The Land of the Rising Sun

With variable weather in Japan, golfers should plan to pack layers with cool gear, warm gear and rain gear for the duration of their stay. A recommended packing list is provided below.  Having two sets will allow one to dry should encounter rain the day before while you play your next round.

Pack Light - Consider packing everything in your carry-on roller. Typically you only get one free checked bag on most airlines and this would be your golf club travel bag.  When packing your golf club travel bag, pack your extra shoes, rain gear and other bulky items to lighten the load for your carry-on roller.

Golf Clothing 

• Waterproof Rain Jacket & Rain Pants
• Thermals – Tops & Bottoms - you never know!
• Layers 
  • Collared Golf Shirts
  • Golf Sweaters, Quarter Zips or Vests
• Golf Pants - (Shorts or Skirts unlikely)
• Extra Socks 
• Good Quality Hat - Performance or Waterproof
• Warm Beanie
• Sunglasses

Golf Gear 

• Rain Gloves - 2 Pairs
• Light Golf Bag - Rain Cover
• Golf Towel - 2 
• Golf Balls - 2 Dozen
• Golf Gloves - 2-3
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm - Windswept Day
• Ziploc bags in varying sizes – these are great for storing phones, wallets, spare gloves, beanies etc that you need at golf, on rainy days

Smart Casual Clothing for non-golf days and evenings out

• 1 Pair of Trousers, Slacks and Jeans
• 1-2 Dress Shirts
• 1-2 Sweaters & Vests
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• Jacket & Tie - is required in all clubhouses in Japan

Shoes

• 2 Pairs - Waterproof Golf Shoes
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Smart, Comfortable Shoes for evenings

Personal Items

• Passport and Visas
• World Handicap - GHIN App is Acceptable
• Foreign Currency
• Bag Tags

Electronics

• International power adaptors & chargers

What to leave home...

• Umbrella
• Large Heavy Golf Bags

All golfers are expected to arrive and depart in sportcoat or jacket. On course all golfers are expected to dress in suitable golfing attire Tailored shorts are allowed on the courses. Sportcoats and Jackets are accepted dress code in most clubhouses. Jeans, trainers, and round neck tee shirts are not allowed on the courses or in the clubhouse. Please remove all rain gear in the locker room before entering the clubhouse, dining room or bar area.

Golf in Japan is a walking only experience. Caddies in Japan are included in the experience cost. Japan is a non-tipping culture so no additional money is required from each individual golfer on the trip. 

Most golf courses have a very limited supply of golf carts, and reserve them only for golfers with very serious medical conditions. A doctor’s note is often required to reserve a cart for the day of play. Often times the course will require a caddie to drive the golf cart. Golfers should expect to pay between $60-$80 USD per cart per round. TFC is happy to assist in the reservation process of golf carts for those who require them. Please email travel@thefliersclub.com for more information.

Please note tattoos in Japan are not as widely accepted as other parts of the world. Per club rules in Japan, travelers who have tattoos must cover these during their time on property which includes playing golf and in the clubhouse. Additionally, travelers with tattoos will not be permitted to enter the onsen post golf. 

Golf in Japan is a unique experience and pace of play is no different. Every round requires lunch between each nine holes of golf. Each nine will take approximately 2 hours and lunch between 45-60 minutes. Please understand this cadence of play is a intricate part of the golfing culture in Japan.  

Weather in Japan can often be unpredictable. Unless there are unsafe conditions for the golfer or the golf course, golf will be played in cold, wind or rain. Should a round be canceled or postponed by the golf course, TFC will work with the group and the course to reschedule or refund the greens fee. Refunds and rescheduling are not an option if a golfer voluntarily decides not to play in safe inclement weather.

Pull carts are not available in Japan due to the compulsory caddie inclusion. 

Most golf courses have a limited number of clubs available to rent. Rental clubs must be requested in advance to ensure availability on the day of play. The quality and brand of rental golf clubs varies from course to course.

Many courses have handicap limits and/or require a handicap certificate to be produced when you check in with the starter. The handicap limits are typically a max handicap of 24 for Men and 36 for Women. Golfers not able to provide a valid handicap certificate with the required limits, may be denied play based on the terms & conditions.

Some golf courses do not have full driving ranges to warm up. Putting, chipping greens and hitting nets are often available for use near the first tee.

TFC has partnered with Luggage Forward as our preferred shipping provider. All TFC travelers receive a 10% discount through Luggage Forward. This service is commonly utilized if you are traveling before or after the planned tour and do not wish to keep your clubs with you.

You may obtain an accurate quote to ship your clubs to and from tour: luggageforward.com/book/the-fliers-club

Unless noted, accommodations are based on double occupancy (two travelers per room). 

Room configuration includes: Twin (two separate beds) or Double (one bed for two travelers) is available. Bed size varies from hotel to hotel and cannot be guaranteed. 

Most major mobile phone providers offer an International Day Pass for you to utilize your existing phone and data plans while traveling abroad. This pass may vary in cost from $10-20 per day – please contact your carrier for the exact details and pricing. WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants.

Be sure you notify your Bank and Credit Card company that you will be traveling outside the US. Local Currency can be ordered through your local banking institution or on the ground in country at ATMs. Please note ATM's may limit the amount of cash withdrawn on a daily basis.

Most credit card companies now offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. If you have a card that offers no foreign transaction fees it is best to utilize your card for most purchases. 

Please note that VISA and MASTERCARD are widely accepted for credit card purchases, however AMERICAN EXPRESS is not as widely accepted in the smaller towns and villages we travel to.

A valid U.S. PASSPORT is required for all international TFC trips. Depending on your destination and official country of residence you may require a VISA. 

US Citizens: Please consult the US State Department for the most up to date VISA requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

Non-US Citizens: Please consult with your Embassy or Consulate if your citizenship is outside of the United States. 

Power Adapters – Every destination outside of the US requires a country specific power adapter. While most gift shops in the airport or major cities carry the local power adapter, Amazon carries a number of inexpensive options, should you choose to purchase one ahead of travel.  

International Non-Refundable Deposit Policy:

The initial deposit for all international TFC experiences is non-refundable due the non-refundable policies of the golf courses and hotels on this itinerary. The Fliers Club is required to pay these non-refundable deposits in order to secure the experience provided to members. Individual deposits are transferable if a replacement traveler is found for a traveler no longer wishing to travel. 

Final balances for international travel will be collected 120 days prior to the travel start date.

Registrations that are cancelled inside 120 days to the event start date will be subject to the following cancellation penalties: 

120-90 days - 25% of full entry fee

89-60 days - 50% of full entry fee

59-31 days - 75% of full entry fee

30 days - 100% of full entry fee