5 Days Tokyo Golf Tour: Mount Fuji Fairways & Scenic Views

Konnichiwa(こんにちは)！Welcome to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan! Upon your arrival at the airport in Tokyo, our driver will meet you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel in Tokyo. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this capital city.

As one of Japan and Asia's largest economic centers, Tokyo is a hub for Japanese culture and art, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and cultural venues, serving as a vital platform for artistic activities and cultural exchanges. Tokyo stands as a significant base for technological advancement, nurturing numerous high-tech companies and innovative talents, holding leading positions globally in areas like electronics, automotive, and robotics technology.

Situated at the southern end of the Kanto Plain, Tokyo is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes including Mount Fuji, providing residents with leisure and outdoor activity spaces. At one point, the population of the Tokyo metropolitan area reached 36 million, accounting for one-third of Japan's total population. Despite the high cost of living, Tokyo provides residents with convenient living conditions, offering a plethora of shopping centers, entertainment facilities, and a rich culinary culture ranging from fine dining to street food.

Arrival Ideas:

1. Japan has two commonly used international airports. Narita International Airport, located 63.5 km from the center of Tokyo, is the primary international air hub for Tokyo, where flights from China to Tokyo usually land. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), is situated 17 km from the center of Tokyo and mainly serves domestic flights within Japan and some international flights, including flights to South Korea and other East Asian regions.

2. Cities that have Direct Flights to Tokyo include, but are not limited to: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bali, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and more. Please note that flight information is subject to changes based on time and market demand. Contact us to obtain the latest flight information and prices.

On this day, you and your partners will enjoy your first round in Tokyo, playing 18 holes at Narita Golf Club. Located northeast of Tokyo, it's 1-1.5-hour drive and is Japanese Links Style, Hilly Parkland Course.

Narita Golf Club was personally designed by golf legend and major winner Gary Player.This acclaimed course, listed among Japan's top 100.

Narita Golf Club's design expertly utilizes its exceptional natural geography. As designer Taizo Kawada stated, "Eighteen complete stories form one long narrative. I believe that is what a golf course is." True to his words, each hole is uniquely designed. The course returns to the origins of golf with single bentgrass greens, cleverly placed lakes, and abundant trees, all enhancing its strategic demands. Notably, at Narita Golf Club, the 6-meter wide, 1000-yard long access road is considered in-bounds, with boundary stakes placed on its outer side. If your ball lands on the road, there's no penalty – a feature reminiscent of the sacred 17th hole at St. Andrews Old Course, also known as "Road Hole." It seems Mr. Kawada might have drawn inspiration from British golf courses when designing this one. Take a moment to appreciate this design that subtly nods to the classic links courses of the UK.

Memorable Signature Holes:

Hole 13: This is a particularly challenging par 4 with a pond running from the tee box all the way down the left side of the fairway to the back left of the green. It's often considered the "first entrance" to Narita's own "amen corner," demanding accuracy from tee to green.

Hole 18: A slight S-shaped par 5, this finishing hole presents an out-of-bounds (OB) area on the right for the tee shot, challenging players who tend to slice. The second shot is a gentle downhill, but a water hazard on the left requires precise execution. The large, uniquely shaped green is well-protected by bunkers, making it a memorable and potentially decisive final hole.

Enjoy your golf time here. After your round, you'll be escorted back to Tokyo, where you'll have free time to explore this vibrant capital city.

First to visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (Meiji Shrine), a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken (1849-1914), who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan while excelled in writing Waka (traditional Japanese poems of 31 syllables in the pattern 5-7-5-7-7). Meiji Shrine is a popular venue for traditional weddings, where you will have the opportunity to witness a Japanese Wedding Procession, experiencing the charm of Japanese traditional culture.

Founded in 1915 and finished in 1920, Meiji Shrine features a unique architectural style, with the main hall adopting traditional Japanese Shinto Shrine architecture infused with modern elements in its details. You will walk through Japan's Largest Wooden Torii Gate, standing in its natural wooden hue and weighing up to 13 tons. The Torii gate serves as the Symbol of Shinto Shrines, marking the transition from the worldly to the sacred. Walking through this gateway symbolizes stepping into the divine realm, evoking a profound sense of mystery and reverence.

As a peaceful oasis in the city, Meiji Jingu Shrine is the largest green space in the center of Tokyo. In the land-scarce city of Tokyo, the vast area occupied by the Meiji Shrine is truly astonishing! The sacred forest (170,000 trees) surrounding the main shrine buildings of Meiji Jingu is man-made, planted by 110,000 volunteers in honor of their beloved Emperor Meiji (established Shinto as the state religion) and Empress Shoken. The forest serves also to separate the sacred from the profane world.

Take a stroll along the paths and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty. Then, you will notice the impressive Sake Barrel Wall along the South Approach, which features offerings from sake breweries and believers across Japan, including barrels of sake and Western liquor, reflecting Emperor Meiji's fondness for Western culture. At the main hall of Meiji Shrine, you can witness locals washing their hands and rinsing their mouths at Purification Font before worship as a sign of respect. You can offer a 5-yen coin (symbolizing a connection) like locals and pray for blessings. In the eyes of the Japanese, Meiji Shrine is considered to have such boundless capabilities, from naming ceremonies for newborns, to coming-of-age ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, seek marriage partners, pray for world peace, family well-being, safe travels, good health, warding off calamity, etc. In addition to immersing yourself in Japanese Shinto traditions and architecture, revel in the enchanting surroundings filled with lush trees, serene ponds, graceful bridges, and stone pathways that epitomize the essence of traditional Japanese garden art. You should visit here to enjoy the vibrant bloom of cherry blossoms in spring, the verdant beauty of summer, the fiery hues of autumn leaves, and the serene snowy landscapes of winter.

Tips for Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine:

• Wear modest clothing: Respect the sacred nature of the shrine by dressing appropriately.
• Be mindful of noise levels: Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
• Inner Garden (Optional; self-pay; once Imperial Property), and Meiji Jingu Museum (Optional; self-pay; items used by the imperial couple).

After that, you can explore Tsukiji Fish Market (Now Toyosu Market). Tsukiji Fish Market was once the world's largest fish market, famous for its tuna auctions. However, in 2018, it relocated to a new, larger facility called Toyosu Market. You can still enjoy fresh seafood (sashimi, sushi, or seafood rice bowls), purchase kitchenware, and learn about a variety of seafood, including the characteristics, cooking methods, and nutritional value of different types of seafood.

Then, head to Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple), a must-visit for anyone traveling to Tokyo. Here, you can experience the heart of old Tokyo and its vibrant atmosphere. You can take photos that frame Senso-ji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree;(Japan's Tallest Tower; 634 meters) together.

Senso-ji Temple was built in 628 AD and has a history of over 1300 years, making it one of Japan's oldest temples. It not only witnesses Japan's historical changes but also carries a rich Buddhist culture. The architectural style of Senso-ji Temple blends Japanese traditional culture and art, with rich colors and exquisite carvings. The main buildings include the main gate (Kaminarimon; a landmark of Tokyo), the bell tower, the Five-story Pagoda (a landmark of Tokyo), and the main hall, all reflecting ancient Japanese architectural style and religious beliefs.

Kaminarimon is the iconic structure of Senso-ji Temple, towering at 11.7 meters high and 21.7 meters wide, truly spectacular. Giant Red Lanterns hang in front of the gate, with the words "Kaminarimon" prominently displayed. Kaminarimon is not only a symbol of Senso-ji Temple but also one of Tokyo's most famous landmarks. You may have seen the work of Utagawa Hiroshige, one of the "Three Greats of Ukiyo-e," in his piece "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo: Asakusa Kaminarimon," depicting a snowy scene of the Kaminarimon gate, celebrated for its delicate portrayal and profound imagery, becoming a masterpiece of Ukiyo-e art. The area is bustling, and crowded with people coming to pray and seek blessings for health, peace, and happiness. Around Senso-ji Temple, you can taste various Japanese cuisines, purchase unique souvenirs, and participate in various celebratory activities.

End your day with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), making it the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. From its observation decks, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. The Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, at 350 meters above ground, features massive 5-meter-high glass windows offering 360-degree views, allowing visitors to see from the base of SKYTREE up to 70 kilometers away in the distance. For an even more spectacular experience, take the glass-enclosed tube from floor 445 to 450 to reach the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria. This highest observation point creates such an immersive experience that you'll feel as if you're walking through the sky itself.

Evening Free Time Ideas:

Shibuya: Shibuya embodies Tokyo's youthful energy and vibrant nightlife, making it perfect for evening exploration. Experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections on the planet. It's particularly mesmerizing at night when neon lights and billboards bathe the area in a colorful glow.

Ginza's High-End Shopping: Wander through the elegant streets of Ginza, where luxury boutiques and flagship stores - Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci - line the boulevards. Even without shopping, the artfully crafted window displays offer a visual feast.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo to Fuji Kawaguchiko Country Club, located near the shores of Lake Kawaguchi - one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes. Situated at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, the club offers cool, pleasant weather in summer and is an ideal destination for both golf and sightseeing.

Many holes provide direct, panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. On clear days, the snow-capped peak creates a stunning backdrop, making this one of Japan’s celebrated “Fuji view” golf courses. The natural surroundings combine water, forest, and grasslands, with each season offering unique, photogenic scenery: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowy Mt. Fuji in winter.

Fujikawaguchiko Country Club is a 27-hole course designed by renowned architects Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. The East and South nines are especially acclaimed, forming an exceptional 18-hole experience known for its strategic layout and challenges. Precision iron shots and careful course management are required, as there are 195 well-placed bunkers - among the most at any course in Japan.

The course is expertly routed over gentle, forested terrain, making full use of the natural landscape. The trees and greenery create a tranquil atmosphere while presenting strategic challenges for golfers. After your round, you can relax in the clubhouse, which is inspired by a mountain villa and offers a welcoming retreat.

After the golf experience, be escorted back to your hotel in Tokyo downtown area.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Tokyo as your 5-day Japan Golf Tour comes to an end. Today, our driver will escort you to the airport for your departure, depending on your flight schedule.

Golf Trip Extension:

If you’d like to continue your golf experience in other destinations in Japan - such as Kyoto, Osaka, 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!