Kyushu and Okinawa offer some of the most spectacular golf settings in Japan. From the volcanic caldera landscape around Mount Aso to the subtropical coastline of Okinawa, this region plays nothing like the manicured parkland typical of courses near Tokyo. It is raw, dramatic, and genuinely memorable. Here are our top picks for foreign visitors playing golf in Kyushu and Okinawa.
1. Aoshima Golf Club: Subtropical Golf Near the Famous Island Shrine
Golfer Rating: 4.2 / 5
Subtropical golf near Aoshima Island — the highest-rated course in Kyushu, with a strategic pond-lined layout and outstanding scenery.
2. Aso Ozu Golf Club: Caldera Edge Golf Near Japan’s Greatest Volcano
Golfer Rating: 3.9 / 5
Caldera-edge golf near Japan’s greatest volcano — an extraordinary setting that no other course in Japan can match.
3. Beppu no Mori Golf Club: Forest Golf in Japan’s Hot Spring Capital
Golfer Rating: 3.9 / 5
Forest golf in Japan’s hot spring capital, Beppu — combine your round with an onsen for the perfect Kyushu day.
4. Huis Ten Bosch Country Club: Dutch-Themed Resort Golf in Nagasaki
Golfer Rating: 3.9 / 5
A Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at Huis Ten Bosch resort in Nagasaki — tournament-quality golf in a Dutch-themed setting.
5. Kikuchi Country Club: Spa Country Golf Above the Kikuchi River Valley
Golfer Rating: 3.8 / 5
Excellent value in the Kumamoto spa country, with fast greens and a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere.
Kyushu and Okinawa are ideal golf destinations for visitors who want something beyond a standard course experience. The combination of extraordinary landscapes, hot spring towns, excellent local food, and warm hospitality makes this region worth building a trip around. Fukuoka is the natural entry point, with Okinawa easily accessible by short domestic flight.
All courses listed have been reviewed independently. Ratings reflect golfer reviews and on-site experience. Green fees and conditions change — always check directly with the course before booking.
Getting There
Best Golf Courses in Kyushu and Okinawa is located in Japan Prefecture, Japan. The most convenient gateway is the nearest major airport or Shinkansen station. From there, the course is accessible via the local expressway network — most visitors find a rental car the most practical option for flexibility throughout the day.
If you are combining golf with sightseeing, local sightseeing attractions make it an easy addition to your itinerary. Allow extra time for scenic detours, especially in spring and autumn when the roads through the prefecture are at their most beautiful.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Green fees: Typical all-in rates (including cart and lunch) are around ¥10,000–¥18,000 per person. Rates are typical for the region. Weekday tee times offer the best value.
- Booking: Reserve in advance via GDO or GORA by Rakuten. Both platforms accept international credit cards. Weekend slots book up quickly — aim for at least one week ahead.
- Caddies: Caddie availability varies by day and season. Confirm when booking whether a caddie is assigned or optional. Caddie fees (typically ¥4,000–¥6,000 per bag) are paid separately at the end of the round.
- Shoes: Soft spikes or spikeless shoes are mandatory. Metal spikes are not permitted at any golf course in Japan.
- Dress code: Collared shirts and non-denim trousers or tailored shorts are standard. Check the course website for specific requirements.
- Lunch: A sit-down lunch break at the 9-hole turn is included in almost all green fee packages. This is a non-negotiable part of the Japanese golf day and is one of its genuine pleasures.
When to Play
Spring (late March – May) and Autumn (October – November) are the prime seasons for golf in Japan. Temperatures are comfortable, course conditions are at their best, and the surrounding scenery — cherry blossoms in spring, foliage in autumn — makes for a memorable round.
Summer brings heat and humidity to most of Japan. Early morning tee times (from 6:00 am at many courses) allow you to complete the round before the afternoon heat peaks. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plan for significant fluid intake during the round.
Winter sees lower green fees and easy availability. Conditions vary depending on how far north the course is — coastal courses in Japan are often playable through January and February, while higher-elevation layouts may close or operate on dormant-grass conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Japanese to play at Best Golf Courses in Kyushu and Okinawa?
Not necessarily. Most course check-in procedures are manageable with a booking confirmation number and basic gestures. Having your booking details printed or clearly displayed on your phone helps the reception staff process your arrival efficiently. A caddie or starter will guide you through the day’s logistics on the course.
Can I rent clubs at Best Golf Courses in Kyushu and Okinawa?
Rental clubs are available at most courses in Japan, including the majority of courses in Japan Prefecture. Contact the course directly when booking to confirm availability and reserve in advance if possible, particularly on weekends. Expect to pay ¥2,000–¥5,000 for a full rental set.
Is Japan worth visiting for golf specifically?
Japan offers a compelling combination of quality golf and sightseeing. Combining a round at Best Golf Courses in Kyushu and Okinawa with local highlights — local sightseeing attractions — makes for one of the more complete Japan travel experiences available to the visiting golfer.
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