Niseko 10 Day Golf Itinerary
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Overview
This itinerary focuses on mountain-view golf and resort-style relaxation, featuring some of Arnold Palmer’s top designs.
Hokkaido is widely considered Japan's premier "coolcation" destination for summer golf, offering a stark contrast to the heat and humidity of the southern islands. With over 170 courses ranging from world-class championship layouts to accessible resort grounds, it provides diverse terrain and exceptionally well-maintained greens thanks to the region's rich volcanic soil.
Summer Conditions & Seasonality
Optimal Timing: The peak season for summer golf runs from late May through October. July and August are particularly popular as temperatures remain in the comfortable lower 20°Cs with low humidity. Predictable Weather: Unlike Honshu, Hokkaido generally lacks a formal rainy season, ensuring fewer interruptions from unexpected storms. Lush Landscapes: Long summer days and a significant gap between winter and summer temperatures create perfect conditions for fast-growing, vibrant bent grass.
Local Etiquette & Tips
Post-Round Onsen: Most clubhouses feature a traditional Japanese bath (onsen), which is often included in the green fee and is a standard way to end a round. Dress Code: While some courses allow shorts in summer, many high-end clubs still require collared shirts and may even require a jacket inside the clubhouse. Booking & Logistics: Due to its growing popularity, it is recommended to book tee times well in advance, especially for championship courses. Renting a car is the most efficient way to navigate between the island's many remote courses.
Hokkaido’s cool summer climate makes it the premier destination for golf in Japan. Below are two 10-day itineraries for 2026: one based in the city of
Sapporo and one in the mountain resort of Niseko. These itineraries are samples only and can be amended according to travel schedules and are available on a Group or Individual travel basis (minimum 2 persons)
Prices on application as play fees and golf rental prices vary.
Key Planning Tips for 2026
Course Maintenance:
Most courses are immaculately maintained with bent grass, but high-end clubs like Katsura and Hokkaido Classic require booking months in advance.
Weather:
Summer days are long; teeing off early (before 9:30 AM) is recommended to avoid finishing in the fading light of late afternoon. Transportation: While some resorts offer shuttles, a rental car is highly recommended for the Sapporo itinerary to reach different courses efficiently.
Japan Holidays Highlights
- Visit Japan's Northen Island and play on some of its most picturesque courses
- Avoid the heat and play during summer months in comfortable weather
- Enjoy Hokkaido's local food culture
- Enjoy a daily relaxing onsen bath in course-provided facilities after play
- Experience superb Japanese golf club facilities
- Travel comfortably with a well-balanced easy paced itinerary designed for depth and sightseeing
- Private Transfers
- Individual or small group
- Western-style accommodation
- Easy
- Sapporo
- Sapporo
- Self Guided with meet and greet
- English
- Breakfast
-
Whats included
- Accommodation: 9 nights of luxury accommodation (usually 4-5 star) with breakfast.
- Golf: 7- 8 rounds of 18-hole golf at top Hokkaido courses, including green fees and carts.
- Transfers: All private, air-conditioned transfers between airport, accommodation, and golf courses.
- Support: Meet and greet at the airport, on-call local support, and assistance with logistics.
- Optional: Some packages include a lunch on the course or a local guide/translator.
Whats excluded
- Flights: International or domestic airfare to/from Sapporo.
- Meals: Dinners and most lunches (unless specified as part of the golf package).
- Personal Costs: Laundry, mini-bar, spa, and alcoholic beverages.
- Equipment: Golf club rentals (available at most courses for an extra fee).
- Caddies: Caddie services (often optional and require advance booking).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance.
Sample Itinerary
Transfer from New Chitose Airport to Niseko (approx. 2 hours). Check into a resort like Hilton Niseko Village
Kick off with a round featuring a massive 721-yard par 6 and spectacular views of Mt. Yotei
Play what is often cited as the most sought-after course in Niseko, featuring spring water creeks and birch forests.
An Arnold Palmer signature course known for being challenging and dominated by local experts.
Hirafu Gondola for mountain views, go white-water rafting on the Shiribetsu River, or visit the
Nikka Whiskey Distillery in Yoichi.
(Tower Course). A short drive from Niseko, this course was supervised by Jumbo Ozaki and offers pastoral Hokkaido views.
(River Course). Known for challenging undulations and outstanding views of both Mt. Yotei and Mt. Shiribetsu
A scenic 18-hole course in Kimobetsu with well-managed greens and stunning mountain vistas.
A local favorite nestled among birch groves with wide fairways that encourage confident play.
Enjoy a final soak in a local hot spring before transferring back to the airport.