It's Birdie Season!
When breathtaking scenery is par for the course, you sometimes need to remind yourself to keep your eyes on the ball.
As the seasons change, the snow melts and Yotei's white coat slowly reveals the green beneath, the summer golf season begins. And what a season it promises to be!
Each year, more and more golfers, from within Japan and abroad, visit Niseko to play it's many world-class golf courses. Nine fantastic courses are situated within 45 minute's drive from Hirafu, so it serves as an unbeatable destination for a summer golfing holiday.
Why is golf so great in Niseko?
For many reasons, golf in Niseko is proving itself to be a summer tourist attraction.
The cool Hokkaido climate makes for comfortable and beautiful days on the course. Picture blue skies, vibrant green grass and mild temperatures as you hit driver toward Mt Niseko Annupuri or putt for birdie in the shadows of Mt Yotei. No wonder guests from the heat and humidity of Tokyo, Osaka and other southern Japanese areas, and from the tropical climates of mainland Asia, are visiting in droves.
Also related to the climate, the huge gap between the cold temperatures of Hokkaido's winters and the warmth of it's summers means that it has the perfect climate for growing grass. Just as Hokkaido's farmers are blessed with perfect conditions for growing vegetables and raising livestock, its green-keepers are blessed with lush grass that keeps on growing evenly.
Finally, the meticulousness and pride of the Japanese people guarantees that the fairways, greens, roughs and bunkers will be preened to perfection. Enjoy a level of detail in course preparation that you will rarely find anywhere else.
Combine all of this with the modern amenities and tourist convenience of Niseko's resort community, and you quickly understand why a summer holiday in Niseko is a golf-lovers experience not to be missed.
Where and when to play golf in Niseko?
Ski season doesn't need to end for golf season to begin here in Niseko. In fact, they overlap!
The golf season in Hokkaido began in late April while Niseko's chairlifts were still spinning.
The Arnold Palmer designed Niseko Golf Course opened on April 27th and, in early May, is expecting cherry blossom bloom on the sakura trees which line the course.
Niseko Village Golf Course, a par-73 championship style golf course, which was awarded Japan's Best Golf Course in 2015, opened May 1st.
And Hanazono Golf Course welcomed locals to their season launch and new restaurant opening on May 1st before the course opened to the public on May 3rd.
Other courses, such as A-Brand Golf Course in Akaigawa, Jisan Golf Club in Otaru and the four courses in nearby Rusutsu are also opening in May.
The season, for most courses, will run right through until the snow returns in November.
How to play golf in Niseko?
Simple, contact the Skye Niseko concierge team.
We have contacts at many local golf courses including Hanazono, Niseko and Niseko Village to help ensure our guests get their desired tee time and the best deal possible for their Niseko golfing holiday.
Golf package rates start from ¥16,300 per person including accommodation and golf.