The Rising Sun Vault

Japan Top 10

The world's second-largest golf market. Home to the legendary legacy of C.H. Alison. Meticulously maintained fairways, deep-rooted traditions, and the most exclusive private enclaves in Asia.

2,300+ Courses Nationwide
#37 World — Hirono
Iconic Mount Fuji Views

The Alison Legacy and the Art of Japanese Golf

While the game arrived in Japan in 1901, it was the 1930 visit of British architect C.H. Alison that defined its soul. Alison brought the "Alison Bunker" — deep, intimidating hazards that became a hallmark of the Japanese aesthetic. Today, Japanese golf is a unique blend of absolute precision, rigid etiquette, and some of the world's most spectacular natural settings. Access to the top tier remains one of golf's greatest challenges, but the reward is an experience unlike any other on earth.

2
Global Top 100
#37
Hirono World Rank
5
C.H. Alison Classics
1932
Hirono Opening Year
15th
Famous Hole at Kawana

The Absolute Elite

The three courses that anchor Japan's global reputation. Steeped in history and notoriously difficult to access.

Hirono Golf Club
JAPAN #1

Hirono Golf Club

Hyogo Prefecture

C.H. Alison, 1932 • Par 72

#37 World — Golf Magazine

Official Club Site Ultra-Private — Member Required

Often called "The Pine Valley of Japan." Alison's masterpiece features deep, jagged bunkers and a routing that flows seamlessly through the rolling pine forests.

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Kawana Fuji Course
JAPAN #2

Kawana Resort — Fuji Course

Shizuoka Prefecture

C.H. Alison, 1936 • Par 72

#62 World — Golf Magazine

Official Club Site Open to Resort Guests

The "Pebble Beach of Japan." Dramatic coastal cliffs above the Pacific with Mount Fuji looming in the distance. The 15th is one of the most photographed holes in Asia.

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Tokyo Golf Club
Photo: Taku Miyamoto
JAPAN #3

Tokyo Golf Club

Saitama Prefecture

Komyo Ohtani, 1940 • Par 72

Host of 7 Japan Opens

Official Club Site Private — Members Only

The center of Japan's golfing establishment. A stern, championship test that has hosted more national opens than any other venue.

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The Alison Classics

The courses that define the golden age of Japanese architecture.

Naruo Golf Club
Photo: Taku Miyamoto
JAPAN #4

Naruo Golf Club

Hyogo Prefecture

C.H. Alison, 1930 • Par 70

#75 World — Golf Digest

Official Club Site Private — Highly Restricted

Famous for its tiny, elevated greens and penal bunkering. A short but incredibly tactical course that demands precision over power.

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Kasumigaseki East
Photo: Koji Aoki / AFLO
JAPAN #5

Kasumigaseki CC — East Course

Saitama Prefecture

C.H. Alison, 1929 • Par 71

2020 Olympic Venue

Official Club Site Private — Invitation Only

Host of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Recently renovated by Tom Fazio to bring the classic Alison design into the modern championship era.

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Kawana Oshima Course
JAPAN #8

Kawana Resort — Oshima Course

Shizuoka Prefecture

Komyo Ohtani, 1928 • Par 70

The Original Coastal Classic

Official Club Site Open to Resort Guests

The elder sibling to the Fuji Course. A shorter, more traditional layout that offers equally stunning Pacific views without the extreme elevation changes.

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Modern Titans & Regional Masters

The expansion of Japanese excellence into new territories and modern design philosophies.

Yokohama West
JAPAN #6

Yokohama CC — West Course

Kanagawa Prefecture

Coore & Crenshaw (Redesign), 2016

Top 10 in Japan

Official Club Site Private — Invitation Only

A massive redesign by Coore & Crenshaw transformed this into one of Japan's most modern and strategic examinations.

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Oarai Golf Club
JAPAN #7

Oarai Golf Club

Ibaraki Prefecture

Seiichi Inoue, 1953 • Par 72

Infamous Coastal Winds

Official Club Site Semi-Private — Inquire Within

A brutal test of golf on the Pacific coast. Inoue used the natural sea breezes and dense pine forests to create a course that requires absolute ball control.

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Abiko Golf Club
Photo: Taku Miyamoto
JAPAN #9

Abiko Golf Club

Chiba Prefecture

Rokuro Akaboshi, 1930 • Par 72

Pre-War Classic

Official Club Site Private — Members Only

One of the most historic clubs in Chiba. Known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere and a course that has stood the test of time.

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Hokkaido Classic
JAPAN #10

Hokkaido Classic Golf Club

Hokkaido

Jack Nicklaus, 1991 • Par 72

Best in Northern Japan

Official Club Site Open to Visitors

Jack Nicklaus's tribute to Muirfield Village in the north of Japan. Immaculate conditioning and a challenging, modern layout.

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