Experience Japan’s rich culture and spectacular golf on a 12-day adventure through its most captivating regions. Tee off at seven of Japan’s celebrated courses, wander Kyoto’s lantern-lit streets, uncover hidden pottery villages, soak in steamy onsens, and feast on the country’s famously fresh cuisine.

From the laid-back charm of Ibaraki and the electric energy of Tokyo to the artisan soul of Shigaraki and the seaside allure of Kobe, this is Japan beyond the postcards - a vibrant, immersive adventure you’ll carry with you long after the final putt drops.

Accompanied by Ria Livanas and our local partner Togano-san.

19 May 2026 - DAY 1 - (Lunch, Dinner) Arrival and explore Ibaraki

As you’ll be arriving early on an overnight flight, we’ll stop en route to Mito to refresh and refuel.

Then, take in the natural beauty of Mount Tsukuba, with its sweeping views over the Kanto Plain. Ride the ropeway to the summit and on a clear day, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

After lunch, we’ll visit a local sake distillery to learn about the art of sake brewing, followed by tastings of their finely crafted, locally produced sake, all set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Tsukuba.

We’ll check into the Mito Plaza Hotel, relax and refresh before this evening’s welcome dinner of Hitachi Wagyu - a premium brand of black Wagyu from Ibaraki Prefecture, prized for its rich marbling, tenderness, and exceptional flavor.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mito Plaza Hotel

20 May 2026 - DAY 2 - (Breakfast) Golf at Shishido Hills Country Club

You’re in for a real treat at one of Japan’s most celebrated and scenic golf clubs. We’ll play the West Course, a thoughtfully designed layout by Akira Hochi, protégé of the legendary Seiichi Inoue. With immaculate fairways, strategic design, and sweeping mountain views, it’s no surprise this course has hosted the Japan Golf Tour Championship since 2003. The round promises both challenge and charm.

In true Japanese style, the round includes a relaxed mid-round lunch break at the clubhouse (at your own expense), providing a welcome chance to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere before heading back out.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner at the hotel (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Mito Plaza Hotel

21 May 2026 - DAY 3 - (Breakfast) Golf at Oarai Golf Club

Oarai Golf Club is the oldest course in Ibaraki Prefecture and a celebrated masterpiece by Japan’s legendary course architect, Seiichi Inoue. Consistently ranked among Japan’s top courses - currently ranked #4 by top100golfcourses.com and a regular on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest - it’s a true icon of Japanese golf.

Set along the Pacific coastline, the course offers a peaceful setting where ocean breezes, whispering pines, and clever, classic design come together beautifully. Expect immaculate fairways, thoughtfully placed bunkers, and quick, true greens - a course that rewards both creativity and strategy.

You’ll have an experienced caddie on hand to help you navigate its charms and subtleties.

Please note this is a walking course, which only adds to its timeless, natural charm. After your round, your clubs will be couriered ahead to Tarao Country Club, ready for your next day on the fairways.

Free evening. You’re welcome to join your host for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Mito Plaza Hotel

22 May 2026 - DAY 4 - (Breakast, Dinner) - Golf at The Club Ryugasaki

We’ll check out after breakfast and head out for our final round in Ibaraki.

Grand PGM The Golf Club Ryugasaki, designed by the renowned Shunsuke Kato, is a modern championship course set amidst expansive, scenic grounds. Its wide fairways, strategically placed hazards, and pristine greens offer a delightful mix of challenge and enjoyment, while the serene surroundings create a truly memorable golfing experience.

After golf, we’ll journey onward to the vibrant energy of Tokyo, ready for the next chapter of our adventure. Join Ria and Tagano-san for a casual izakaya dinner within walking distance of the hotel.

Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Tokyo, or optional upgrade to Grand Prince Shin Takanawa

23 May 2026 - DAY 5 - (Breakfast) Explore Tokyo by Train

Explore Tokyo like a local by train, visiting both famous landmarks and hidden neighborhoods while your guide shares insider stories along the way.

Highlights include Sensoji Temple and the bustling Shibuya Crossing, followed by a dive into Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for bold fashion and quirky treats, then a moment of calm at Meiji Jingu Shrine. We’ll pause for a casual lunch en route (at own expense) before returning.

Please pack an overnight bag, as your main luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto by courier, ensuring a hassle-free Shinkansen journey tomorrow.

Evening: Free to relax or explore independently. Alternatively, get ready for a night out bar hopping with Togano-san, all within walking distance of the hotel. It’s the perfect chance to soak up the local nightlife, enjoy drinks, and share laughs with your fellow travellers. (At own expense).

Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Tokyo, or optional upgrade to Grand Prince Shin Takanawa

24 May - DAY 6 - (Breakfast, Lunch) Bullet train to Kyoto and visit to Shigaraki

We’ll travel to Kyoto aboard the iconic bullet train - a fast and memorable way to experience Japan’s beautiful landscapes. From Kyoto, we’ll head to the countryside town of Shigaraki, known for its traditional pottery, scenic golf courses, and rich tea culture. Highlights include a visit to the Miho Museum, celebrated for its striking architecture and impressive art collection, followed by a traditional Japanese lunch in Shigaraki.

The evening is at leisure. We’ll share local dinner recommendations within easy walking distance, or you’re welcome to join Ria and Togano-san, for a relaxed izakaya dinner.

Overnight: Nikko Princess, Kyoto

25 May 2026 - DAY 7 - (Breakfast, Dinner) Golf at Tarao Country Club

Tarao Country Club has earned its place among Japan’s top-tier golf destinations. It hosted the Japan leg of the U.S. Open final qualifying event in May and will proudly stage the Japan Open Golf Championship in 2026. Its two distinctive courses , each showcase its own set of challenges and beauty. The East Course winds through lush forests and rolling hills, providing golfers with a serene and picturesque setting to test their skills. In contrast, the West Course,which we’ll be playing, boasts dramatic elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that add an element of excitement to every round.

After golf, we’ll return to the hotel to refresh before heading out. We’ll start the evening with dinner at a restaurant near Gion. Later, we’ll wander through Gion’s lantern-lit streets, soaking up the district’s enchanting nighttime atmosphere, and if fortune favours us- catch a glimpse of a maiko gracefully making her way to an evening engagement.

Return to the hotel at your leisure, either with a 30-minute walk or a taxi ride for around ¥2,000.

Overnight: Nikko Princess, Kyoto

26 May 2026 - DAY 8 - (Breakfast) Golf at Seta Golf Club

Seta Golf Club, near Lake Biwa, features three courses - North, West, and East. We’ll tee off on the North Course, a serene, beautifully designed layout by Seiichi Inoue, with wide fairways, rolling hills, and towering trees offering a relaxed yet rewarding round.

This evening is yours to enjoy Kyoto at your leisure. You’re welcome to share a casual dinner with your hosts.

Overnight: Nikko Princess, Kyoto

27 May 2026 - DAY 9 - (Breakfast) Kyoto Sightseeing or Optional Golf

Wandering Kyoto feels like stepping back in time, where ancient temples, tranquil shrines, and quiet lanes preserve the spirit of old Japan. Highlights include Kinkaku-ji, the dazzling Golden Pavilion; Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its iconic tunnels of vermilion torii gates; and the atmospheric Arashiyama district, home to the famous bamboo grove and riverside scenery. We’ll keep the day flexible, adjusting to the crowds and conditions to make sure it’s an easy, unhurried experience.

For those who’d like to fit in an extra round of golf, we’ve arranged a game at ABC Golf Club in Kobe. The cost is approximately ¥50,000 per person, based on a minimum of six golfers. This includes the green fee, shared caddie, cart, and transfers.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Kobe, a cosmopolitan port city cradled between the Rokko Mountains and the Seto Inland Sea. Known for its scenic waterfront, rich international history, and of course, its legendary Kobe beef, it’s a wonderful change of pace.

Our hotel is just a 10-minute stroll from Sannomiya, Kobe’s lively downtown district, filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars. We’ll share some local dinner recommendations for those keen to explore. You’re always welcome to join your hosts for dinner.

Overnight: Oriental Hotel, Kobe

28 May 2026 - DAY 10 (Breakfast) - Arima Royal GC - Royal Course

Arima Royal Golf Club is a prestigious 36-hole venue, with the Royal Course designed by Japan’s Osamu Ueda. Inspired by C.H. Allison, it features elevated greens, classic short holes, and a dynamic layout that follows the natural landscape. Set in scenic, hilly terrain, it offers a strategic, memorable round.

By now, you’ll be well-versed in the art of ordering lunch at the turn - with your Japanese-speaking guide always nearby to lend a hand if needed.

After the game, relax in the club’s traditional onsen before returning to the hotel for a free evening.

Overnight: Oriental Hotel, Kobe

29 May 2026 (Breakfast, Dinner) - Golden Valley Golf Glub and Farewell Dinner

Our final round is at Golden Valley Golf Club, an exhilarating Robert Trent Jones Jr. creation. Carved through towering pines and laced with stone-lined creeks, this course isn’t just beautiful - it’s built to test you. Golden Valley is famous for its daring water hazards, sweeping elevation changes, and demanding shots.

Regularly ranked among Japan’s top 10 courses, it’s a true championship venue and a firm favourite within our On The Tee community. The fairways are long and undulating, the greens flawless, and the final stretch? Famously unforgiving. It’s the kind of course that demands your best  and leaves you wanting to come back for more.

This evening, we’ll come together for a celebratory Kobe Beef Yakiniku dinner and raise a glass to our golf competition winners. A relaxed, delicious way to wrap up the day and share a few laughs over the highlights of the trip so far.

Hotel: Prince Park Tower Tokyo

30 May 2026 (Breakfast) - Sightseeing - Himeji Castle and Naruto Whirlpools

We’ll check out after breakfast for our final adventure together.

Our first stop is Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, which rises gracefully with gleaming white walls and layered rooftops. Its peaceful grounds and timber interiors offer a glimpse into centuries of samurai history.

Next, we’ll cross the impressive Akashi Kaikyō Bridge to Awaji Island, a serene coastal escape where mountains meet the sea. Here, we’ll board a sightseeing cruise to witness the spectacular Naruto Whirlpools, formed by powerful tides surging between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

At Naruto, we’ll enjoy a final lunch together (at own expense) before transferring to Itami Airport for our flight to Haneda and onward to Sydney, returning home with wonderful memories, new friends, and stories to share.