. Then to Enoshima Shrine, either by the steps or the escalator, to the wonderful views atop. Then we spend 15 minutes on our coastal train riding to Hase Station. Just a 5-minute walk to Hase-Dera Temple, built in the 8th century, is home to an eleven headed gilded statue of Kannon, the Japanese goddess of mercy. The Great Budda is only a 10-minute walk away. Built in the 13th Century and measures a massive 13 metres in height, Leaving here we train a couple of stops to Kamakura Station. Adjacent to the station is Komachi Street. A small walking alley with lots of restaurants, cafes and local specialities and souvenirs. This is a perfect time for lunch and a rest-break. The cake, snack, coffee and tea selection is beautifully amazing.
There are numerous temples and shrines in Kamakura. Our Favourites include Hokoku-Ji, Meigetsu-in and Kencho-ji. Hokoku-ji is famous for its bamboo grove and tea house. From Kamakura Station, you can reach this temple in around 10 minutes by bus. Meigetsu-in is one of the most frequently visited temples of Kamakura in June, thanks to all of the hydrangea flowers blooming during the rainy season. It’s also known for the round window of the main temple hall, majestically framing the view of the garden behind it. Going there from Kamakura Station will take you 10 minutes by train. Established in 1253, Kenchō-ji is known to be the oldest and most important Zen temple of Kamakura, rich in history and a hoard of multiple national treasures of Japan.
We are ready to return to the Prince Hotel to rest and refresh for this evening. Tonight we investigate an explosion of delicious seaside restaurants, bistros and cafes serving fine dinners with great ocean and beach views, meet some of the interesting locals and relax beside the sea. Hopefully, we will be able to have lovely views of Mount Fuji as we dine.
KAMAKURA-ENOSHIMA
Monday Day 9 – Golf. Yokohama Country Club
After breakfast and check-out at 8am, we depart by coach for Yokohama CC that was founded in 1960 and over the next half a dozen years architect Takeo Aiyama designed and built both the East and West 18-hole layouts. The West course hosted the 1978 Japan Open, which was one of the first professional events won by Seve Ballesteros, and the 2018 edition of the same event was held on a composite course at the club.
The West underwent a major renovation in 2014/15 by Coore & Crenshaw. This upgrade involved reconstructing and raising the height of each tee and fairway. The double greens on every hole were replaced with single greens and sub air systems were installed to cool the bent grass putting surfaces during the summer months,
At the same time a short par three 19th was built on the West during the renovation to afford players to decide outcomes when games are tied after 18-holes. This makes the walk back to the clubhouse more interesting if you decide choose to play this short hole. This is a wonderful course that will likely be enjoyed immensely.
The coast roads give us wonderful ocean views along the way home. After arrival at the Tokyo Tower Prince Hotel, we check-in and refresh. The choices for dinner seems to be endless and we will decide on one of our favourites which is within walking distance of the Hotel.
Special thanks to YOKOHAMA CC.
Tuesday Day 10 – Tour. Tokyo Half Day Tour.
We begin at the legendary Tsukiji Fish Market. The tightly packed rows of vendors, which originally formed the Outer Market, hawk market and culinary-related goods, such as dried fish, seaweed, kitchen tools and crockery. It's also a fantastic place to eat or simply graze, with great street food and a huge concentration of small restaurants and cafes, most specialising in seafood. The market handles more than 480 different kinds of seafood as well as 270 types of produce, from affordable seaweed to the most expensive caviar, and from millions of tiny sardines to individual giant 300kg tuna fish. It makes for a fun morning.
We take a look at the amazing sights from atop the Tokyo Sky Tree before visiting the vivid Ginza district for an understanding of Japan’s culture and traditions. Once the most expensive real estate in Japan and now full of high-end department stores and eatery establishments. There is also free time available for you to visit other sights or do some more exploring in Tokyo under your own steam. After this tour and suitable refreshments, we return to the Prince Hotel to freshen up and prepare for tonight’s included farewell dinner which will be around and under the railway lines at Yurakucho railway station. Thereafter it’s a free night to enjoy on the town in Tokyo.
TOKYO
Wednesday Day 11 – Depart
Hotel checkout time is 10am We make our way to Ginza for lunch at a local izakaya restaurant, visit a department store for any of your last minute shopping then transfer to Narita Airport to arrive in well in time for your airline, customs and immigration procedures.
We wish you a pleasant flight back to your home. For now we say Sayonara.
TOKYO 11 DAY 5 COURSE
SPRING 2025
The Dates / Prices 2025
Sunday 11th May, 2025
Twin-Double per person NZD 11,895
Solo-Traveller per person NZD 14,395
Non-Golf share per person NZD 10,395
Foursome per person NZD 14,895
25% deposit is required at time of booking.
Balance is payable 90 days prior departure.
Hotels and Golf Courses
Prince Park Tower Hotel, Tokyo. Arrive Sunday – depart Tuesday
Prince Hotel Takaragaike, Kyoto. Arrive Tuesday – depart Thursday
Katsuragi Resort, Shizuoka. Arrive Thursday – depart Saturday
Kamakura Prince Hotel. Arrive Saturday – depart Monday
Prince Park Tower Hotel. Arrive Monday – depart Wednesday
10 continental breakfasts served on a daily basis
5 golf lunches with drinks (day 2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
4 golf dinners served with drinks (day 2, 5, 6, 10)
5 golf rounds including shared carts (as available) and lunch.
Ichihara Course, Chiba
Seta Golf Course, Kyoto
Yamana Course, Shizuoka
Ugari Course, Shizuoka
Yokohama Country Club
Airport transfers to and from Japan in/out airports.
Luxury air-conditioned private coach golf transfers.
Japanese Tour Conductor for the entire program.
Japan Shinkansen bullet train travel is included.
Your international airfares are not included.
More Information
Our Japan journey is unique with just a dozen or so guests. Each journey has been hand-designed and carefully planned so as to provide guests with a smooth, efficient and enjoyable package. Extra care has been taken with transport and timings so allow you more time to explore and to appreciate your time in Japan.
Accommodation. We have carefully chosen your hotels and resorts to match the journeys and seasons. We work with the Prince Hotel Group to offer their high standard throughout Japan.
Tour Conductor. These journeys all include amazing tours and opportunities. Special care has been taken to enhance your Japan experiences by selecting professionals for the tasks.
Transport. Japan offers us the super shinkansen. But as we escape the cities we can sometimes have the chance to experience a slower and more relaxed mode of transport. Each is chosen with your safety and comfort in mind and reliability that is typical in Japan.
Dining. Each journey has large portions of exercise and fresh air which make one hungry. Usually we have breakfast at hotels and resorts. Then some meals away from the accommodation with group izakaya, sushi etc, golf lunches, welcome and farewell meals are all included. The inclusions are listed to avoid any confusion.
Airfares. We assume that many will likely have airline loyalty programs. As such you are free to arrange your own air travel. We suggest that flights arriving into Japan are scheduled per the tour itinerary. Likewise, departing flights from are booked accordingly or to meet your travel plan. We can happily arrange your flights through a suggested Travel Agency.
Insurance. We strongly recommend that ALL passengers arrange a comprehensive travel insurance to cover such things, but not limited to, medical, liability, loss of deposits and fares, luggage and effects, personal accident, cancellation of tour, medical emergency, evacuation and repatriation, flight and hotel cancellation. We also strongly suggest that your travel insurance policy is of high quality and issued at your country of origin and is arranged at the time of you making your booking. Again, we are happily able to offer suggestions as may be required to assist planning.
Golf Clubs. We move around Japan and cover some distances. Your golf clubs need to be easily transported so a sturdy golf bag cover with wheels is ideal. Your personal luggage should be limited to a 20kg soft suitcase per person, again with suitable and proper wheels for ease of transport. Also please pack a small overnight bag as sometimes we may move golf clubs and bags by road transport for ease and convenience. Autumn and spring in Japan is usually a calm season. However it can also be temperamental so we suggest that you do your own research and pack clothing accordingly. A sweater and light jacket is ideal for the evenings.
BOUTIQUE JTB, our Japan service provider, offer safe and secure travel of the highest quality, taking advantage of 110 years of experience. As one of Japan’s top destination management companies and through their strong partnerships and networks with major suppliers you will be in very safe and careful hands.
Hotels. Prince Hotels & Resorts operate a total of 87 hotels in major Japanese cities and resort areas such as Tokyo, Karuizawa, Hakone, and Kyoto, as well as in major cities around the world in Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, the United States, and Europe. At the same time, Prince Hotels & Resorts also operate leisure and sports facilities that include 31 golf courses and 10 ski resorts. We are delighted to work with Prince Hotels.
Seasons. The best time to visit Japan for golf largely depends upon you. The two seasons that we love are the spring and autumn. Summer is usually too hot with excessive rain and typhoons to disturb our plans. Winter season is generally too cold and snow on the ground is an unwelcome distraction. In spring the flowers bloom, sparkling blue seas complement manicured greens. In autumn snow-capped mountains tower in the distance, and trees are ablaze with their vivid colours.
Rules. The rules and etiquette for playing golf in Japan are similar to those in other countries. Most courses enforce a dress code requiring players to wear appropriate golf clothes, typically a collared shirt and slacks or shorts/skirt, while on the course. Some courses may also require jackets to be worn in the clubhouse, so be sure to know well ahead of time. A 45 minutes, or thereabouts, lunch break is required after 9 holes. This is a Japan standard. There are some yellow marker/OB local rules that will be explained on arrival at the courses.
E&OE. All details are subject to change.
