If you live around Tokyo or Yokohama and are looking for a golf trip that feels a little more like a weekend getaway, Kannami Springs Country Club in Shizuoka is an interesting option.
This time, the three of us — my wife, our son and I — headed to Kannami for a family round. The course itself was challenging, the weekend green fee was surprisingly reasonable, and what really made this place stand out was what we found beyond the golf course: a hotel, glamping, a swimming pool and a large sauna.
Quick Guide for International Golfers
| Location | Kannami, Shizuoka Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Our Drive to the Course | About 100 km from our home in Yokohama. Our actual drive took approximately 80 minutes. |
| Public Transportation / Shuttle Bus | A reservation-based club shuttle is available. If you are travelling without a car, check the current schedule with the golf course before your visit. |
| How We Booked | We booked directly with the golf course by phone. |
| What We Paid | About ¥13,000 per person for a weekend round. Considering the course and resort facilities, we thought this was great value. |
| Rentals | Golf club set: ¥3,300 / Individual club: ¥550 / Golf shoes: ¥1,100. |
| Dress Code | Golf-appropriate clothing is required. Metal spikes are not permitted. |
| Tattoo / Bath Policy | The resort has large public baths and sauna facilities. We recommend checking the current tattoo policy directly with the golf course before using these facilities. |
| Visitor Access / Membership | Visitors can book the course. Reservations are available directly by phone or through the golf course website. |
World Cup Match
It happened to be the day of the World Cup Final. We left Yokohama early in the morning, listening to the match commentary on the car radio as we headed toward Kannami. It made the drive feel a little different from our usual golf trips — part of my attention was on the match, while the other part was already thinking about the round ahead.
Elevation Changes Make the Course Tricky
Kannami Springs has plenty of elevation changes, and we found the course more challenging than it might first appear.
One hole that particularly stood out was the par-3 7th on the OUT course. It plays downhill from the tee, which makes judging the actual distance difficult. Choosing the right club required a little more thought than usual.
The hilly terrain also gives the course a very different atmosphere from many of the flatter courses closer to Tokyo.
More Than Golf: You Can Even Go Glamping Here
This is where Kannami Springs becomes particularly interesting.
There is a full hotel at the golf course — and even a glamping facility.
Hotel Kannami has 77 guest rooms, so instead of driving home immediately after 18 holes, golfers can turn the visit into an overnight stay.
But what really caught our attention was the glamping accommodation beside the golf course. It is not something we often see at Japanese golf courses.
Glamping beside the golf course at Kannami Springs
The glamping area offers views across the golf course and toward Mt. Fuji, and BBQ options are available. Only a limited number of groups can stay in the glamping area each day, which gives it a more private resort feel.
For couples, families or a group of golfing friends, this opens up a very different way to enjoy golf in Japan.
Play a round, relax in the sauna, have a BBQ and then spend the night in a glamping tent instead of immediately heading back toward Tokyo.
Golf → Sauna → BBQ → Glamping
The resort also has an outdoor swimming pool, large public baths and a large sauna, giving the whole property much more of a resort atmosphere than a typical day-trip golf course.
Lunch with the Family
This round was also special because the three of us played together as a family — my wife, our son and I.
Lunch portions were generous. I chose tonkatsu, while my son ordered beef stew. His looked so good that I almost regretted my own choice.
My wife went for hiyashi chuka, a chilled noodle dish that is especially popular during the Japanese summer. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a photo of hers.
Would We Come Back?
Definitely.
Kannami Springs combines a challenging golf course with something we do not often see in Japan: a genuine golf-and-stay resort experience.
For around ¥13,000 for our weekend round, we enjoyed the golf itself, but the hotel, glamping, pool and sauna make this course particularly interesting for anyone looking to turn a round of golf into a short getaway from the Tokyo or Yokohama area.
Next time, staying overnight — especially trying the glamping — might be part of the plan.
— Golf-Otto
