Where to play golf in Niseko

  • May 28, 2019

A view of a Niseko golf course with Mt Yotei.

 

Aside from enjoying the Furano lavender fields, incredible seafood and local festivals, a great reason to visit Hokkaido in the warmer months is the impressive selection of golf courses that dot the island, with the Niseko area being no exception -  it boasts 3 world class courses alone. 

Believe it or not, golf in Japan is a pretty big deal, with over 2,000 courses spread across the country. The courses in Niseko are meticulously designed and groomed to cater for even the most professional of players, and the service is second-to-none - the Japanese standard! Since the land is groomed to include large fields for runs in the winter, Niseko makes the perfect location for golfing when the mercury climbs higher. Niseko's dry and pleasant summer weather (the temperature usually doesn't climb above 25 degrees) makes it a great place to dust off the clubs, have a game or two and relax in the tranquil surroundings. Here’s where you can get your golf fix in Niseko!

 

HANAZONO Golf

Not only does HANAZONO Resort host some of the best powder runs in the region, it also has Niseko’s premier golf course with incredible views and a great variety of terrain.
HANAZONO’s stunning location puts you in the midst of the mountains, with views of the Annupuri range and uninterrupted vistas of Mt Yotei. The varied terrain also allows for an exciting and challenging game with 18 holes (par 72), all with different elevation levels so you can explore the birch forests and freshwater creeks while playing.
The newly renovated clubhouse is also a great reason to visit HANAZONO Golf, with a Japanese-style bathhouse for post-game relaxation, locker rooms, meeting rooms to host any event you desire and Coena, the new Mediterranean restaurant with a traditional wood oven and delicious offerings.

A man playing golf in Niseko at HANAZONO Golf course
Challenging but rewarding games with a view at HANAZONO Golf.

 

Niseko Village Golf

Conveniently located adjacent to Hilton Niseko Village, this golf course is 6,845 yards of terrain suited to all levels of golfers. Graded at par 73, the 18 holes have great views of the Niseko area with beautiful silver birch forests and sights of both Mt Yotei and the Niseko Village ski hill. Many describe this course as a 'millionaire' spot with stunning scenery and world class restaurants, onsen, shopping and accommodation nearby. Compared to other courses in the area Niseko Village is relatively flat, but there are still challenges to be had on this course designed by Yoshiaki Tsutsumi.

The Niseko Village golf course is close to the Hilton hotel with convenient facilities like onsen, spa and accommodation.
The Niseko Village golf course is connected to the Hilton hotel, with convenient facilities like an onsen, spa and accommodation nearby.

Niseko Golf

This 6,805 yard long par 72 course is known for it’s traditional design (by the famous Arnold Palmer) and traversability - you don’t need a cart for this course! Although walkable it is regarded as somewhat difficult, requiring focus, length and accuracy to score well on the championship courses. If you're up to the challenge, be sure to attempt the the signature 5th hole par 3 pond shot that is perfectly framed by Mt Yotei. Just 20 minutes from Niseko Village, Niseko Golf is not too far away from the hub of Niseko and is regarded as the local's favourite course.

A clear day with a view of Mt Yotei from Niseko Golf Course.
The Niseko Golf course offers incredible views of the surrounding mountain range and Mt Yotei.

 

Courses around Niseko

Aside from the 3 major Niseko courses, there are plenty more courses accessible by less than an hour's drive away. Check out the links below to some more great spots to have a putt.

Niseko Golf and Resort (Rankoshi)

  • ~40min drive from central Hirafu
  • 18 holes, par 72

A Brand Golf Course

  • ~1 hour drive from central Hirafu
  • Unique European castle-style clubhouse and bathhouse
  • 18 holes, par 72

Rusutsu - Izumikawa, Tower/River/Wood courses

  • ~45min drive from central Hirafu, all courses are 18 holes and par 72
  • Izumikawa course is well suited for beginners but still can have some challenges
  • Tower course designed by Masashi Ozaki, 9 holes are playable by night 
  • River course "has a variety of hole-positions, which enables players to modify the difficulty of their game."
  • Wood course has a challenging and unique layout with wonderful views

 

If you’d like to experience Niseko’s golf courses, check out our Golf + Accommodation Packages!

They include everything you need to experience all of Niseko’s golf offerings plus optional extras to have a summer holiday like no other.
 

GOLF PACKAGES

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