Great Matsushima Country Club: A Review for International Golfers

Great Matsushima Country Club is one of Miyagi's more distinctive courses, drawing on the region's dramatic terrain and crisp air. The hillside layout offers varied elevation changes and panoramic views, and the uncrowded fairways give the round a relaxed rhythm rarely found closer to Japan's big cities. Worth planning a round around if you are in the area.

🇯🇵 Japanese name: 松島国際カントリークラブ

The Course

Great Matsushima Country Club is a 18-hole Hillside / Parkland course in Miyagi. Elevation changes define the character of the layout, with several tee shots requiring players to factor in the slope. 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: 黒川 City, Miyagi Prefecture
• 💴 Price range: ¥52,004,000–¥105,008,819
• 🚗 Getting there: ~60 min from Sendai
• 🏌️ Type: Hillside / Parkland, 1872 holes
• 📅 Booking: Rakuten GORA or GDO

實用資訊（繁體中文） — 松島国際カントリークラブ

• 📍 地點： 黒川郡，宮城縣
• 💴 費用範圍： ¥52,004,000–¥105,008,819
• 🚗 交通方式： 約~60 min from 仙台
• 🏌️ 類型： 丘陵，1872洞
• 📅 預訂： Rakuten GORA 或 GDO

实用信息（简体中文） — 松島国際カントリークラブ

• 📍 地点： 黒川郡，宫城县
• 💴 费用范围： ¥52,004,000–¥105,008,819
• 🚗 交通方式： 约~60 min from 仙台
• 🏌️ 类型： 丘陵，1872洞
• 📅 预订： Rakuten GORA 或 GDO

실용 정보（한국어） — 松島国際カントリークラブ

• 📍 위치： 黒川郡，미야기현
• 💴 요금대： ¥52,004,000–¥105,008,819
• 🚗 교통： ~60 min from 센다이
• 🏌️ 코스 유형： 구릉형，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

Great Matsushima Country Club is located in Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku. The most convenient gateway is Sendai Airport or Sendai Station (Shinkansen, 90 minutes from Tokyo). From there, the course is accessible via the Tohoku Expressway or Sanriku Expressway — most visitors find a rental car the most practical option for flexibility throughout the day.

If you are combining golf with sightseeing, Matsushima Bay (one of Japan’s three views) and Sendai’s Tanabata Festival 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 Tohoku. 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 Tohoku. 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 Tohoku 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 Great Matsushima Country Club?

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 Great Matsushima Country Club?

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

Tohoku offers a compelling combination of quality golf and sightseeing. Combining a round at Great Matsushima Country Club with local highlights — Matsushima Bay (one of Japan’s three views) and Sendai’s Tanabata Festival — makes for one of the more complete Japan travel experiences available to the visiting golfer.