Japan Golf Booking Guide: How to Secure Tee Times, Understand Course Groups, and Plan a Perfect Mt. Fuji Golf Trip
- 768miramar
- Dec 9
- 11 min read
Japan is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most sophisticated golf destinations—not only for its dramatic landscapes, but also for its precision, etiquette, and highly organized course operations.However, Japan’s reservation system is far more complex than in Europe or Southeast Asia. Different course groups follow different rules, many top-tier clubs require member introductions, and seasonal demand can drastically limit availability.
This guide explains everything an overseas golfer needs to know, including:
• How Japan’s golf reservation system works• The differences between major course groups• Which Mt. Fuji / Gotemba / Hakone courses are open, restricted, or members-only• How to secure tee times at the most popular courses• The ideal 5-day, 3-round routing around Mount Fuji
Whether you are planning your first trip to Japan or looking to upgrade your next golf holiday, this guide gives you a clear, practical roadmap.
1 — Japanese Golf Booking System
1. Overview: How Golf Reservations Work in Japan
(From easiest to most difficult)
Japan’s tee time system can be divided into five categories based on how accessible they are:
a. Course Websites (Most direct)
Suitable for: Open-access courses (PGM, Accordia, independent courses)Limitations: Mostly Japanese-only pages, often require a Japanese phone number or credit card.
Benefits:• Transparent pricing• Shows all available dates• Clear cancellation rules• Morning and afternoon rounds displayed
However:Popular courses fill up instantly on weekends.
b. Japanese Booking Platforms (GDO, Rakuten GORA, 1-Person Reservation)
These platforms are extremely important for overseas golfers.
GDO – Largest selection, very detailedRakuten GORA – Good promotions and easy interface1-Person Reservation – Best for single-player matching in Japan
Limitations:• Usually require a Japanese phone number to register• Japanese reading ability required• Many courses do NOT offer visitor slots
Success rate for booking Mt. Fuji premium courses through platforms = very low.
c. Official Member Systems (PGM / Accordia Apps)
Provide discounted rates and special member-only slots—but overseas users generally cannot register.
Common issues:• System rejects foreign phone numbers• Some credit cards are not accepted• Bookings get canceled because the confirmation phone call cannot reach the guest
d. Travel Agencies / Booking Services（Most used by overseas guests）
Ideal for:• Overseas visitors• Groups• Those needing multiple courses + transportation + accommodation
Advantages:• Japanese-language communication• Exact knowledge of when each course releases visitor slots• Ability to coordinate 3–4 courses with routing• Can handle weather issues or last-minute changes
Most Mt. Fuji / Gotemba / Hakone golfers ultimately rely on this method.
e. Members-Only Clubs（Strict rules, hardest to book）
These clubs follow traditional Japanese golf culture:
• Member-accompanied only• Member introduction required• Corporate member access only• Tournament-only days
Success rate for overseas golfers booking directly = near zerounless the club opens a small number of visitor slots.
A full list of Mt. Fuji–area member clubs appears later.
2. Japan’s Major Golf Course Groups & What Makes Them Different
（PGM、Accordia、Prince、Member Only）
Japan’s golf courses can be categorized by the groups or organizations that operate them.
This classification is the foundation for understanding price differences, booking difficulty, visitor access, and overall course character.
a. PGM (Pacific Golf Management)
One of Japan’s largest open-access groups, operating a wide range of courses nationwide.
Characteristics:• Easy to book• Transparent pricing• Standardized facilities• Most visitor-friendly on weekdays• Limited weekend slots
In the Mt. Fuji region, PGM courses are generally entry-level to mid-tier—ideal for the first or second round of a trip.
b. Accordia Golf
Japan’s largest course operator with the widest distribution.
Strengths:• Stable quality• Consistent pricing• Clear booking procedures• Convenient locations
Limitations:• Weekend slots extremely limited• Fewer “trophy” or elite courses compared to other groups
Accordia suits most traveling golfers, especially for weekday rounds.
c. Prince Golf Resorts
This group operates Japan’s iconic destination-style luxury courses, often attached to resort hotels under Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts.
Representative courses:• Kawana Hotel Golf Course – Fuji Course (world-class, historic venue)• Kawana Hotel Golf Course – Oshima Course• Hakone Lake Side Golf Course
Characteristics:• Spectacular scenery (ocean, coastline, Mt. Fuji)• Seamless hotel–golf integration• Highly attractive to overseas golfers• Some courses prioritize hotel guests for tee times
Prince courses frequently become highlights within Mt. Fuji itineraries.
d. Members-Only Prestige Clubs
The top tier of Japanese golf culture—exclusive, tradition-driven, and often linked to professional tournaments.
These clubs typically require:• Member accompaniment• Member referral• Corporate membership• Special invitation or designated tournament days
Representative prestige clubs around Mt. Fuji, Gotemba, and Hakone include:
• Fujizakura Country Club (Fuji) – Renowned championship course• Fuji Country Club (Gotemba) – Historic and highly exclusive• Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course – Tournament venue, extremely limited visitor slots• Hakone Country Club – Elite membership community• Narusawa Golf Club – Forest-lined premium semi-private club (very limited access)
These represent the “dream courses” for many golfers, but reservations are significantly restricted.
3. Complete Classification of Golf Courses Around Mt. Fuji
(The most practical way for visitors to understand quality & booking difficulty)
The Mt. Fuji–Gotemba–Hakone region is one of Japan’s richest golf areas, but the courses vary widely in access level, quality, and booking rules.For overseas golfers, the easiest way to understand the region is by dividing courses into four categories:
Category 1: Open-Access Courses (Easiest to Book, Visitor-Friendly)
Suitable for: first-round warm-up, mixed-skill groups, weekday play.
Representative courses:• Sanko Golf Club Fuji Course• Gotemba Country Club• Fuji Chisun Country Club• Susono Country Club• River Fuji Country Club• Asagiri Country Club
Characteristics:• Visitor slots available year-round• Reasonable pricing• Stable maintenance• Best for groups with different skill levels• Commonly used for Day 1 or Day 2 of a trip
These courses form the foundation for most Mt. Fuji itineraries.
Category 2: Resort Courses (Scenic, High-Quality, International-Friendly)
These courses often integrate with hotels and are popular among overseas travelers.
Representative courses:• Kawana Hotel Golf Course – Fuji Course• Kawana Hotel Golf Course – Oshima Course• Hakone Lake Side Golf Course
Characteristics:• Spectacular ocean, coastline, or Mt. Fuji views• Strong resort atmosphere• High maintenance standards• Hotel-stay priority for tee times• Ideal as a “highlight round”
These courses enhance the premium feel of a 5-day itinerary.
Category 3: Prestige & Members-Only Clubs（Strict, Limited, Highest Quality）
The most exclusive clubs around Mt. Fuji, difficult to access for visitors.
Representative clubs:• Fujizakura Country Club (Kawaguchiko)• Fuji Country Club (Gotemba)• Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course• Hakone Country Club• Narusawa Golf Club
Characteristics:• Primarily for members and corporate guests• Very few visitor slots• Championship-level maintenance• High etiquette, strict pace management• Strong cultural significance
These courses are often considered “bucket list” venues, requiring advance planning and often a specialized booking channel.
4. Practical Reservation Tips for Overseas Golfers
(What you must know before requesting tee times)
Japan’s reservation system differs from most countries.Visitor slots are limited, and premium courses often fill up the moment the booking window opens.To increase the success rate for a 3-round Mt. Fuji trip, overseas golfers should prepare the following information.
1. Provide a flexible date range
A minimum of 3–5 acceptable days dramatically increases booking success.Mt. Fuji and Gotemba courses often release very limited visitor slots, especially during peak seasons.
2. Indicate whether you “must play” specific courses
Top-tier clubs such as:
• Kawana Fuji• Taiheiyo Club Gotemba• Fujizakura CC• Narusawa• Fuji Country Club
offer extremely limited visitor access.
If you can accept equivalent alternatives (e.g., Gotemba CC, Sanko Fuji Course, Hakone Lakeside),the itinerary becomes far more secure and logistically efficient.
3. Confirm cart and caddie preferences
Each club has different rules:
• Some are self-cart only• Some require ride-on carts• Some offer caddie-only play• Some have limited caddie availability
Providing your preference early helps avoid rebooking or cancellations.
4. Consider budget variations due to season
Japan’s pricing fluctuates by:
• High season (cherry blossom / autumn foliage)• Weekend vs. weekday• Course group policies• Tournament periods• Resort vs. public courses
Premium courses during peak season may cost significantly more than weekday rounds.
5. Share your group composition & skill differences
Japanese clubs enforce strict pace-of-play rules.If your group has wide skill gaps, the booking agent may adjust course difficulty or pairings to avoid course penalties.
5. Cost Structure of Golf Courses in Japan
(Understanding how fees are calculated)
Unlike many countries that package green fees into a single price,Japan’s golf courses use a multi-component fee structure.This varies by region, season, and course group.
Below is a clear breakdown of the most common cost items overseas golfers will encounter.
1. Weekday vs. Weekend Pricing
Japan has significant price differences between weekdays and weekends.
• Weekdays: standard, more affordable• Weekends / public holidays: higher rates, fewer visitor slots
Popular Mt. Fuji and Gotemba courses may fill their entire weekend inventory on release day.
2. Lunch Inclusion (or not)
Many Japanese courses include lunch in the fee, but not always—especially in:
• Peak seasons• Resort courses• Member-focused clubs• Tournament periods
Lunch options are typically Japanese-style set meals priced 1,800–2,500 JPY per person when not included.
3. 2-Ball / 3-Ball Surcharges
Japan’s standard grouping is 4 players per flight.If your group plays as:
• 2-ball → surcharge applies• 3-ball → sometimes surcharge applies• 4-ball → no surcharge
This reflects Japan’s pace-of-play and fairness policies.
4. Cart Type (Self-cart vs. Ride-on)
Japan uses two major systems:
a. Self-cart (no steering wheel)
• Automated paths• Remote-controlled• Most common around Mt. Fuji
b. Ride-on cart
• More comfortable• Limited to certain courses• Often more expensive
Some high-end courses (e.g., Kawana Fuji) allow walking with caddies only.
5. Caddie Fees
Caddie availability varies significantly:
• Some courses are caddie-only• Some offer both options• Some are cart-only, no caddie service
Caddie fees typically range from 3,500–6,000 JPY per person depending on season and course.
6. Winter Maintenance Fees
At high-elevation courses near Mt. Fuji,winter brings:
• Frost delays• Possible temporary greens• Snow-related maintenance fees
These may affect playability and cost structure.
6. How Japan’s Four Seasons Affect Golf Reservations
Seasonality has a significant impact on both tee time availability and course conditions.
Understanding these patterns is essential for planning a successful Mt. Fuji golf trip.
1. March–April: Cherry Blossom Season (Peak Demand)
• One of the busiest seasons in Japan• Courses near Mt. Fuji fill up extremely fast• Prime weekends may have no visitor slots• Prices are higher than average• Weather can still be cool at higher elevations
Recommendation:Book 6–10 weeks in advance if possible.
2. May–June: Ideal Temperatures, Stable Conditions
• One of the best times for golf• Comfortable temperatures• High success rate for reservations• Course conditions typically excellent
This period is highly recommended for overseas golfers.
3. July–August: Summer Season
• Hot and humid, especially at lower elevations• Many courses promote early-morning tee times• Afternoon rounds may be uncomfortable• Mt. Fuji–area courses remain cooler due to elevation
Recommendation:Choose higher-elevation courses for comfort.
4. September–November: Autumn Foliage (Most Competitive Season)
• Considered by many the best golf season in Japan• Foliage around Mt. Fuji and Hakone is spectacular• Visitor slots become extremely limited• Prices reach their yearly peak• Courses may host tournaments
Recommendation:For premium courses like Taiheiyo Gotemba or Fujizakura,expect very limited availability.
5. December–February: Winter Season
• Higher-elevation courses may close temporarily• Frost delays common• Clear skies offer the best Mt. Fuji views• Lower-priced weekday rounds available• Resort courses (Kawana, Hakone) remain playable
Winter is the best time for photography-heavy golf trips,but not ideal for strict schedule planning.
Seasonal Summary
Season | Difficulty | Weather | Best For |
Mar–Apr | Very High | Cool | Cherry blossom trips |
May–Jun | Moderate | Ideal | Most recommended |
Jul–Aug | Moderate | Hot | High-elevation courses |
Sep–Nov | Very High | Perfect | Premium golf & foliage |
Dec–Feb | Low–High | Cold | Scenic value & budget |
Understanding seasonal patterns helps set realistic expectations and ensures smoother planning.
7. The Ideal 5-Day, 3-Round Golf Route Around Mt. Fuji
(South → East → North | Smooth routing with no backtracking)
The most reliable and efficient way to play three rounds around Mt. Fuji is to follow the mountain’s natural geography.This routing minimizes travel time, increases booking success, and creates a natural progression in course difficulty.
Day 1 — Arrival in Tokyo → Stay in Fujinomiya (Southern Base)
Fujinomiya lies directly on the southern foothills of Mt. Fuji,making it the most efficient starting point.After arrival, guests transfer directly to the hotel and rest before the first round.
Why start here:• Shortest transfer from Tokyo• Ideal for recovery after a long flight• Best launch point for the south-side warm-up round
Day 2 — South Side Courses (Warm-Up Round)
Southern courses offer wide fairways, friendly layouts, and relaxed rhythm—perfect as the first round of the trip.
Recommended courses:• River Fuji Country Club• Asagiri Country Club• Sanko Golf Club Fuji Course (alternative warm-up)
After the round:Transfer along the natural route toward Gotemba / Susono on the east side.
Where to stay:Gotemba City or Susono business hotels.
Day 3 — East Side Courses (Mid-Level Challenge)
Gotemba and Susono sit at higher elevation, offering stronger layouts and more strategic holes.Day 3 becomes the “progression round” of the trip.
Recommended courses:• Gotemba Country Club• Susono Country Club• Fuji Chisan Country Club
After the round:Continue north toward Lake Kawaguchi, entering the forest-side resort area.
Where to stay:A Kawaguchiko onsen hotel (dinner included is recommended).
Day 4 — North Side Premium Course: Sanko Golf Club – Fuji Course
(Or Fujizakura / Narusawa for upgraded groups)
The northern area is known for its forest-lined fairways, dry climate, and iconic Mt. Fuji backdrops.This is the ideal region for the “signature round” of the itinerary.
Recommended premium courses:• Sanko Golf Club – Fuji Course (standard highlight)• Fujizakura Country Club（upgrade option）• Narusawa Golf Club（upgrade option）
Why here on Day 4:• Higher quality layout• Stronger difficulty• Best views of Mt. Fuji• Fits perfectly after two warm-up rounds
Guests stay one more night in Kawaguchiko and enjoy the hot spring resort atmosphere.
Day 5 — Return to Tokyo or Upgrade to a Signature Final Round
Depending on schedule and flight times, guests can:
Option A — Return to Tokyo / Airport
Recommended for morning flights.
Option B — Final Premium Upgrade (Additional Fee)
For groups wanting a memorable ending:
• Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course（extremely limited visitor slots）• Fuji Country Club（historic member club）• Hakone Country Club（prestige-level）
These courses serve as a “trophy round” to close the trip.
Why This Routing Works
This 5-day structure is used by most successful golf groups because:
• No backtracking• Logical elevation progression• Increasing course difficulty• Smooth hotel transitions• Best chance of securing three tee times• Optimal balance between golf + sightseeing
8. How to Plan the Perfect Golf Trip in Japan
but also its distinctive culture, etiquette, rhythm management, and course operations.
Understanding the reservation rules, seasonal patterns, and course categories is the key to a smooth and successful trip.
For overseas golfers, the most reliable approach is to:
1. Understand reservation windowsPopular courses—especially around Mt. Fuji—release visitor slots at specific times.Knowing these windows increases your chances of securing the course you want.
2. Provide flexible dates and acceptable alternativesHaving a three- to five-day range and allowing substitutions for similar-level coursesdramatically improves the probability of arranging three rounds.
3. Coordinate golf, hotels, and transportation togetherThe Mt. Fuji region spans multiple elevations and municipalities.A well-designed itinerary minimizes travel time and prevents unnecessary backtracking.
4. Decide if you want a “highlight course”Resort courses like Kawana Fuji and prestige clubs like Taiheiyo Gotembacan elevate the experience—but they require early planning and have strict access policies.
5. Use a booking partner familiar with Japan’s golf environmentLanguage barriers, phone verification, and club-specific rulesmake it difficult for overseas guests to book independently.A local partner can secure access, recommend proper routing,and handle weather changes or last-minute adjustments.
Planning Summary
A perfect Japan golf trip combines:• The right season• Thoughtful routing• Realistic expectations• Advance planning• Knowledge of club policies• And a blend of scenic, mid-level, and premium rounds
With the proper structure, Mt. Fuji offers one of Asia’s most memorable three-round golf experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can overseas golfers book Japanese golf courses on their own?
Yes, but it depends on the course.Open-access courses (PGM, Accordia, independent clubs) can sometimes be booked through their websites or Japanese platforms, but many require a Japanese phone number, local credit card, or Japanese-language support.Prestige clubs such as Taiheiyo Gotemba, Fujizakura, Narusawa, and Fuji Country Club rarely accept direct visitor bookings and usually require a member introduction or local booking partner.
2. Which Mt. Fuji–area courses are the hardest to book?
The most difficult courses to secure for visitors include:• Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course• Fujizakura Country Club• Narusawa Golf Club• Fuji Country Club• Hakone Country Club
These clubs have very limited visitor slots and prioritize members or corporate guests.
3. Why is the recommended routing South → East → North?
This route follows the natural geography of Mt. Fuji, avoiding backtracking and ensuring smooth daily travel.It also creates a natural progression:• South side = warm-up• East side = mid-level challenge• North side = premium forest-style coursesThis structure improves booking success and ensures better energy management for the group.
4. What is included in a typical Japanese green fee?
Green fees in Japan vary widely and often include:• Course access• Cart (self or ride-on, depending on club)• Optional lunch (not always included)• Seasonal pricing differences• Possible surcharges for 2-ball or 3-ball play• Optional caddie fees (if available)
Japan uses a multi-component pricing system rather than a single flat fee.
5. How can overseas golfers increase the success rate of their tee time requests?
To improve booking success, it is recommended to:• Provide a flexible 3–5 day range• Accept equivalent alternative courses• Avoid peak seasons when possible• Plan hotels and transport together with routing• Avoid requesting prestige clubs on the first day• Use a Japanese-speaking booking partner familiar with course policies
This preparation significantly improves the chances of securing three rounds in ideal order.