Japan’s misty mountain golf escape with a cultural soul.
For decades, Japan has lured Australians and New Zealanders to its pristine ski fields, impeccable hospitality and exquisite cuisine. But beyond the snowy peaks lies another wonder, one that is quietly emerging as a must-visit for discerning travellers: golf. And no destination embodies this shift more vividly than Shigaraki.
Nestled within Shiga Prefecture’s mist-shrouded valleys and ringed by the lush mountains of the Koga region, Shigaraki redefines Japan’s golf experience. Here, ancient history whispers through stands of pines while world-class fairways wind through dramatic terrain. In Shigaraki, 18 holes are never just about golf; they are about ceremony, tranquillity, beauty and the joy of experience.
For golfers who value not only a tee-time but also fine dining, comfort and cultural immersion, Shigaraki offers a rare fusion: championship-calibre golf with a rich and enduring soul.
While Japan’s ski slopes have long dominated the imagination of Australian travellers, Shigaraki is steadily becoming a destination for golf connoisseurs. Many of its immaculately kept courses have flown under the radar outside Japan – until now.
Golf in Japan is a refined, ceremonious affair. A round is treated with the same reverence as a kaiseki meal or a formal tea ceremony. Shoes are swapped for slippers in the clubhouse. A midday break for a gourmet bento lunch is an essential part of the rhythm of play. Caddies – who often have decades of experience – move with quiet precision, offering guidance that blends local knowledge with an almost zen-like calm.
In Shigaraki, this sense of tradition is magnified by its natural setting. Morning mist often lingers in the valleys, turning early tee-times and twilight rounds into cinematic moments. Playing here feels like stepping inside a living Japanese scroll painting.
When planning a golf itinerary, research on your destination is always a wise place to start. To make things a little easier, we have done some of the work for you. These are the courses that should top every visiting golfer’s list when visiting the region.
Tarao Country Club
One of Japan’s hidden golf treasures, Tarao offers two championship-calibre 18-hole courses: the East and West. The East is tighter and more strategic, while the West is more open, yet testing when the wind picks up. Both feature impeccably maintained bentgrass greens and fairways. Historically, this area served as a hiding place for Tokugawa Ieyasu, aided by the Koka ninja. In spring, blooming peonies – planted in tribute to the Tarao family crest – frame the fairways; in autumn, the foliage is spectacular. Renowned for its championship pedigree, Tarao’s West course earned the prestige of staging the Asia Final Qualifying for the 2025 US Open. The spotlight will shine even brighter in 2026, when the club hosts the Japan Open.
Shigaraki Country Club (Sugiyama course)
A true mountain masterpiece, the Sugiyama course is renowned for its elevation changes and panoramic vistas. Precision iron play is essential, with dramatic drops and uphill approaches keeping players engaged throughout. Every walk between holes offers a new view, whether it’s a far-off ridgeline or a valley wrapped in morning cloud.
Shigaraki Country Club (Tashiro course)
The Tashiro course, Sugiyama’s sister layout, is more forgiving but equally captivating. With broader fairways and gentler undulations, it offers a smoother pace of play – ideal for couples or those settling into a multi-day trip. Conditioning is superb and the clubhouse experience remains delightfully old-school, complete with the warm hospitality for which Japan is famous.
Maple Hills Golf Club
A favourite among visitors to Shigaraki, Maple Hills Golf Club blends playability with scenic charm. Its parkland layout is framed by maple trees that blaze with colour in autumn, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Fairways are generous, greens are receptive and the setting is ideal for an opening or closing round during your trip.
Fuji Stadium Golf Club (Minami course)
Fuji Stadium Golf Club’s South (Minami) course in Shiga Prefecture is a masterclass in strategic design and natural beauty. This championship layout demands precision, with undulating fairways, immaculate greens and panoramic mountain views framing every shot. Known for its immaculate conditioning and challenging routing, the Minami course offers an unforgettable test that rewards creativity and shot-making, making it a must-play for serious golfers.
Beyond Shigaraki: exceptional courses in the surrounding Kansai/Kinki Region
For those embarking on a broader Kansai/Kinki golf tour, these nearby courses offer world-class play within easy reach of Shigaraki. Each provides a distinct experience, enhancing a multi-day golf journey.
Biwako Country Club
Just north of Shigaraki, Biwako Country Club is one of Japan’s most celebrated courses and a regular on Asia’s Top 100 lists. The layout is elegant and strategic, with greens that run lightning fast. Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn paints the fairways with golden ginkgo leaves – a breathtaking contrast against the deep green turf.
Ryuo Golf Course
Tucked into forested hills, Ryuo Golf Course is a technical, secluded course with small, fast greens. The tranquillity is striking – every hole feels private, framed by dense trees that shift colour with the seasons. Local caddies here are revered for their intuition and meticulous care.
Tsu Country Club
Tsu Country Club is located in Mie Prefecture, which lies south-east of Shigaraki. The club offers a classic treelined challenge. Subtle elevation changes and tricky greens demand thoughtful shot-making. The clubhouse dining is exceptional and nearby onsen make it a perfect stay-and-play option.
The cultural heartbeat of Shigaraki
While golf is unquestionably the star attraction, Shigaraki’s cultural and historical depth is what elevates it from a great golf trip to an unforgettable one.
This region has been a major centre of pottery for more than 800 years and is the birthplace of tea production in Japan, with a heritage stretching back more than 1,200 years. The distinctive Shigaraki-yaki ceramic style is still crafted today, visible in artisan studios, boutique galleries and the iconic roadside Tanuki statues that welcome visitors.
A highlight is the Shigaraki Pottery Exploration Trail, a walking route connecting workshops, kilns and galleries. Here, visitors can watch master potters at work and even create their own commemorative pieces. Many local golf resorts and clubhouses feature custom ceramic works, weaving the art form directly into the golf experience.
Shigaraki is a year-round golf destination, but two seasons stand out:
Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms and peonies are in full bloom, framing the fairways with soft pinks and whites.
Autumn (October-November): The valleys ignite with reds, oranges and golds, creating a stunning backdrop for every shot.
Summer brings warmth and humidity, but early morning and twilight tee-times make play comfortable. Winter is quieter, with crisp air and fewer crowds.
Accommodation in and around Shigaraki seamlessly blends traditional Japanese style with modern luxury. Golf resorts near Tarao and Shigaraki offer tatami-matted rooms, soothing onsen baths and varied dining options.
While there are other culinary choices available, dining often features Omi beef, one of Japan’s three most prestigious wagyu brands with more than 400 years of history. This exceptional wagyu, distinguished by its lustrous marbling and remarkably low melting point, is typically served as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu course meals that create truly unforgettable evenings. Throughout it all, the attentive and personalised service – a hallmark across the region – ensures every detail enhances your stay.
For those wanting a city base, Kyoto’s luxury hotels are just a short drive away, making day trips to Shigaraki’s courses entirely feasible.
Shigaraki is not just another pin on your global golf map, it’s a place that transforms the way you think about the game. It’s about teeing off as mist curls through the valley. It’s about pausing mid-round for an artfully presented meal. It’s about sipping tea from a locally made cup and realising that your day’s experience has been every bit as crafted as the ceramics in your hands.
For sophisticated golfers seeking a second trip of the year – something different from the usual Scotland or Hawaii – Shigaraki is that rare destination that surprises, enchants and stays with you long after the final putt.
The ski boots may be packed away, but the clubs are calling. Japan, once thought of as a winter-only playground, is now firmly a year-round golf paradise. And Shigaraki is ready to welcome you.
For more information: Shigaraki Tourism Association
Website: e-shigaraki.org/discovershigaraki/
E-mail: [email protected]
Travel Partners
Ready to experience golf, pottery and more in beautiful Shigaraki? Get in touch with one of the specialists below and start planning your trip.
Japan Holidays
japanholidays.com.au/tours/golfing-in-japan/
[email protected]
+61 2 6674 4185
On The Tee Travel
onthetee.com.au
[email protected]
+61 2 9844 5458
AloJapan.com