Autumn Leaves and Tee Times: The Best Fall Golf Journeys in Japan
- 768miramar
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
Imagine this: autumn in Japan is already breathtaking, with mountains and valleys covered in crimson maples and golden ginkgo leaves, all under clear, crisp skies. It’s the most comfortable season of the year for golf. With temperatures around 10 to 18 degrees, it’s neither too hot nor too cold — just perfect for walking the course while soaking in the scenery.
If you had to pick one destination, Mt. Fuji and Gotemba would be at the top of the list. Standing on the fairway, you see the snowcapped peak of Mt. Fuji ahead of you, surrounded by fiery autumn leaves — it feels like playing golf inside a postcard. Courses like Fujizakura Country Club and Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West are pure joy in the fall. After your round, relax in a Kawaguchiko hot spring and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner — this is the good life.
Kyoto and Lake Biwa are just as rewarding. Spend the day at Seta Golf Course or Kyoto Golf Club, where the fairways are lined with autumn colors. In the evening, head back to the city to stroll through Kiyomizu-dera or Arashiyama, glowing under the night lights. This is the perfect blend of culture and golf.
Traveling further north, Sendai and Zao in Tohoku reach peak foliage earlier than Tokyo, usually around late October. Courses like Sendai Classic Golf Club and Zao Golf Club feel like they’re carved into the forest, with spectacular scenery all around. The hot spring inns there are charming, and dinners feature hearty Tohoku cuisine that warms you from the inside.
Then there’s Karuizawa and Nikko, where the higher elevation brings earlier colors. Entire valleys turn red, the air is brisk, and a round of golf feels especially refreshing.
For planning, the best season runs from mid-October to late November. Book at least two to three months in advance, as the most popular courses sell out quickly. The easiest way is to stay at onsen resorts — with dinner and hot springs included, you can focus on golf during the day and relax in the evening.
Take, for example, a five-day Mt. Fuji itinerary:
Day 1: From Tokyo to Gotemba, shopping at the Outlet, then overnight at a Kawaguchiko hot spring hotel.
Day 2: Play at Fujizakura Country Club, followed by a lake cruise in the afternoon.
Day 3: Play at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West, then visit Oshino Hakkai.
Day 4: Play at Sankyo Golf Club, transfer back to Tokyo, and stay overnight in the city.
Day 5: Take a morning stroll around Asakusa or Meiji Shrine before your airport transfer home.
In the end, autumn golf in Japan isn’t just about playing the game — it’s about stepping into a living painting. Every swing, every step, is spent enjoying the beauty of the season.
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