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.

After breakfast, you and your partners will be transferred to Kyoto Golf Club to play the Kamigamo Course. This is Kyoto’s only high-quality golf course located within the city, offering super convenient access - just within 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Kyoto.

Established in 1948, Kyoto Golf Club’s Kamigamo Course is an 18-hole, par-69 layout measuring 5,818 yards. The course is beautifully landscaped with old pine trees and a variety of other trees, creating a garden-like atmosphere that lets you fully experience Kyoto’s changing seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms line the fairways; in autumn, vibrant foliage colors the landscape. Each round here is unique, thanks to the distinct beauty of every season.

Features of Kyoto Golf Club & Your Unique Golf Experience:

The course features gentle undulations and shorter holes, but still requires a strategic approach. Playing in this tranquil setting allows golfers to appreciate both the essence of golf and Kyoto’s unique charm, enjoying the natural scenery and the atmosphere of the ancient city.

A highlight of the course is the 4th hole, which features a famous floating island tee surrounded by bunkers and a steep, two-tiered green that challenges every golfer. Overall, the course has a modest elevation change of 15 meters, with the 5th hole marking the highest point at 10 meters. While the course is not long, its elevated greens, lakes, and well-placed hazards make accurate approach shots especially important.

After the golf experience, be escorted back to your hotel in Kyoto. Have your own time to explore in Kyoto.

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 transfer from Kyoto to Osaka. Today, you’ll play 18 holes at the East Course of Ibaraki Country Club, located near the city of Ibaraki, about halfway between central Osaka and Kyoto.

Ibaraki Country Club is one of Japan’s most historic and respected golf courses. It has hosted major tournaments, including the Japan Open and Japan Women’s Open, and is regarded as a “dream stage” for top golfers.

The club features two courses: the East and the West. The East Course was originally designed by David Hood of Scotland in 1923 and renovated by C.H. Alison of England in 1930. The West Course was designed by Seiichi Inoue in 1960 to accommodate advancements in golf technology.

Upon arrival, you’ll play 18 holes on the East Course. With its modern layout, wider fairways, and flexible hazard placement, the East Course offers a balanced challenge suitable for all skill levels. The open views and contemporary design create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.

The East Course is considered the club’s true gem, set on gently undulating terrain rich with plant and wildlife, especially vibrant in spring. Each hole is memorable, with standouts like the 5th Hole and 6th Hole, which are surrounded by blooming cherry trees in season - much like the picturesque clubhouse. Recent extensions have increased the course length to 6,400 meters from the back tees.

Enjoy your round among mature trees and experience the beauty of seasonal changes - cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn add to the experience.

After golf, you will transfer to Osaka for your accommodation.

Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and a major economic hub, is famous for its rich history, diverse cuisine, vibrant culture, and strong economy. The city’s unique sense of humor and open, welcoming personality make it especially lively and colorful. Streets lined with concrete are illuminated by dazzling neon lights and bright storefronts. Known as the “nation’s kitchen,” Osaka is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible variety of culinary delights.

Free Time Suggestion in This Afternoon:

This afternoon, if you have some free time, consider visiting Osaka Castle Park - one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of the city’s historical grandeur. As you explore the scenic grounds, you’ll be impressed by the massive moats, gates, and stone walls built with remarkable precision. The largest stone slab measures 11 meters wide, and many stones are carved with the crests of the 64 daimyō (feudal lords) who helped construct the castle in 1620.

The highlight is the Main Tower (Tenshukaku), which rises majestically at the heart of the park. Inside the tower is a museum that showcases artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the history of the castle. The 8th-floor observation deck offers 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!