Kasumigaseki Country Club — East Course
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic golf venue — a historic 1929 Saitama members' club, reworked by the Fazios, that travellers realistically play only as a member's guest.
Kasumigaseki Country Club — East Course in photos
Can I play Kasumigaseki Country Club — East Course?
Realistically only as a member's guest — Kasumigaseki does not sell outside green-fee tee times, and a host member must both reserve the round and accompany play. The East Course was the golf venue for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and for most travellers the practical route is an organised tour or corporate arrangement that supplies a member introduction. Without a member connection, casual play is not available.
How to book: Play must be booked by a host member who plays alongside you; there is no public booking channel. Some specialist inbound golf tour operators can arrange access through club or member contacts, so approach them well in advance. Group handicap limits apply and the club's dress code must be observed on arrival and on course.
About Kasumigaseki Country Club — East Course
Founded in 1929 with an East Course designed by Kinya Fujita and Shiro Akaboshi and later remodelled by Charles Hugh Alison, Kasumigaseki is one of Japan's most historic clubs. Ahead of hosting the 2020 Tokyo Olympic golf competition (held in 2021), Tom and Logan Fazio renovated the East Course, lengthening it to over 7,400 yards at par 71 and converting its celebrated double greens to single surfaces. It has a deep championship history including the 1957 Canada Cup and multiple Japan Opens. Access is genuinely exclusive: the club does not sell public tee times, so the realistic route for a visitor is as a member's guest or through an organised tour that secures a member introduction.
Signature hole
The Fazio-era conversion of Kasumigaseki's famous twin greens to single putting surfaces reshaped the challenge, and the long, tree-lined closing holes that decided Olympic medals give the finish real teeth.
What makes it special
Olympic venue
Hosted the golf competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, decided over its long, demanding closing holes.
Fazio-modernised classic
A 1929 Fujita/Akaboshi and Alison design brought up to championship length by Tom and Logan Fazio for the Games.
Member's-guest access
No public green fees — playing here means securing a member introduction, giving the round genuine cachet.
Tournament pedigree
- Golf at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (2021)
- Canada Cup / World Cup (1957)
- Japan Open (1933, 1956, 1995, 2006)
- Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (2010)
Need to know
Best time to play
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions and colour; midsummer is humid and the June rainy season is best avoided.
Dress code
Strict traditional dress code: collared shirt, tailored trousers, jacket for the clubhouse, no denim — smart attire is expected on arrival as well as on course.
Good to know
Caddies are standard and a group handicap limit applies (total 100 or less for a fourball). Expect a formal, prestigious members' atmosphere, immaculate conditioning and an unhurried round of around five hours.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Tokyo Haneda (HND) ~1 hr by car; Narita (NRT) ~1.5 hrs.
On arrival
From central Tokyo it is roughly an hour by car to Kawagoe in Saitama via the Kan-Etsu Expressway. By train, the JR Kawagoe Line serves nearby Kasahata Station, from which it is a short taxi. Tour operators typically arrange private transfers.
Stay near the course
Most visitors base themselves in Tokyo and travel out for the day, though Kawagoe's historic old town makes a characterful nearby stay; there is no on-site accommodation.
Search hotels near Kasumigaseki Country Club — East CoursePlan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Kawagoe — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Kawagoe.
Explore KawagoeFrequently asked questions
Can the public play Kasumigaseki Country Club?
Not on a casual basis. The club does not sell outside green-fee tee times; a host member must reserve and accompany your round, so realistic access is as a member's guest or via an organised tour that arranges an introduction.
How much does it cost to play?
As a member's guest, expect roughly ¥45,000–55,000 (about US$300–380) including caddie and tax. There is no standard visitor rate, so treat this as indicative and confirm with your host or operator.
Do I need a handicap?
Yes in practice — the club applies group handicap limits (a fourball's combined handicap must be 100 or less) and expects competent players who respect its etiquette and dress code.
Can I play the Olympic course?
Yes, the East Course used for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is the one you would play, in its Fazio-renovated, single-green configuration.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Kasumigaseki Country Club (official, English)
- Kasumigaseki Country Club — Wikipedia
- Guest Players — Kasumigaseki Country Club
Guide updated 2026-07-27.