If you have golfed in Japan, you'll know it's a different kind of animal than that in the West. Namely, the "posh" element is magnified ten fold here. Most golf courses feature a long roadway to the club house ala Augusta. When you enter, you're required to "sign in", filling out a form with private details such as address and phone number. This isn't a hotel! But it looks like one. And it also tastes like one. After 9 holes (sometimes with a caddie who reads your putts and gives you yardages), you take a nice 40 some odd minute break for lunch. This is eaten not at a hotdog stand, but a full-fledged restaurant. You can choose anything from ramen noodles to steak to sashimi. Everything is immaculate, including the service. There are no beverage vans on the course in Japan. People drink in style at lunch, real draft beer or wine. No wonder my back nine score is always worst. But there is always the hot bath to look forward to (they don't do showers here) (photos: above BBQ pork ramen set / below: anago tempura on rice set)
