6 Days Japan Golf Tour: Play Kyoto & Osaka’s Top 3 Courses

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport, our representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name right at the arrivals gate. Then drive about 1 hour to your carefully selected hotel in Kyoto. Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and refresh. The rest of today is free for you to explore the local surroundings at your own pace.

Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of the country, was once the capital of Japan. It epitomizes ancient Japan and is famous for tranquil temples, exquisite gardens, colorful shrines, grand imperial palaces, and ornate castles. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is among the world's most culturally rich cities. It's also known for traditional Japanese arts and practices, such as tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining (a traditional multi-course meal), and ikebana (flower arranging). It remains one of the best places to see geishas, who are traditional Japanese female entertainers known for their refined skills in arts, music, dance, and conversation.

Arrival Ideas:

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international gateway to the Kansai region of Japan. It hosts direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. In addition to international routes, KIX offers a wide range of domestic flights connecting Osaka with major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Fukuoka. Osaka International Airport, commonly known as Itami Airport (ITM), is located closer to Osaka and primarily handles domestic flights.

Free Time Ideas in Kyoto:

• Visiting Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". It is an excellent way to spend your free time, especially if you have an interest in Japanese food culture and local delicacies.
• Evening Stroll Along the Kamo River:This river flows through the city and provides walking paths with beautiful views. Many cafes and restaurants along the river have terraces, perfect for a relaxing end to your day.
• Walk the Philosopher's Path: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a stone path lined with cherry trees that follows a canal in northeastern Kyoto. This path is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season but offers a serene experience year-round.

On this day, you'll be transferred to Seta Golf Course - North Course for your first round in Japan. It's conveniently located southeast of Kyoto, just 30-minute drive away.

Seta Golf Course is a hilly parkland championship course situated on rolling terrain, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and Mount Hieizan.

This course was meticulously designed by renowned golf architect Seiichi Inoue. The North Course famously hosted the LPGA official tournament, the Mizuno Classic (2005), witnessing countless thrilling moments. Here, you'll enjoy your game with the support of professional caddies and comfortable 5-seater golf carts.

Both the North and East courses were masterfully crafted by Seiichi Inoue, but the North Course is particularly known for its extreme challenge, boasting a course rating of 73.2. It's one of the most famous courses in the Kansai region, having repeatedly hosted national women's championships, including the highly influential Mizuno Classic. Notably, golf legend Annika Sörenstam won the Mizuno Classic four consecutive times from 2002 to 2005, making the North Course a witness to her brilliant achievements.

The course's greens utilize the latest variety of bentgrass, MacKenzie greens, a first in the Kansai region. This premium turf provides an excellent putting experience, with ball speed and grain reaching international top-tier standards.

Featured Holes of Seta Golf Course:

The North Course's signature hole is Hole 14, a 400-yard, par-4 hole colloquially known as "Witch's Valley" due to its unique geographical setting and design. A valley rumored to be home to witches lies to the left of the hole, adding a mysterious aura. Here, players face not only the challenges of the natural terrain but also the psychological test of overcoming their awe of the "Witch's Valley" to precisely hit the ball towards the green, testing both skill and mental fortitude. Hole 5, a par-4, is a gently uphill dogleg to the right; the tee shot requires caution due to bushes on the left, and the second shot demands precise judgment because of a lake also on the left.

Enjoy your round and have a great time! After your golf experience, you'll be escorted back to your hotel in Kyoto, where you'll have free time to explore the city.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, epitomizes ancient Japan. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is among the world's most culturally rich cities. Known for traditional arts like tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, and ikebana (flower arranging), Kyoto is also one of the best places to observe geishas.

After breakfast, you and your partners will explore Kyoto for a full day. Start the morning in Kyoto bright and early at one of its most iconic sites - the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, to beat the crowds.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Layers upon layers of vermilion torii gates line the lush, wooded hillside, forming a seemingly endless corridor. The vibrant orange and black gates contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery, creating a visually stunning and almost otherworldly path that is highly photogenic.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in the early 8th century (711 AD) and is primarily dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, sake, agriculture, and industry. As you explore the shrine, you will encounter hundreds of fox statues. Said to be the messengers of the god Inari, who is associated with cereal grains, these fox statues often symbolize the deity. Many of these fox statues are depicted holding a key in their mouths, which is said to open the granary.

Tips: Hiking to the summit of the mountain and back will take two to three hours, but many people go only as far as the Yotsutsuji intersection because there are fewer torii gates beyond this point. It will take 30 to 40 minutes to reach Yotsutsuji.

Next, visit Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the hillside of Eastern Kyoto, this temple is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over the hill, providing stunning views of the city and the surrounding nature. The temple's main hall, constructed entirely without the use of nails, is an architectural marvel. Kiyomizu-dera is also celebrated for its sacred waters, which are believed to have wish-granting powers that draw countless visitors who come to drink from its stream. Don’t miss the Hondo (Main Hall), Jishu Shrine, the Otowa Waterfall, and the spiritual experience of the Tainai-Meguri room.

Tips: The scenery at Kiyomizu-dera Temple is distinctively beautiful in each season, offering a unique charm year-round. In spring, the mountains are adorned with charming cherry blossoms; in summer, they are lush with vibrant greenery; in autumn, they are decorated with brilliantly colored leaves; and in winter, they are filled with enchanting trees.

Then, walk up the well-preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These charming, sloping streets are lined with traditional shops and quaint tea houses, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Kyoto's past. As you stroll through these areas, you can shop for unique crafts, sample local snacks, and perhaps stop at a café to relax and soak in the atmosphere of old Kyoto.

Continue to Yasaka Shrine, the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district, which dates back over 1350 years. Yasaka Shrine is particularly favored by those seeking beauty and wealth. Visiting this significant Shinto shrine in Kyoto, you may also find yourself gaining some good luck. The shrine is most famous for its Gion Matsuri in July, during which you can witness the procession where the deities of Yasaka are paraded through the city streets.

Adjacent to the shrine, Gion is Kyoto's famous geisha district. Here, you might catch a glimpse of Geisha (Geiko) in their elaborate kimonos and traditional makeup. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of Gion, take a moment to appreciate the beautifully preserved machiya (wooden townhouses), ochaya (teahouses), and exclusive ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants). Gion is particularly enchanting at dusk when the lanterns are lit and geishas and maiko (apprentice geishas) make their way to evening appointments, making the narrow lanes come alive.

After the tour, your group will be escorted back to your hotel.

After breakfast, you and your partners will travel from Kyoto to Osaka. Today, you’ll play 18 holes at the Ibaraki Kokusai Golf Club. This club is in Shukunosho, Ibaraki-shi, roughly halfway between central Osaka and Kyoto.

The club has a 27-hole golf course that was completely renovated between 2010 and 2013. A new clubhouse was also added in 2016, making its facilities more modern and welcoming. The course is split into three 9-hole sections: the East Course, West Course, and North Course. This lets golfers choose different combinations for 18-hole game. It's a great choice for intermediate and advanced players looking for challenging and strategic golfing experience.

North Course (北コース): Designed by Osamu Ueda, this is the toughest of the three courses. It has the most changes in elevation, longer Par 4s and Par 5s, and many out-of-bounds (OB) areas, demanding precision and skill. From its elevated fairways, golfers can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Osaka City.

East Course (東コース): Designed by Giichi Sato in 1960, this course is surrounded by thick forests, creating a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful seasonal changes, from bright spring greens to fiery autumn leaves. It also includes water hazards, making the game both fun and challenging.

West Course (西コース): Also designed in 1960, this course is fairly flat but offers strategic challenges with rolling fairways, carefully placed bunkers, and water hazards. Both the fairway and green layouts require players to use a wide range of skills.

Recommended Combination from Asia Odyssey Travel:

We suggest combining North Course and East Course for your 18 holes. This pair gives you two different types of challenges: the strategic, forest-lined fairways of the East Course and the elevation changes and long distances of the North Course. Together, they provide a well-rounded and varied golfing experience, perfect for players looking for a complete challenge.

After your golf game at Ibaraki Kokusai Golf Club, you'll head to Osaka for accommodation.

Osaka, Japan's third-largest city and a major economic center, is famous for its rich history, diverse food, lively culture, and strong economy. The city's unique sense of humor and open, friendly personality make it especially vibrant and colorful. Its concrete streets light up with dazzling neon lights and bright storefronts. Known as the "nation's kitchen", Osaka is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible variety of delicious dishes.

Free Time Suggestion This Afternoon in Osaka:

If you have some free time this afternoon, think about visiting Osaka Castle Park. It's one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of the city’s grand history. As you explore the beautiful grounds, you'll be impressed by the huge moats, gates, and precisely built stone walls. The largest stone slab is 11 meters wide, and many stones are carved with the crests of the 64 daimyō (feudal lords) who helped build the castle in 1620.

The main attraction is the Main Tower (Tenshukaku), which stands grandly at the heart of the park. Inside the tower, there’s a museum with artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the castle's history. From the 8th-floor observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Castle Park and the Osaka Plain.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Osaka to Osaka Golf Club, located in Misaki Town, Sennan District. This iconic seaside club, about 1 hour from central Osaka, sits right on the coastline of the Seto Inland Sea. Founded in 1937, Osaka Golf Club is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious seaside links courses, and a true gem of the Kansai region.

The 18-hole, 6,402-yard course makes full use of the complex coastal terrain, offering golfers a variety of unique challenges. Each hole is distinct, encouraging players to test both their technical skills and strategic thinking. The ever-present coastal winds add another layer of difficulty, demanding accurate and well-controlled shots.

What Makes Golf at Osaka Golf Club Unique?

One of the club’s biggest attractions is its breathtaking panoramic view of Osaka Bay. The 3rd and 7th holes are especially memorable, as they play directly toward the sea. The signature 396-yard 7th hole requires a tee shot across a small pond to a fairway that curves sharply left to a triangular green, which, like the greens at holes 1, 3, and 4, sits close to the water’s edge.

On the back nine, the very short 14th hole runs along the boundary of the property, next to a road that separates the course from the sea. This hole starts a distinctive sequence of five closing holes with par values of 3-5-3-5-3—a rare configuration that perfectly matches the natural contours of the land.

The 18th hole, framed by impressive Alison-style bunkers, is both visually stunning and strategically demanding, making it a fitting end to your round and a highlight for any golfer.

After your round of golf, you’ll be transferred back to Osaka. If you’d like to continue exploring, Asia Odyssey Travel recommends visiting some of Osaka’s top highlights.

Free Time Ideas in Osaka:

Start with shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, the city’s busiest and most popular shopping arcade. Next, head to the lively Dotonbori district, famous for its bright neon signs and vibrant waterways. During the holiday season, the area is especially dazzling with festive decorations strung across the bridges.

Dotonbori is Osaka’s entertainment hotspot, filled with fantastic restaurants, clubs, and karaoke bars. Be sure to snap a photo with the iconic Glico Man sign, a symbol of the city. While you’re there, try some of Osaka’s must-eat street foods, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables), and okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake with your choice of toppings).

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Osaka as your 6-day Japan Golf Tour comes to an end. Today, you will make your own way to the airport for your departure, depending on your flight schedule. Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka is available for your outbound flight.

Golf Trip Extension:

If you’d like to continue your golf experience in other destinations in Japan - such as Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hokkaido, or Okinawa - just let us know. We can customize your golf tour to suit your interests.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Japan tour. We are committed to enhancing your travel experience and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!