Golf isn’t just a sport — it’s an adventure, especially when you’re playing in another country for the first time. I never thought I’d ever get to tee off in Japan, a country famous not only for cherry blossoms and sushi but also for its beautifully designed, world-class golf courses.

This was my first time in Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island. The city’s cleanliness and order didn’t come as a surprise — at this point, I’ve come to expect that almost everywhere in Japan. I didn’t even bring my own clubs since I planned to play just one round.

I was lucky to have two friends join me on this little golf adventure — though I’ll keep their names to myself for now. I originally tried booking a round at Central Fukuoka Golf Club, but after getting no response online, we had to look elsewhere.

Fortunately, one of my playing partners, who has connections in Japan, managed to secure a tee time at Hisayama Country Club, located just northeast of the city — about a 25-minute drive from central Fukuoka.

The course itself is on the shorter side (just over 5,600 yards) and offers a nice mix: open, flat holes up front and a more technical back nine with rolling fairways. The greens are large with gentle breaks, and the fairways feel so soft and manicured that stepping on them is like walking on carpet. The ball sits up beautifully.

The clubhouse is classic, warm, and well-maintained — exuding that timeless charm you’d expect from an established Japanese golf club. It has a tasteful, slightly retro feel, with hints of Augusta National’s aesthetic. You’ll find photographs and memorabilia celebrating Hisayama’s 61-year history, including tributes to the Masters.

All in all, the clubhouse gives you a wonderful first taste of Japanese golf hospitality: refined, calm, and impressively well-run.

One reminder, though. Wearing short pants in Japanese courses is rare. I found out too late and nearly ruined my trip.

Resigned to the fact that I wouldn’t be able to play, I skipped the car ride with my friends and stayed in my hotel room to sulk. Then came the call, and the good news: I can play.

I jumped out of bed, suited up in record time, and rushed to get a cab. It cost me P2,000 in cab fare, but what the heck, I arrived in the nick of time. My friends got me my playing passport and my rented clubs, a set of Bridgestone with regular flex.

There was no time for chit-chat, off to climb our four-seat golf cart.

Ah, yes, the golf cart.

Mimosa Plus in Clark, Pampanga has GPS-equipped golf carts, but ours went a step further — fully automated and loaded with course info, including an electronic scorecard.

You control the cart with a remote, so you can stroll the fairway while it drives itself — no driver needed. 

The course offers golfers a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere.

Hisayama Golf Course blends right into Kyushu’s natural landscape, with gentle slopes, mostly flat fairways, and smart layouts that reward bold shots without breaking the course’s calm, nature-first vibe.

What really makes Hisayama stand out:

Meticulously maintained grounds: Everything feels intentionally perfect — crisp fairways, clean greens, and those signature Japanese shrubs trimmed so neatly they look sculpted. Even the trees and garden features look deliberately placed, adding to the course’s calm, curated feel.

Wide, scenic views: Nearly every hole gives you a postcard shot of Fukuoka’s countryside, rolling hills, and open sky, adding a sense of calm to the round.

The par-3 10th in my book is the course’s signature hole.

The visually striking water hole is renowned for its beauty and challenge. Golfers face a tee shot over water, with the green framed by elegant landscaping — most notably, two graceful swans often seen gliding on the pond, guarding the approach.

Part of the uniquely Japanese golf experience is the mandatory one-hour break after the first nine holes. As soon as we finished the front nine, a club official handed us a small slip noting our exact tee time for the back nine — organized, precise, and unmistakably Japanese.

The break isn’t optional; everyone stops, no matter how fast or slow your group is. At first, it felt unusual, especially for golfers used to powering through 18 straight holes. But once we settled into the clubhouse and saw what was waiting, it all made perfect sense.

The pause gives players time to enjoy a proper meal — usually something warm, hearty, and surprisingly good for “golf course food.” It’s a built-in moment to recharge, chat, and take in the atmosphere before heading back out. And as with everything in Japan, the system runs like clockwork.

By the time we walked off the 18th green, I realized why so many golfers rave about playing in Japan. 

It’s not just the quality of the course — it’s the whole experience. The unhurried pace, the meticulous attention to detail, the deep respect for the game, and all the subtle touches that make every moment feel special.

Playing golf at Hisayama became one of the highlights of my trip. It was an unexpected adventure that started with a near-disaster over short pants and ended with a deeper appreciation for Japanese golf culture.

Would I play here again? In a heartbeat.

And next time, I’m definitely packing long pants.