Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido: A Review for International Golfers

Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido rises from the dramatic landscape of Hokkaido, where the scenery shifts with the seasons in spectacular fashion. The tree-lined layout winds through mature woodland, and the cooler temperatures make for some of the most comfortable summer golf in Japan. An excellent destination for those seeking something beyond the standard Tokyo or Osaka itinerary.

🇯🇵 Japanese name: 桂ゴルフ倶楽部

The Course

Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido is a 18-hole Forest / Parkland course in Hokkaido. Mature trees line every fairway, creating a natural corridor that demands straight driving and precise iron play. The greens are ベント (1グリーン) and play consistently through the season. Summer rounds in particular are exceptional — cool air, uncrowded fairways, and scenery that few courses in Japan can match.

Practical Info

• ⭐ Golfer Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.0
• 📍 Location: 苫小牧 City, Hokkaido Prefecture
• 💴 Price range: ¥1,620,013,610–¥1,670,014,064
• 🚗 Getting there: ~60 min from Sapporo
• 🏌️ Type: Forest / Parkland, 1872 holes
• 📅 Booking: Rakuten GORA or GDO

實用資訊（繁體中文） — 桂ゴルフ倶楽部

• 📍 地點： 苫小牧市，北海道
• 💴 費用範圍： ¥1,620,013,610–¥1,670,014,064
• 🚗 交通方式： 約~60 min from 札幌
• 🏌️ 類型： 林間，1872洞
• 📅 預訂： Rakuten GORA 或 GDO

实用信息（简体中文） — 桂ゴルフ倶楽部

• 📍 地点： 苫小牧市，北海道
• 💴 费用范围： ¥1,620,013,610–¥1,670,014,064
• 🚗 交通方式： 约~60 min from 札幌
• 🏌️ 类型： 林間，1872洞
• 📅 预订： Rakuten GORA 或 GDO

실용 정보（한국어） — 桂ゴルフ倶楽部

• 📍 위치： 苫小牧市，홋카이도
• 💴 요금대： ¥1,620,013,610–¥1,670,014,064
• 🚗 교통： ~60 min from 삿포로
• 🏌️ 코스 유형： 임간형，1872홀
• 📅 예약： Rakuten GORA 또는 GDO

🌐 Booking in English? This course can be reserved via BaiGolf — Rakuten GORA’s official English-language partner for international golfers in Japan.

Getting There

Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido is located in Hokkaido Prefecture, Hokkaido. The most convenient gateway is New Chitose Airport (direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and internationally). From there, the course is accessible via the Do-o Expressway — most visitors find a rental car the most practical option for flexibility throughout the day.

If you are combining golf with sightseeing, Sapporo’s Odori Park, the Hokkaido ski resorts, and the lavender fields of Furano 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 ¥15,000–¥25,000 per person. This is a premium course — book well in advance and expect first-class facilities and service.
• 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 Hokkaido. 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 Hokkaido. 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 Hokkaido 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 Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido?

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 Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido?

Rental clubs are available at most courses in Japan, including the majority of courses in Hokkaido 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 Hokkaido worth visiting for golf specifically?

Hokkaido offers a compelling combination of quality golf and sightseeing. Combining a round at Katsura Golf Club, Hokkaido with local highlights — Sapporo’s Odori Park, the Hokkaido ski resorts, and the lavender fields of Furano — makes for one of the more complete Japan travel experiences available to the visiting golfer.