Why Kawana Is Exceptional
Set on the dramatic cliffs of the Izu Peninsula, Kawana Hotel Golf Club is arguably Japan's most celebrated destination golf resort. The Fuji Course — designed by C.H. Alison and opened in 1936 — features par-3 holes played across ravines above the Pacific, tees perched on clifftops, and fairways framed by the ocean on one side and forested hills on the other. It is a course that demands respect, rewards patience, and delivers a setting unlike anywhere else in the world. For international visitors, access requires Japanese-language reservation, hotel affiliation, and careful advance planning — precisely what Teelink Japan handles.
Signature Course · Ranked Top 3 in Japan
Kawana Hotel
Fuji Course
Designed by C.H. Alison and opened in 1936, the Fuji Course is Japan's most iconic layout — 18 holes on a clifftop peninsula above the Pacific. Hole 8, a par-3 played over a ravine to a green perched on the cliff edge, is one of the most photographed in Asian golf. Conditions are immaculate; caddies are mandatory; the pace is unhurried. Course access is restricted to Kawana Hotel guests and members — direct foreign bookings are not accepted.
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Second Course · Scenic & Accessible
Kawana Hotel
Oshima Course
The Oshima Course offers a slightly more open layout than the Fuji Course while retaining the dramatic Izu Peninsula setting. With ocean views throughout and the same immaculate conditioning standards, it represents an outstanding round of golf in its own right. Many visitors choose to play both courses over two days — an option Teelink Japan can arrange alongside accommodation at Kawana Hotel.
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Why You Can't Book Kawana Alone
- Hotel guest priority: Tee times are reserved primarily for Kawana Hotel guests — walk-in or advance direct bookings for day visitors are rarely accepted.
- Japanese-only reservation: All booking is handled by phone in Japanese. The club does not accept foreign-language enquiries or email reservations.
- No foreign-visitor booking system: Unlike some Tokyo-area courses, there is no online system accessible to international visitors. GORA and similar platforms do not list Kawana.
- Caddie coordination: Mandatory caddies must be pre-arranged in Japanese at time of booking — a separate process from the tee-time reservation.
- Transfer required: There is no convenient public transport to Kawana Hotel. A private car from Ito Station or Tokyo is the practical option.
- Advance planning essential: The Fuji Course fills 4–6 weeks ahead during spring and autumn — the seasons that make Kawana most spectacular.
A Kawana Golf Day
Teelink Japan designs each Kawana day around the client — whether a focused single-round day trip from Tokyo or an overnight stay-and-play combining both courses. Below is a typical two-day Kawana itinerary.
Day One
- Private car departs Tokyo — 2 hours to Ito
- Arrival at Kawana Hotel, check-in
- Afternoon round on the Oshima Course
- Kaiseki dinner at Kawana Hotel restaurant
- Evening — ocean views from the hotel terrace
Day Two
- Japanese hotel breakfast
- 9:00am tee time on the Fuji Course
- 18 holes — approximately 5 hours with caddie
- Clubhouse lunch after the round
- Private transfer back to Tokyo
Getting to Kawana
Kawana Hotel Golf Club is located in Ito City on the Izu Peninsula — about 2 hours from central Tokyo. Private transfer is the most comfortable and practical option; Teelink Japan arranges door-to-door car service as part of every booking.
Private Car (Recommended)
Door-to-door from your Tokyo hotel. Approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. Teelink Japan arranges a private hire vehicle with English-speaking driver. No train connections, no luggage handling, no navigation stress.
Train + Taxi
Shinkansen to Atami (50 min from Tokyo), then Izu Kyuko Line to Ito (25 min), then taxi to Kawana Hotel (15 min). Total approximately 1.5 hours. Requires Japanese-language taxi coordination. Not recommended for groups carrying golf equipment.
Common Questions
Kawana Golf — FAQ
Can I book Kawana Hotel Golf Club directly as a foreign visitor?
In practice, no. The Fuji and Oshima courses are reserved primarily for Kawana Hotel guests and members. All reservations are handled by phone in Japanese. Foreign visitors attempting to book directly are typically declined — politely, but firmly. Teelink Japan arranges access through established Japanese-language reservations, either as a hotel guest package or a pre-arranged day-visitor booking.
Is an overnight stay at Kawana Hotel required?
Not always, but it significantly improves access — particularly to the Fuji Course during peak season. Day-visitor tee times do exist but are limited and fill quickly. For the best chance of securing your preferred course and tee time, an overnight stay is strongly recommended. Teelink Japan can arrange hotel accommodation as part of a combined golf-and-stay package.
What does the Silver Plan include for Kawana?
The Silver Plan ($400/person) covers the full coordination: Japanese-language tee-time reservation at Kawana, caddie pre-arrangement, private transfer from your Tokyo hotel, and on-the-day support. Hotel accommodation at Kawana Hotel is additional and can be booked separately or as part of a combined package — ask us for current rates.
How far in advance should I book?
For the Fuji Course during spring (April–May) or autumn (October–November), plan 4–6 weeks minimum. Summer and winter allow somewhat shorter lead times. Weekend tee times at any time of year book faster than weekday slots. Contact Teelink Japan as early as possible — we cannot guarantee availability at short notice.
Are rental clubs available at Kawana?
Yes. Kawana Hotel Golf Club offers rental clubs, which Teelink Japan pre-arranges in your size as part of the booking. You do not need to bring or ship your own clubs — though many visitors prefer to play with their own equipment, which is perfectly fine.