Enjoy Golf Near Tokyo! 5 Excellent Golf Clubs in Ibaraki

Ibaraki, a Prime Destination for Golf Enthusiasts

Photo by Pixta

Golf is a popular leisure activity in Japan, with the country ranking third worldwide in the number of golf resorts. If you're wondering where to enjoy golf in or around Tokyo, look no further than Ibaraki!

Ibaraki Prefecture boasts over one hundred golf resorts and is one of the top 10 golf destinations in Japan. The vast flat areas and gentle slopes of the Kanto Plain combined with a mild climate that allows playing throughout the year create the ideal environment for golf.

Both national and world golf tournaments are held regularly in Ibaraki. From golf courses that require strategic playing to fields that are beginner-friendly, Ibaraki's golf resorts cater to players of all levels. The fact that many golf clubs are easy to reach from Tokyo in one to two hours by car adds to their huge appeal.

In this article, we introduce five golf resorts in Ibaraki where international visitors can enjoy some of the best golf in Japan. In addition to excellent golf courses, these facilities offer delicious local cuisine, hot springs, coaching, and easy access to great places to visit nearby. At the end of this article, you'll also find information on dress codes and manners that apply when enjoying golf in Japan.

1. Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course: Easy to Use by International Guests

Picture courtesy of Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course
Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course is located in Oarai, a city by the Pacific Ocean. Nestled among densely forested hills, the facility was named after Robin Hood's Sherwood forest. The lakes scattered around the holes give golfers the chance to enjoy some thrilling shots. The driving range (200 yards) has 13 places and there is also an area for practicing bunker shots.

Picture courtesy of Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course

One of the highlights of the Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course is the restaurant overlooking the course. The menu consists of exquisite Japanese and Western dishes made with seasonal ingredients, including the high-quality seafood that Oarai is famous for.

The resort is operated by Taiheiyo Club, one of Japan's household brands in the field with a total of 18 facilities throughout the country. Taiheiyo Club is affiliated with prestigious golf clubs from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries from around the world. Members of partner clubs are automatically members of Taiheiyo Club and enjoy an entire array of privileges in addition to access to all its facilities in Japan. They also have an English page with tips and information on how to enjoy golf in Japan to the fullest.

After an exciting golf session at Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course, how about exploring local highlights such as Oarai Isosaki Shrine with its beautiful torii gate located on a rock in the ocean, Oarai Port, or maybe even Hitachi Seaside Park, which is famous for its nemophila flowers in spring?

Information

Place: Taiheiyo Club Oarai Sherwood Course
Address: Ibaraki, Higashi Ibaraki district, Oarai, Narita 3137
Contact: 029-264-7777
Email: sherwood@taiheiyoclub.co.jp
Access: About 30 minutes by taxi from JR Mito Station. About 2 hours by car from Tokyo via the Joban Expressway.
Official Website: http://www.taiheiyoclub.com/oarai-sherwood
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/VFuKVW1aHpvTdmYb6

2. Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji: Leisurely Stays with Outdoor Activities and Hot Springs

Picture courtesy of Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji
Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji (Japanese) is the ideal facility for guests who wish to enjoy their golf experience at leisure with an overnight stay. The golf course spreads over 890 square meters of bentgrass fields with gentle undulations. There are seven lakes of various sizes throughout the course, making it an exciting field for both beginners and experienced players.

The driving range has 14 places, and there is an additional area for practicing approach shots and bunker shots. Moreover, the facility offers an entire range of lessons within its Golf Academy coached by professional trainers (*The lessons are held in Japanese so please make sure you attend in the company of someone who can interpret for you.)

Picture courtesy of Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji

The resort has a hotel, as well as villas facing the golf field. Their spa facility enjoys great popularity with both day visitors and guests who stay overnight, thanks to its natural hot springs that surge from a depth of 1,200 meters.

Picture courtesy of Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji

The restaurant of Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji offers dishes of exceptional quality made exclusively with local ingredients. Their menu includes Hitachi beef, sushi, tempura (deep-fried dishes), and other delicious dishes.

If you're dreaming of a leisurely and truly reinvigorating golf vacation, then choose Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji! Local sightseeing highlights include the Fukuroda Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Japan.

Information

Place: Spa ＆ Golf Resort Kuji
Address: Ibaraki, Hitachiota, Iwate 1398
Contact: 029-476-1711
Email: info@spagolf-kuji.jp
Access: About 45 minutes by taxi from Katsuta Station (JR Joban Line). About 15 minutes by taxi from Hitachi-Omiya Station (JR Suigun Line). About 2 hours and 10 minutes from Tokyo by car via the Joban Expressway. For guests staying overnight, there is a complimentary shuttle bus service available (*please inquire about it at the time of your reservation).
Official Website: https://www.spagolf-kuji.jp/ (Japanese)
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/jWHxeu3MiaWRNdm76

3. PGM Ishioka Golf Club: A Leading Tournament Course

Picture courtesy of PGM Ishioka Golf Club

The golf course at PGM Ishioka Golf Club (Japanese) was designed by none other than Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers of all time. The course makes full use of the natural terrain and requires strategic playing; golfers will have to use all types of clubs.

Picture courtesy of PGM Ishioka Golf Club
The 330-yard driving range can be used by 20 players at the same time. Transportation around the course is assisted by caddies.

Due to its exceptional course, PGM Ishioka Golf Club has served as the venue for various national and world tournaments, including the Acom International Men's Professional Tournament, the Honma Tour World Cup, and others.

Picture courtesy of PGM Ishioka Golf Club

The facility also takes pride in its extensive restaurant menu, which includes Japanese and Western dishes. Guests can enjoy flavorful seafood and hamburger menus, beef steaks, soba noodle dishes with tempura, as well as a wide range of desserts.

Close to this golf course is Ishioka, a city that is well-known as a destination for outdoor activities. Also, Lake Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan, can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, offering picturesque views.

Information

Place: PGM Ishioka Golf Club
Address: Ibaraki, Omitama, Seraku 1050-1
Contact: 029-958-5111
Access: About 20 minutes by taxi from Ishioka Station (JR Joban Line). About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Tokyo via the Joban Expressway.
Official Website: https://www.pacificgolf.co.jp/ishioka/ (Japanese)
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/X4kkQg9nWXDMDHgw8

4. Shin Seizansou Country Club: A Hilly Course for Advanced Golfers

Picture courtesy of Shin Seizansou Country Club

Standing out through its dome-shaped clubhouse, the course at Shin Seizansou Country Club (Japanese) is located on a hilly terrain overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Picture courtesy of Shin Seizansou Country Club

Designed by famous American golf designer Pete Dye, who also worked on TPC Sawgrass Florida, this course has challenging undulations, green islands, and other hazards that require bold decisions and precise shots.

Transportation around the course is done with golf carts without caddies. The carts are equipped with the latest navigation system. There are seven places in the driving range (70 yards), as well as a practice area for approach shots.

Picture courtesy of Shin Seizansou Country Club

Visitors can stay overnight in the lodge-style hotel or in one of the eight loghouse-type villas, which allow them to enjoy the spirit of an outdoor adventure.

Picture courtesy of Shin Seizansou Country Club
In addition to the restaurant that provides excellent meals such as sukiyaki, sushi, and Japanese kaiseki cuisine, there is also an izakaya (Japanese-style bar) where guests can unwind at the end of the day.

Shin Seizansou Country Club is located in Hitachiota, home to the spectacular Ryujin Gorge.

Information

Place: Shin Seizansou Country Club
Address: Ibaraki, Hitachiota, Shimookado 1063
Contact: 029-470-1234
Access: Shuttle bus from Mito Station and Hitachiota Station (*reservation required). About 2 hours and 10 minutes by car from Tokyo via the Joban Expressway.
Official Website: https://www.unimat-golf.jp/seizansou/ (Japanese)
Google Map: https://g.page/seizansoUNIMAT?share

5. JGM Seve Ballesteros Golf Club: Scenic Course with Mountain and Lake Views

Picture courtesy of JGM Seve Ballesteros Golf Club

Located on the shore of Lake Kasumigaura with a view of Mt Tsukuba, JGM Seve Ballesteros Golf Club (Japanese) boasts one of the most scenic golf courses in Ibaraki. The course was designed and supervised by renowned golf course architect David Thomas and professional golf champion Seve Ballesteros.

Picture courtesy of JGM Seve Ballesteros Golf Club
The holes are separated from one another by natural pine tree groves. Although the undulations are gentle, there is a 20-meter elevation difference that makes the course both difficult and exciting.

The 250-yard driving range has 21 places, and there are additional areas for practicing approach and bunker shots.

The restaurant menu consists of casual dishes that are widely loved in Japan such as beef curry, seafood donburi (rice topped with fresh seafood), hamburger menus, refreshing noodle dishes, as well as eel dishes, which are very appreciated in summer for their high nutritional content.

Nearby sightseeing highlights include not only Lake Kasumigaura but also Itako, a charming waterway city that can be reached in about 25 minutes by car.

Information

Place: JGM Seve Ballesteros Golf Club
Address: Ibaraki, Inashiki, Shika 3043
Contact: 029-894-2411
Access: Shuttle bus from Toride Station on the JR Joban Line (the ride takes about 70 minutes)。About 1 hour and 25 minutes by car from Tokyo via the Eastern Kanto Expressway.
Official Website: https://www.jgmseve.co.jp/ (Japanese)
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/QBEvcXd6YibjSdUXA

Golf in Japan: Dress Codes and Manners to Keep in Mind

Picture by Pixta
Before heading to a golf resort in Japan, please make sure to check the dress code of the facility. While the requirements may differ for each resort, casual clothing items like jeans, T-shirts, and sandals are not acceptable. Golfers are required to wear jackets (except in summer). Also, shoes with metal spikes are prohibited so please make sure to wear spikeless or soft-spike footwear.

It's customary to have lunch during a one-hour break after the ninth hole so take this chance to enjoy the local specialties.

Most golf resorts have a bathing area or even hot springs where you can refresh after completing the course. Japanese bathing etiquette requires cleansing one's body before entering the large bath. If you have tattoos, please check whether it's allowed to use the public bathing area as many facilities have restrictions on this aspect.

Please note that while most of the golf facilities introduced above have staff who can communicate in English, there may be cases when English support is unavailable. If you have difficulties with your reservation, please consider asking a travel agency for assistance. Visiting the facility accompanied by a Japanese-speaking friend or an interpreter is another way to ensure smooth communication.

We hope you enjoy your golf experience in Ibaraki together with the local cuisine, culture, and great natural scenery that this region boasts.

Main image courtesy of PGM Ishioka Golf Club
Sponsored by Ibaraki Prefecture