Golf in Japan - Transport Options
James Stewart (Golf Professional) , Jiro Nonaka (Taiheiyo Club Director), Joe Gaughwin. @ Sano Hillcrest.
What is the best mode of transport to get to golf courses in Japan? It's a question I spend a lot of time answering so I decided to write a brief about each option. It’s an important question too because travelling is very much part of the adventure of playing in Japan. I have tried each and every form of transport and although some are more convenient than others they all create a unique experience. The information written below relates specifically to the Taiheiyo Club courses although it could be used as a template to access other courses around Japan too.
Note. Before reading the information below i strongly suggest private transport unless you are travelling to Karuizawa where the Shinkansen is the best option. As i have noted below we work with the best private transport company in Japan and are happy to assist with the booking. Please read on however.
Public Transport
Local trains
Japan’s train system is wonderful but I avoid local trains for commuting to golf. They are reliable and cost-effective but stations can be difficult to navigate during morning rush hour. Packed trains are tough to manage at the best of times but with golf clubs and a duffle bag in tow can be a recipe for disaster. The upside is the funny stories this style of transport will create which will make the journey memorable. If you are adventurous and want to travel on the cheap then give it a try.
Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) and Express Trains
The Shinkansen. Best transport option in Japan for the long haul. Plenty of room for clubs and luggage.
Brilliant, efficient, relatively cost-effective (especially express trains), and just a wonderful experience. It’s like taking a plane without having to check-in. Taiheiyo Club has 10 courses around Tokyo that can be accessed from either Shinjuku station (express) or Tokyo station (shinkansen). The seats on these trains are assigned and there is plenty of overhead space for golf clubs and luggage. Each Taiheiyo course has a shuttle service that will pick you up from the station. You will need to budget about $100 US for shinkansen tickets each day and about $50 US for express trains like the Romancecar which travels daily from Shinjuku to Gotemba station.
Just a Couple of Suggestions for train travel
Always buy the tickets at least the day before to ensure you get a seat. While you are there do a little reconnaissance mission to understand which gate you will need to pass through the next morning. Ask the gate attendants to direct you to your platform if you are lost or flustered. The following morning ensure you arrive with plenty of time to spare. BE EARLY! If you are early, head up to your platform, buy a coffee and sandwich, take a seat, and do a little people watching as the bullet trains whiz in and out of the station.
Don't bother purchasing tickets for the return journey as you never know exactly what time you will finish playing golf. Club buses leave at designated times which will take you back to the train stations, so buy a ticket for the journey back to Tokyo upon arrival at the station. You will always get a ticket, especially if you are playing weekdays. If you don't want to wait for the shuttle bus you can always ask the Taiheiyo staff to book a taxi to get you to the station a little earlier.
Bus
Shinjuku bus terminal. Bus to Gotemba station which takes less than 2 hours.
Taiheiyo Club Gotemba and Gotemba West are the only two courses I would consider taking a bus to. The Shinjuku bus terminal have buses traveling to Gotemba Station every 30 minutes with the first bus leaving at 6:30 am. The journey takes just under two hours and you can throw your clubs and luggage into the belly of the bus. These buses are fantastic, the seats are all assigned and they have a toilet on board. Avoid buses on the weekend as traffic coming back to Tokyo can be a disaster. The tickets can be bought at both the Shinjuku bus terminal and the Hakone Otome side of Gotemba station for the journey back. From Gotemba station you will have to catch a taxi to the Taiheiyo courses at a cost of about $25 US. The cost of a bus ticket from Shinjuku station and return is about $30 US.
Note!! – Only catch a bus if express trains are not available.
Private transport
Taiheiyo Club works with the best private transport company in Tokyo. AJT https://act-japan-ts.com is the company that many of our guests over the last few years have used, with rave reviews. AJT provides a full chauffeur-driven service whose staff are familiar with all the Taiheiyo destinations. They have sedans for 2 -3 people, MPVs for a group of 4, and vans for up to 9 people. Their vehicles are top of the range and have ample space for golf bags and luggage. When you hire a chauffeured car it is yours for the day with the average cost, no matter how many people, around $600- 800 US, including tax and road tolls. It can be very cost-effective if a few people are involved and by far the easiest and least stressful option. The only catch is the traffic you might encounter on the commute back to Tokyo on weekends. For that reason, I always suggest that you play on the weekdays.
AJT transport Toyota Alphard. Just like Business class. Great way to travel.
Rental cars
I have used Toyota-rent-a-car a few times in both Tokyo and Osaka and the whole process of hiring the car was quite easy. I highly recommend it for those staying a few nights in Gotemba or Karuizawa. It gives you so much freedom after golf to head into town or go for a drive to see local sights, such as Mt Fuji. The navigation systems are amazingly simple to operate and with your iPhone as a backup, you cannot get lost. The only difficulty is ensuring someone in the group has a valid driver’s license for Japan. Most road signs are in english, the roads are smooth and easy to navigate. For about $150 US you can rent a car big enough for clubs, luggage, and 4 people.
Suggestion. Taiheiyo Club has hotels with plenty of free car parking if you are staying overnight. If you are staying in another hotel, call ahead to make sure car parking is available. I suggest you stay at the Taiheiyo hotels in Gotemba or Karuizawa as it just makes things easier.