You can watch sumo on TV (NHK) everyday during major tournaments. Each tournament lasts for fifteen days, and each sumo wrestler fights once a day
The sumo wrestler with the best record of wins over losses is awarded the Emperor's Cup on the final day. During a day, the sumo wrestlers who are in the higher ranks, such as ozeki or yokozuna fight later in the afternoon. Usually, they show up after 5 p.m. It is the best time to watch sumo if you want to see those famous rikishi.
If your visit to Japan is during the period of any sumo tournament, it is a good chance for you to watch the real sumo. Sumo is very popular in Japan, so it is recommendable to buy tickets in advance. Tickets are sold about one month beforehand. The special boxed area near the ring is called masu-seki (for 4 persons). The price ranges from 36,800 yen to 45,200 yen per box. In masu-seki, you need to sit on cushions in Japanese-style, so your legs might become numb. An ordinary reserved seat costs from 3,600 yen to 8,200 yen.
Enjoy the excitement of this Japanese traditional sport!
Japanese Women Pro Wrestling
Japanese women's pro wrestling has been one of the best in the world. Japanese women pro wrestling is called Joshi-proresu in Japanese and attracts lots of fans. Joshi-proresu association consists of All-Japan Women's Pro Wrestling, JWP Project, Ladies Legends Pro Wrestling, Yoshimoto Ladies Pro Wrestling, ARSION Hyper Visual Fighting, and GAEA Japan.
GAEA JAPAN is one of the most popular organizations for Japanese women pro wrestling. It was established in August, 1994. About 20 wrestlers belong to the GAEA. Some of the wrestlers in GAEA hold AAAW (All Asian Athlete Women) championship titles.
GAEA holds matches at Korakuen hall in Tokyo once a month and also holds many matches in other cities in Japan
Try to see Japanese women's pro wrestling matches while you are in Japan.
Address: 1F Meison Nanpeidai 6-7 Nanpeidai-chou Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0036
Phone: (813) 5459 3101
Tickets Information:
Email to internationalinfo@gaea-inc.com
Japanese Baseball League
Japan's professional baseball season is from April to October. There are two leagues in Japanese professional baseball: the Central League and the Pacific League. There are six teams in each league. The winners from both leagues meet in the Japan Series in October. In July, two or three All-Star games are held by best players from two leagues. Also, exchange games between two leagues called koryu-jiai are planned every year.
It's going to be so much fun to see popular baseball teams and players. If you are living in Japan or visiting Japan, plan to go watch a baseball game near you. Please contact each team's ballpark, Japanese travel agencies, or ticket centers, such as Ticket Pia.
Central League
Yomiuri Giants Ballpark: Tokyo Dome
Chunichi Dragons Ballpark: Nagoya Dome
Yokohama Bay Stars Ballpark: Yokohama Stadium
Yakult Swallows Ballpark: Gingu Stadium Tokyo
Hiroshima Toyo Carp Ballpark: Hiroshima Shimin Stadium
Hanshin Tigers Ballpark: Hanshin Koshien Stadium
Pacific League
Fukuoka Soft Bank Hawks Ballpark: Fukuoka Yahoo Dome
Seibu Lions Ballpark: Seibu Dome Saitama Tokorozawa
Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters Ballpark: Sapporo Dome (Hokkaido)
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles Ballpark: Full Cast Stadium Miyagi (Sendai)
Chiba Lotte Marines Ballpark: Chiba Marine Stadium
Orix Buffaloes Ballpark: Osaka Dome
Ski Resorts in Japan
Skiing is a very popular winter sport in Japan, and there are many ski resorts you can visit. Most of the famous Japanese ski resorts are located in the Chubu region and Hokkaido. Hakuba area in Nagano (Chubu region) is one of them. In the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Downhill, Super G, Jumping, Biathlon, and Cross Country competitions were held there.
Skiing in Japan can be costly for you since the accommodations, food, and lift tickets tend to be expensive. However, if you stay at "Minshuku," which is a private guest house, the cost is cheaper. There are many minshuku around any ski resort. It is a good idea to visit the local Kankou Annai-jo (Tourist information center). They usually have a list of minshuku in their areas.
The following are links to major ski resorts in Japan, by GoSki. You can find access and facility information with reviews by visitors there.
Ski Resorts
Hokkaido
Furano / Niseko
Tohoku Region
Appi Kogen / Inawashiro / Zao / Ishiuchi Maruyama / Kusatsu Shirane / Myoko Suginohara / Naeba
Chubu Region
Hakuba Norikura / Hakusan Ichirino / Happo One / Iizuna Resort / Nozawa Onsen / Shiga Kogen/ Sugadaira Kogen / Sun Alpina / Togari /Tsugaike Kogen
Chugoku Region
Daisen
Many ski resorts have hot springs (onsen) nearby. Nozawa Onsen in Nagano is a popular ski resort with hot springs. There are many public baths there, so you can take a bath for a small fee. Bathing in the hot springs after skiing is one of Japanese people's favorite things to do. To relax both your mind and body, please join the bath time with other skiers.
Japanese Hot Springs (Onsen)
Japan is well-known for its many volcanoes, and consequently there are a lot of hot springs (onsen) all over Japan. It is very relaxing to take a bath in hot springs, and Japanese people like to spend holidays in hot springs. There are many different kinds (14 of which are basic kinds) of hot springs depending on the amount and kinds of minerals in the water. Different hot springs are effective for different conditions. Some kinds of water can be smelly and very hot.
The way of bathing in a hot spring is same as that of public bath. The baths are usually separated for women and men. You are supposed to take all your clothes off. Usually people do not wear bathing suit in hot springs in Japan.
Usually hot springs are located inside Japanese inns (Ryokan), and there are also many hot springs, which are open to the public. Roten buro (open air baths) are very popular.
Hot Springs by Region
Hokkaido prefecture: Aidomari onsen, Bifuku onsen, Noboribetsu, Rausu onsen
-Tohoku Region-
Akita prefecture: Aomori prefecture: Kokanesaki Furofushi onsen
Fukushima prefecture: Yonokami onsen
-Kanto Region-
Ibaraki prefecture: Gozanyama onsen
Gumma prefecture: Ikaho onsen, Kusatsu onsen
Kanagawa prefecture: Hakone Yumoto onsen
Saitama prefecture: Chichibu onsen
Tochigi prefecture: Shiobara onsen
-Chubu region-
Gifu prefecture: Hirayu onsen, Gero onsen
Nagano prefecture: Shirahone onsen, Nozawa onsen
Shizuoka prefecture: Shuzenji onsen
-Kinki region-
Kyoto: Kurama onsen
Hyogo prefecture: Arima onsen
Wakayama prefecture: Kawayu onsen
-Shikoku region-
Dogo onsen
-Kyushu region-
Kagoshima prefecuture: Ibusuki onsen
Oita prefecture: Yufuin onsen
Bird Watching in Japan
Birdwatching is as popular in Japan as other countries. It is relaxing to go outside and observe birds in the nature being away from cities. Japanese cranes can be seen in Hokkaido.
Places you can go to observe birds around Tokyo:
Ueno Park
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo Yacho Koen (Wild Bird Park)
Places you can go in Hokkaido:
Akkeshi Waterfowl Observation Center
Tsurui-Ito Tancho (Red-crowned Crane) Sanctuary
Shunkunitai Nature Center
Place to observe birds in Kinki Region:
Osaka Nanko Bird Sanctuary
Hyogo Konotoi no Sato Koen (Stork Park)
If you are interested in visiting a bird museum in Japan, there is one. Abiko City Museum of Birds is located in Abiko city, Chiba. To get the museum, take JR Joban line from Ueno to Abiko station.
Birdwatching will be a refreshing experience for you.
Golf in Japan
EHIME-KEN SHOKOKU ISLAND
Dougo Golf Club
Idai Course
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6672
Par: 72
Telephone: (818) 9977 0111
Fax: (818) 9977 6355
Only a 15 minute drive from the Dogo Hot Springs (oldest in Japan). It features wide, flat fairways located on hilltops. Views of an inland sea. 1996 Host to The Kenshouen Ladies Dogo Tournament.
FUKUOKA-KEN KYUSHU ISLAND
Keya Golf Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7144
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 2327 1500
Fax: (819) 2327 3111
Located on a hilltop in a National Park looking down to the sea. Fairways are well separated by pine tree forest. 1996 Tournament; Hisamitsu seiyaku KBC augusta.
Fukuoka Kokusai Country Club
Holes: 2-18s
Munakata Golf Club
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 4033 0123
Wide open fairways with intricate undulations. Host to the 1996 Yakult Ladies Tournament.
GIFU-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Mizunami Country Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6891
Par: 72
Telephone: (815) 7263 3100
Fax: (815) 7263 3839
A challenging course with well-placed bunkers and ponds. Strategy is needed to score well. Past host to 1996 Ladies 'Golf 5' Tournament. Closed Monday, December 31st and January 1st.
GUNMA
Takanashi Golf Club
Address: Annaka, Gunma, Japan
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6806/6194/5809
Par: 72/72/72
Telephone: (812) 7393 3000
KANAGAWA-KEN
Whispering Pines Golf Course
Address: Naval Air Station, Atsugi, Kanagawa-Ken, Japan
PSC 477 Box 20, FPO, AP, Japan
Holes: 18
Yardage: 3327/3568
Par: 72
Rating: 68.7
Slope: 113
KAGOSHIMA-KEN KYUSHU ISLAND
Ibusuki Golf Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7042
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 9332 3141
Fax: (819) 9332 3042
Good use is made of the natural topography. Layed out on a plateau 350-450 metres above sea level. Gently undulating. The Kyushu Open Golf Tournament is played here.
KASUMIGASEKI GOLF CLUB
Holes: 2-18s
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6959
Par: 72
Telephone: (814) 9231 2181, Fax: (814) 9231 4528
First opened in 1929, this course was designed by Kinya Fujnta and renovated by Charles Alison. The 10th hole is the signature for this championship course. It crosses a deep ravine, several deep sandtraps, now known as 'Alison' Traps which are found on m any courses. The greens are seeded with hardy Korai green and bent (which needs reseeding each year) for second green, one for winter and one for summer. White river sand bunkers and lots of water areas. Holes are separated by tall pine. Host to the Japan Open in 1995. Private.
KUMAMOTO-KEN KYUSHU ISLAND
Kumamoto Kukou Country Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7091
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 6232 0123
Fax: (819) 6232 1778
This famous course is located near the Kumamoto Airport on Mount Aso. The design uses the natural hilly terrain to advantage. The Saishunkan 1996 Ladies Tournament was played here.
MIYAZAKI-KEN KYUSHU ISLAND
Aoshima Golf Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7018
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 8565 1001
Fax: (819) 8065 0513
Though situated on a hill, the course features flat fairways and grand views. The 1996 JLPGA Meiji-milk Cup was played at the course.
Tom Watson Golf Course
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7012
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 8521 1188
Fax: (819) 8521 1189
A Seaside Resort course next to the Ocean Dome. Designed by Tom Watson.
Phenix Country Club
Holes: 27
Telephone: (819) 8539 1301
Fax: (819) 8539 1305
A beautiful and quiet seaside course with a natural pine forest separating each hole. Host to the 1996 Dunlop Phenix Tournament.
NAGANO-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Karuizawa 72 Golf
Holes: 2-18s
Telephone: (812) 6748 1211
Fax: (812) 6748 2661
Long fairways need distance and accuracy on every shot. Closed December to March. Played host to the 1996 NEC Karuizawa 72 Golf Tournament.
Sugadaira Green Golf
Address: 3153 Sugadaira, Nagano 386-2211 Japan
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6804/6453/5855
Par: 72/72/72
Telephone: (812) 6874 2450
Semi-Private.
MISAWA
Gosser Memorial Golf Course
Address: Misawa AFB, Japan
Yardage: 5983/5658/4978
Rating: 69.2/68.4/69.9
Slope: 124/122/118
Telephone: (812) 6748 226 9000
Shinyo (New Sun) Country Club
Holes: 18
Telephone: (813) 3403 0511
Feature hole is the 7th. A par 3 with a round green set into a pond which is fronted by a grassy area in the shape of a fan with its' folds. There is also a lake with water falls.
Fujioka Country Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6970
Par: 72
Telephone: (815) 6576 2331
Private course. Opened in 1971. It is a Peter Thomson and M. Wolveridge design that offers a lake, 80 acres with a creek wandering through. Cut out of a pine forest on a former tea plantation. 'Alison' bunkers and various sandtraps.
NIIGATA-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Akakura Golf Course
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6365
Par: 72
Telephone: 0255-87-2501, Fax: 0255-87-2678
Strategic course with flat, wide fairways. Ski resort hotel in winter.
Naeba Prince Hotel Golf Course
Telephone: (812) 5789 2311
Fax: (812) 5587 2678
Nicely designed course with gently sloping fairways. Well-placed trees and water areas. Every putting green is guarded with deep bunkers. It is a Ski Resort in the winter. Closed November to May.
OKINAWA-KEN OKINAWA ISLAND
Awase Meadows Golf Course
Address: MCB Camp Butler, Okinawa City, Okinawa, 904 Japan
Holes: 18
Yardage: 5833/5689/4921
Par: 70/70/70
Rating: 68.8/67.9/70.8
Slope: 127/126/125
Telephone: (819) 8645 3110
Web Site: www.mccsokinawa.com
Short but challenging. Narrow fairways with unforgiving treelines bordering most holes. Beautiful vistas of East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Semi-Private.
Daikyou Country Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6293
Par: 72
Telephone: (819) 8967 8835
Fax: (819) 8967 8655
A seaside course that faces the East China Sea. Host to the 1996 Daikyou Open.
Ryuku Golf Club
Holes: 27
Telephone: (819) 8948 2464
Fax: (819) 8949 7573
Long wide fairways on West Course. Technical accuracy is needed on East Course. Difficult South Course. Host to 1996 Daikin Orchid Tournament.
Banyan Tree Golf Course
Address: Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6704/6423/5188
Par: 72/72/72
Rating: 71.6/70.4/70.3
Slope: 123/119/117
Telephone: (819) 8634 3900
Semi-Private.
SAITAMA-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Musashigaoka Golf Course
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7016
Par: 72
Telephone: (814) 2973 3333
Fax: (814) 2973 9666
Golf on a 'grand scale' where stragegy is required. Beautiful forested layout with something different to see every season. Open year-round.
SAPPORO HOKKAIDO ISLAND
Sapporo Kokusai Country Club
Holes: 27
Matsushima Course
Telephone: (811) 1376 2221
Fax: (811) 1377 5440
Forest course with good scenery. Host to Sapporo Tokyu Open '96. Closed November to April.
SHIJIMI, HYOGO
Hirono Golf Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 7015/6921/6100
Par: 72
Telephone: (817) 9485 0123
Fax: (817) 9485 9331
A Charles Alison design of 1932. Plenty of water into play such as the 12th hole which is a 550 yard par 5 that takes you over rough and water. Private
SHIZUOKA-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Kawana Hotel
Holes: 2-18s
Telephone: (815) 5745 1111
Fax: (815) 5745 3834
A very popular and beautiful course, full of natural valleys, ponds, and woods. Views of Mt. Fuji and Hatsushima Island. On the Pacific Ocean side with mild weather year-round. 1996 host to the Fuji-Sankei Classic.
TOCHIGI-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Jun Classic Country Club
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6991
Par: 74
Telephone: (812) 8796 3535
Fax: (812) 8796 4030, 7007
Course design supervised by Jean Sarazen. Undulations on putting green creates quite a challenge. Host to the Jun Classic, 1996. Closed every Tuesday, December 31 and January 1st.
TOKYO, HONSYU ISLAND
Yomiuri Country Club
Yardage: 6962
Par: 72
A 1964 design by Seichi Inoue. In mountainous country with some blind shots and deep valleys to cross. The wind is a factor. Past host to The World Cup.
Wakasu Golf Links
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6881
Par: 72
Telephone: (813) 3522 4455
Metropolitan Tokyo area course, flat but designed with many bunkers and lots of water into play. Interesting undulating fairways. Host to 1996 Pokariswet Yomiuri Open and 1996 Yellow-hat Tokyo Open.
Sukinshippu Golf Senshi
Address: 199 Jujuban St., Tokyo, Honshu, Japan
Telephone: (819) 1562 3527
Private.
TOMAKOMAI HOKKAIDO ISLAND
Nidomu Classic Course
Holes: 45
Telephone: (811) 4455 5111
Fax: (811) 4455 3677
Natural scenery with spring water and creek. Past host to Dunlop Match Play '96. Closed November to April.
TOTTORI-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Asahi Kokusai Hamamura Onsen Golf Club
Holes: 2-18s
Telephone: (818) 5759 0181
Fax: (818) 5759 0186
A beautiful, hilly location that offers views of the Japan Sea. Wide fairways, moderately sloped. Lots of ponds. The 1996 Mizuno Ladies Tournament was held here.
YAMAGUCHI-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Ube Country Club
Holes: 3-18s
Telephone: (818) 3665 5151
Fax: (818) 3665 3220
Largest golf course area in West Japan. It is designed with a dense green forest surrounding a large natural pond. The 1996 Pepsi Ubekosan Tournamernt was played here.
YAMANASHI-KEN HONSYU ISLAND
Fuji Golf Course
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6792
Par: 72
Telephone: (815) 5562 1227
Fax: (815) 5562 0394
This course uses the natural terrain at the base of Mt. Fuji. Beautiful alternating mountain and Lake Yamanaka views as you play the course.
YOKOTA AIR BASE
Tama Hills Golf Course
Address: 374th Services Division, Yokota Air Base, Inagi City, Japan
Yardage: 6436/5438
Par: 72/74
Rating: 70/70.9
Slope: 121/127
Yardage: 6315/5316
Rating: 69.7/70.6
Slope: 122/124
Telephone: (811) 1814 2552-2510 ext: 5-7455
Web Site: www.tamahills.com
