Ready to play a round of golf in Hokkaido? Not before you’ve read our COO’s guide.
When you live where people vacation, you get to see a true picture of what the destination is really like. That’s exactly the case for Patrick Ohtani, COO of Nisade | The Luxe Nomad, who calls Niseko home.
When the skiers, snowboarders and seasonal workers pack their bags in April, Niseko’s vibe changes too. Gone are the head-to-toe Moncler outfits paired with Moon Boots, and you won’t spot queues snaking out of Seicomart either. The peaks shed the snow, flowers bloom, and summer in Hokkaido begins — which in case you didn’t know, is Japan’s best-kept secret.
Green season is Patrick’s favourite time of year because that means one thing: plenty of opportunity to play golf. If you’re curious about what it’s like to golf in Hokkaido, he shares the lowdown here.
Read next: Where To Play Golf in Hokkaido
Tell us, when and how did you start playing golf?
I started playing when I was about 10. My grandma introduced me to the game at a links course in Donegal, Ireland, right off the ocean, not a bad place to start! Back in the UK, I used to hit balls around my parents’ garden and even set up a short par 3 course. It was going well… until I started sending balls into the neighbour’s garden. Let’s just say, not everyone shared my enthusiasm!
How would you describe golfing in Hokkaido for those who haven’t been? What do you love most about it?
Hokkaido is home to some of the best-maintained courses I’ve ever played. Despite the brutal winters, the attention to detail is world-class. What I love most is the diversity, the island’s unique topography means every course offers something different. Whether you’re into dramatic mountain layouts or more classic designs, there’s a challenge for every type of golfer here.
Read Next: 6 Top Mount Yotei Photo Spots In Niseko That’s Not From The Slopes
Which are your go-to golf courses and why?
Around Niseko, Hanazono Golf is my usual go-to. It’s incredibly well-kept and always a test, scoring low there is no easy feat. Further afield, I love Brooks Country Club. It’s a championship-grade course where you walk the fairways with a caddie — a proper experience and simply amazing.
What do you do after a round of golf?
Onsen, that’s the secret sauce. Ideally, one with a sauna and a cold plunge to help with muscle recovery. It’s genuinely the best way to reset your body (and your mood!), especially after a rough day on the course. If I’m not heading straight to the onsen, then a quick ice cream at Niseko Gelato hits the spot.
Read next: Everything You Need To Know About Onsen
Can you share insider tips for those travelling to Hokkaido for golf this summer?
Book ahead: With cooler summer temperatures and top-tier courses, Hokkaido is growing in popularity as a golf destination. To get the tee times you want, especially at championship-grade courses, book well in advance.
Bring plenty of balls: Japan is stunningly green, but there’s a lot of out of bounds (OB), and if your ball ends up in the bamboo, it’s gone forever. Trust me.
Be adventurous: Hokkaido is vast and full of surprises. There are hundreds of courses, and some of the most memorable ones are a bit off the beaten track. Rent a car, hit the road, and discover them.
Looking to tee off in Hokkaido?
Niseko is just the beginning. Our Stay & Play packages in Rusutsu pair world-class golf with award-winning accommodation at The Vale Rusutsu — and for the discerning golfer, the 19th Floor Experience adds in-house butler service to match. Discover our Stay & Play packages or contact our team at [email protected].
Curious about summer in Hokkaido? Read these next:
Net Gains: Where to Play Padel and Pickleball in Hokkaido This Summer
10 Best Summer Activities In Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano
Hokkaido Milk: The 12 Best Ice Cream and Gelato Worth Travelling For