Ibaraki is around an hour north of Narita Airport and about ninety minutes from central Tokyo. Combining it with city sightseeing means a lot of driving, so it suits a golf-led trip.
Here the layout, not airport convenience, is the reason to go. There are several championship-length courses past 7,000 yards, a number of 27-hole clubs, and designs credited to well-known architects.
Spring and autumn are best. Courses stay open in winter, though northern Kanto mornings are cold, and on the longer layouts the tee you play from changes the test substantially.
Comparing a Japanese tee time on the headline green fee alone tends to produce a different number at the counter. Confirm whether cart, caddie or self play, lunch, locker and the local golf tax are included, then check rental clubs or shoes, minimum player counts, two-player supplements, payment method and whether overseas visitors can book. Clubs may also specify check-in times, dress codes and bathing etiquette, so submit player names accurately.
On a Narita itinerary, play around Tsukuba and Kasumigaura on day one, stay at Kasama, play eighteen there on day two, then work back toward the airport on the last day.
Ibaraki Golf
