Play World-Class Golf Near Tokyo — Complete Guide to Taiheiyo Club

Taiheiyo Club Konan Course

For many international golfers, Tokyo is more than shopping and cuisine — it is also the perfect gateway to Japan’s top golf courses. Taiheiyo Club operates 18 prestigious courses across the country, with several located close to Tokyo. This means even if you are only staying a few days, you can still enjoy world-class golf with convenient day trips.

One unique feature of golf in Japan is the “full-day style” of play. Most courses are located about an hour outside the city, and it is customary to take a one-hour lunch break between the front and back nine. While this makes golf an all-day activity, it also creates an immersive, unhurried experience. By the time you return to Tokyo, the day flows perfectly into dinner, drinks, and the vibrant nightlife. For balance, we recommend taking one or two non-golf days during your trip, so you can sleep in, shop in Omotesando, explore Asakusa Temple, or even catch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome.

Recommended Taiheiyo Club Courses Near Tokyo

Taiheiyo Club Konan (Saitama)Konan hosted the 2015 Japan PGA Championship and remains a player favorite. The parkland design features gentle undulations, fast greens, and immaculately maintained fairways. Located about 80 km from central Tokyo, it is an easy day trip — just 38 minutes by Shinkansen to Kumagaya Station, followed by a short club shuttle or taxi ride. Private transport takes about 80 minutes directly. With an early tee time, you can return to Tokyo by mid-afternoon.

Taiheiyo Club Minori (Ibaraki)Minori is one of the host venues of the prestigious TOTO Classic (2016, 2017, 2020), a co-sanctioned Japan LPGA and US LPGA event. It is a tree-lined course with wide rolling greens that require precision on every approach. From Tokyo Station, it takes about 57 minutes by train to Ishioka Station plus a 15-minute taxi or shuttle. By private transfer, the journey is about 85 minutes, making it a convenient choice for small groups.

Taiheiyo Club Narita (Chiba)Designed by Gary Player, Narita is a hilly, tournament-tested course with several iconic and memorable back-nine holes. Located just 15 minutes from Narita International Airport, it is perfect for a first or last round of your trip. Private transport takes about one hour from central Tokyo, while the Narita Express train delivers you to the airport in 50 minutes, followed by a short taxi ride to the course.

Taiheiyo Club Yachiyo (Chiba)Taiheiyo’s newest acquisition, Yachiyo is less than 50 km east of Tokyo. Unlike most Japanese courses, it allows continuous play without the compulsory lunch break — saving you about an hour. With an early morning tee time, you could be back in Tokyo by lunchtime. It is a walking course, offering a traditional golf experience. Private transport takes about one hour from central Tokyo, though there are direct train connections as well.

Other Notable Taiheiyo Club Courses

While a bit farther from Tokyo, the following courses are also excellent options if time allows:

• Mashiko PGA (Tochigi): A beautifully maintained championship course often used for professional tournaments.

• Ichihara (Chiba): A hilly layout combining challenge and scenic beauty.

• Oarai Sherwood (Ibaraki): Famous for its seaside views and wooded fairways.

• Gotemba & Gotemba West (Shizuoka): Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, these are among Japan’s most internationally renowned courses.

Of these, Gotemba Main Course is the most frequently requested by overseas golfers. However, because of its membership system and strict booking conditions, availability is highly uncertain. For international visitors who want a secure and hassle-free trip, Konan, Minori, Narita, and Yachiyo remain the most reliable and accessible choices.

Even with just a short stay in Tokyo, you can still play some of Japan’s finest golf courses. The four highlighted Taiheiyo Club venues — Konan, Minori, Narita, and Yachiyo — are all within easy reach of the city, making them perfect for day trips. They guarantee world-class conditions, efficient access, and a memorable blend of golf and Tokyo’s incredible food, culture, and nightlife. For overseas golfers, this is the ultimate way to combine a golf holiday with the excitement of Japan’s capital.