During our visit to Osaka, we made a stop at Misaki Country Club—and what an introduction to an 18-hole course it was! It was my first time playing a full round of golf, and I couldn’t have picked a more memorable place to start.

From the top-tier amenities to the challenging course and breathtaking views, this experience was absolutely worth it. Let’s start from the beginning.

Getting There

Misaki Country Club was about a 2.5-hour train ride from our hotel. My husband, Lyle, wanted to get an early start—partly to avoid any travel mishaps and partly to explore the facility before teeing off.

Once we reached the last station, we had a 20-minute walk ahead of us. Wanting to save a little money, we decided to walk instead of taking a taxi. But this wasn’t just any walk—it felt more like a paved hike. As cars zipped past us, we continued our uphill trek toward the country club, excited for the day ahead.

Checking In & First Impressions

Upon arrival, we attempted to check in at the self-service kiosk, but since I had booked everything online—including our club rentals—I opted to check in at the front desk instead. The front desk had a translation device that made communication seamless, which was a huge help.

We were each given a passport-sized wallet containing our locker number and key. The men’s and women’s locker rooms were located on the second floor, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amenities in the women’s locker room—showers, an onsen, hair dryers, moisturizers, slippers, and a spacious vanity area.

Pre-Game Breakfast

Since we arrived early, we decided to grab breakfast at the clubhouse restaurant on the third floor. I ordered pork katsu, and Lyle got yakisoba. Thanks to the package I booked, we received a discount on our meal—which made the 20-minute hike feel even more worth it!

One thing I really appreciated was how payments were handled. Instead of paying immediately, they simply scanned our locker number, and the bill was added to our account to be paid after our round. It was a small detail, but it made the experience feel much more seamless.

Teeing Off

After breakfast, we made our way to the putting greens, where Lyle practiced a few putts. In hindsight, I should have done the same!

The Course & Challenges

This 18-hole course was a serious challenge—especially for a beginner like me. The greens were unpredictable; at times, they were flat, and at others, it felt like an invisible force had placed a strategic hill right in front of the hole. I don’t recall seeing any sand traps, but the rolling hills made up for it.

That said, the scenery was absolutely stunning. We visited in November, just as the trees were starting to change color. Coming from Hawaii, where we don’t experience fall foliage, this was a magical sight for me.

The Mid-Course Lunch Break

Golf in Japan follows a slightly different structure. After playing the first nine holes, there’s a scheduled lunch break before finishing the back nine.

Lyle wasn’t a fan of the break. “Can we just skip lunch and finish the course so we can move on with our day?” he asked.

I, however, loved it. The pause forced me to slow down, take in the experience, and enjoy the moment. Over tea and coffee, we caught up, and Lyle gave me some tips on improving my putting. Meanwhile, I was just daydreaming about the onsen waiting for me afterward.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to golf in Japan, be prepared for a full-day experience. The Misaki Country Club was as challenging as it was breathtaking, and the unique mid-course break allowed me to truly appreciate the course, the culture, and the company.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I might just take a taxi. 😆