Taiheiyo Club - Ginza
The 3D sculpture at the entrance of Taiheiyo Club Ginza.
Taiheiyo Club has opened a town club in the centre of Tokyo. This new destination is quite special considering it is the first time a golf club has operated something this unique in Japan.
Ginza is a popular and internationally renowned shopping area in Tokyo. Considered one of the most expensive, elegant and luxurious places in the world, it is famous for its flagship stores, luxury boutiques and high-end fashion houses. Ginza is the playground for the affluent but interestingly never effuses a pretentious tone, rather, the narrow leafy streets and beautiful architecture create a welcome feeling. On the corner of two of the most illustrious streets in Ginza, Namiki-dori and Miyuki-Dori, 4 floors about street-level sits Taiheiyo Clubs newest venture, Taiheiyo Club Ginza.
A large component of joining a golf club is the camaraderie created while mixing with the membership both during and after golf. Japanese golf clubs, Taiheiyo Club included, has unfortunately never been able to replicate the atmosphere enjoyed by other clubs around the globe. The vast distances members have to commute and the zero alcohol tolerance sees clubhouses empty rather quickly after golf. The opportunity to create a destination where Taiheiyo members could congregate and enjoy this typical clubhouse atmosphere has always been high on the agenda for Taiheiyo clubs management.
As you exit the elevator on the 4th level you will be standing in front of the most spectacular piece of golfing art/ photography you will ever witness. As the sliding glass doors open and you step into the light-filled reception area to your left you will immediately recognise you are somewhere special. The reception area has merchandise for sale that is a combination of stylish apparel and luxury vintage pieces. If you turn right you will be facing the large library and lounge area. It’s a great place to meet friends or clients and enjoy a coffee or maybe an opportunity to kick back and read one of the many golf books. At the end of the lounge is a lovely little room with a black and white tiled floor and large windows overlooking the streets below. It's a perfect place to open your laptop, take a seat and do some work while watching the passing parade below.
My favourite spot to do a little work @ Taiheiyo Club Ginza.
The restaurant, named Yamiki, has a very subtle and understated golfing theme. The beautiful décor has a slight minimalist aesthetic but exudes a homely feel with its muted tones and dark wood finishing. The atmosphere is intimate, quiet and comfortable. The menu, sublime. It’s a foodies paradise. I describe the menu as contemporary Japanese with a twist. For those who love Japanese beef and seafood, well, you may never want to leave. Japanese Curry and deep-fried beef sandwiched in the famed Ginza Nishikawa bread are available for those who prefer some old favourites. I suggest one of the course menus which are a mix of seafood, beef and traditional European and Japanese dishes. The raw beef on rice wrapped in seaweed with wasabi and soy, topped with shaved truffles might be the most delicious dish I have ever eaten. Dishes range from 1,200 yen to 12,000 yen for a course menu. Considering the ingredients, creativity, artistry and taste it really is amazing value.
Namiki restaurant course menu @ Taiheiyo Club Ginza
Besides the restaurant and really the centrepiece of the town club is the bar. Aptly named Gotembar, this stunning spot, finished in dark wood and surrounded by tall leather chairs is a perfect place for pre-dinner drinks, a couple of nightcaps or just a cool place to hang out with friends. On occasion two of Japans most famous mixologists, Mr Yamasaki and Mr Mouri will ply their trade at Gotembar so if you pick the right night you might be lucky enough to sample one of their signature drinks.
Gotembar @ Taiheiyo Club Ginza.
On the opposite side of the restaurant, behind one of the buildings original steel doors is the Ginza Golf Garden. A room large enough for 6 people this golf simulator area is a really nice place to spend some time and play one of the many famous golf courses available on the simulator. Trackman has also been fitted so members are able to use the room to practise or have a lesson with one of Taiheiyo Clubs golf professionals.
Ginza Golf Garden fully equipped simulator with Trackman available for practise or a lesson.
The final room is quite hard to describe without seeing it. In essence, it's a throwback bar. This private room is named Showa which was the post-war era in Japan from the 1950s to 1980s. The room has a large curved wooden bar which seats 8 and all the décor is from a typical Japanese bar of the 1950s. It must be a thrill for those who lived during these times to relive old memories while enjoying drinks and dinner.
The view of Ginza below from Taiheiyo Club Ginza.
One of the ideas of the club, and something I very much appreciate, is the opportunity to use it as an exercise base. Drop off your bag with the staff and go for a walk or jog around the Imperial Palace. Only 600 metres from Taiheiyo Club Ginza is the 5-kilometre track around the palace grounds. The loop around the palace is the most popular running track in Tokyo and an inspiring place to exercise. Private shower rooms are available at the town club where you can freshen up after your run. After you workout I suggest having a little lunch and a wine before strolling the beautiful streets of Ginza.
The Ginza club is exclusive for Taiheiyo members and their guests although there is an opportunity to become a member of the town club itself. There are limited memberships available but it is open for both expatriates living in Japan and guests from overseas. The membership price is very reasonable and the yearly subscriptions quite low considering it provides you with the opportunity to become a member of one of the most exclusive clubs in Tokyo.
If you are interested in becoming a member it is as simple as contacting me by email. To have a base in Ginza that allows you to entertain family, friends, colleagues or clients, to me, is a chance not to be missed.
Address
Ginza Fugetsudo Building 4th floor, 6-6-1 Ginza, Naka Ku, Tokyo 104-006.
Corner of Miyuki Dori and Namiki Dori. Above IWC watch boutique.
Opening hours
. Mon-Fri W/E and P.H.
Miyuki (Lounge and Library) 09:00 – 22:30 09:00 - 18:00
Namiki (Restaurant) 11:30 - 14:00 11:30 - 15:30
05:00 – 22:30 16:00 – 18:00
Gotembar (Bar) 16:00 – 22:30 16:00 – 18:00
Ginza Golf Garden (simulator) 09:00 – 22:30 09:00 - 18:00
Note. Closed on Sundays.
Membership Price *300,000 JPY
Yearly dues *30,000 JPY
* Prices do not include tax