AWGN Japan Experience
AWGN Hosted Golf Experience in Partnership with Ibaraki Tourism.
Ibaraki Family & Friends Tour 2026
2–9 November | 7 Nights | 8 Days | Mito Plaza Hotel
2026 Itinerary
Ibaraki Family & Friends Tour 2026
2–9 November | 7 Nights | 8 Days | Mito Plaza Hotel
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Day 1 – Mon, 2 Nov: Welcome to Japan
From Tokyo to Mito, with sake and scenery
Arrive at Haneda Airport at 5:30AM, where your AWGN host and Japanese-speaking guide will greet you.
Depart Tokyo by private coach, enjoying a relaxed breakfast stop at Moriya Service Area (8:30–9:30AM).
Then, rise up Mt Tsukuba — a sacred mountain with panoramic views of Kanto — followed by a private sake brewery tour and tasting, where you’ll sip smooth, locally crafted brews and learn the art behind Japan’s most beloved spirit.
Arrive at the Mito Plaza Hotel by 4:00PM, check in, and unwind before dinner, a perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers and toast the journey ahead.
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Day 2 – Tue, 3 Nov: Golf at Chiyoda Country Club
Strategy, serenity, and a feast of lakes and bunkers
After a Western-style breakfast, we head to Grand PGM Chiyoda Country Club — a flat, woodland course where 15 lakes and nearly 80 bunkers demand smart play.
With just 3 meters of elevation, every shot is about precision. Caddies and carts included.
This course blooms with seasonal beauty — from spring cherry blossoms to golden autumn maples — making it a delight for the eyes as much as the game.
Tonight, enjoy your Welcome Dinner at a local favourite.
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Day 3 – Wed, 4 Nov: Walk the Masterpiece – Oarai Golf Club
Where history, ocean views, and thrilling putting come together
Today’s Japanese-style breakfast fuels a special round at Oarai Golf Club — the oldest course in Ibaraki and a US Golf Digest World Top 100 selection.
Designed by Seiichi Inoue, this seaside gem is renowned for its fast, challenging greens and strategic layout. Players walk (caddies carry bags), soaking in ocean breezes and the course’s timeless elegance.
A true golfer’s course — beautiful, challenging, and unforgettable.
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Day 4 – Thu, 5 Nov: Ibaraki’s Heart – Market, Park & Golf Shopping
A day of colour, culture, and fresh finds
After Western-style breakfast, we explore the local fresh market — a sensory delight of seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and local flavours.
Then, wander through Hitachi Seaside Park, where rolling hills bloom in seasonal waves — from blue nemophila in spring to crimson kochia in autumn.
Wrap up with some golf shopping — perfect for gifts, gear, or that special club upgrade.
A relaxed evening back at the hotel — ideal for journaling, connecting, or simply unwinding.
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Day 5 – Fri, 6 Nov: Golf at Summit Golf Club
Elevation in play, not in terrain
Another Japanese-style breakfast, then off to Summit Golf Club — a course known for its smooth flow, elegant design, and strategic challenges.
Flat terrain (only 4m elevation), caddies, and carts make for a comfortable yet engaging round.
The course blends into the surrounding nature, offering peaceful fairways and a chance to focus on rhythm and flow.
Evening at leisure — perhaps a quiet drink or a walk through Mito.
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Day 6 – Sat, 7 Nov: Higashi Tsukuba Country Club
Tranquil fairways, shared stories
After Western-style breakfast, we play Higashi Tsukuba Country Club — a peaceful, well-maintained course with gentle slopes and thoughtful design.
Caddies and carts included.
This is a day to enjoy the game, the company, and the quiet beauty of Ibaraki’s countryside.
Evening free — reconnect, relax, or explore Mito town and enjoy the local culture!
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Day 7 – Sun, 8 Nov: Golf at Ishioka – Jack Nicklaus’ Masterpiece
The grand finale: beauty, strategy, and legacy
Final round at Ishioka Golf Club — designed by Jack Nicklaus, who called it “the best Japanese golf course I know.”
Flat terrain (only 4m elevation), 18 holes of perfectly balanced strategy and beauty — and a course that hosted the ISPS HANDA Championship 2023.
Caddies and carts included.
After golf, celebrate with a special dinner at Hitachi Steak House — juicy, flame-grilled perfection to toast your journey.
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Day 8 – Mon, 9 Nov: Farewell, Japan
From Mito to Tokyo, with memories to last
After Japanese-style breakfast, check out by 8:50AM.
We visit the Ushiku Great Buddha — one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world — for a moment of quiet reflection.
Then, travel to Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, where you can wander Nakamise Street, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the energy of the city.
Arrive at Haneda Airport by 3:30PM — in time for late afternoon flights.
Say your goodbyes, carry your memories, and know: this journey doesn’t end here.
It lives on — in your swing, your stories, and your connections.
Inclusions:
7 nights’ accommodation at Mito Plaza Hotel — a stylish fusion of Japanese and Western elegance
All breakfasts — Western or Japanese style
2 lunches — including a scenic meal during travel
2 dinners — welcome dinner + a celebratory steak dinner at Hitachi Steak House
6 rounds of golf with caddies and carts (except Oarai, where players walk)
All transport & entry fees — from Mt Tsukuba to Hitachi Seaside Park
Expert local tour coordination — smooth, stress-free, and deeply authentic
Australian Host + Japanese-speaking guide — your perfect travel partners
Register for 2026
17 October - 24 October 2026 - 7 Nights / 8 Days
Twins share AUD $6,450.00
Single Supplement add AUD $850.00
Deposit and Payment
Deposit: $1,000 to secure your spot
Balance due: 120 days before departure
Payments made via secure bank transfer (details provided upon registration)
All payments processed via our Travel Partner CGE Golf
*Please note that return airfares to Japan, alcohol and some meals are not included in this package. Comprehensive travel insurance is required.
However, our dedicated team is ready to assist you in making travel arrangements through our trusted travel agent upon request.
Your Journey Begins Here
Golf. Culture. Connection. All in one unforgettable week.
Step into a world where fairways meet tradition, and every day unfolds like a story worth telling. This is more than a golf tour — it’s a shared adventure through the heart of Ibaraki, where championship courses, quiet temples, and seaside views come together in perfect harmony. You’ll play iconic layouts like Oarai and Ishioka (designed by Jack Nicklaus), walk ancient paths at Asakusa Sensoji Temple, and sip sake with mountain views at a local brewery. All with the ease of private transfers, the comfort of spacious rooms at Mito Plaza Hotel, and the joy of shared meals — from set-menu breakfasts to a final steak dinner under the stars.
No stress. No guesswork. Just golf that inspires, moments that connect, and a journey crafted for couples, friends, and families who love to explore together.
This is your invitation — to play, to wander, to belong.
Our Travel Partner: CGE Golf
We’re proud to partner with CGE Golf, a leader in curated golf travel experiences, to bring this journey to life with effortless ease. With over 20 years of expertise, their team — led by passionate golfer and director Steven Baron — knows exactly what makes a golf trip unforgettable: smooth logistics, insider access, and attention to every detail.
From securing your tee times at Tochigi’s finest clubs to handling accommodation, transfers, and itinerary coordination, CGE Golf ensures everything runs seamlessly — so you can focus on what matters most: your swing, your connection, and the joy of being there.
With CGE Golf managing the details, you can simply show up, play well, and soak in every moment — from first tee to final toast.
Let’s Play!
Ibaraki, Japan, is a true haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting some of the most exquisite courses in the country. With its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse landscape, and top-notch facilities, Ibaraki offers an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
From the rolling hills of Chiyoda Country Club to the masterpiece that is Oarai Golf Club, Ibaraki's golf courses showcase the region's stunning scenery and impeccable course design. The meticulously groomed greens and challenging layouts are sure to put your golfing skills to the test while immersing you in the tranquility of the Japanese countryside.
Sightseeing and Culture
But golf is just the beginning. By joining AWGN's tour, you'll not only experience world-class golf but also have the opportunity to explore the rich culture and history of Ibaraki. From visiting the awe-inspiring Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha to strolling through the vibrant Oarai Area Flower Park, you'll discover the hidden gems that make Ibaraki a truly unique destination.
So, whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking for an adventure, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to tee off in Ibaraki, Japan, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Reserve your spot on the AWGN tour today!
5 Star Food and Hospitality
Ibaraki, Japan, is a paradise for food and sake lovers, offering a delightful array of flavours and experiences that showcase the region's rich culinary heritage. As you explore the area, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in mouthwatering local dishes and sample some of the world's finest sake.
From the famed Tsukuba beef to the freshest seafood caught off the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Ibaraki's cuisine is a feast for the senses. Experience the delicate flavours of sashimi, the comforting warmth of a steaming bowl of ramen, or the savoury goodness of yakitori, all prepared with the utmost care and craftsmanship by local chefs.
No visit to Ibaraki would be complete without tasting its legendary sake. With over 40 breweries nestled within the region, you'll have the chance to sample some of the finest rice wines in the world, including those produced by Sudo Honke, Japan's oldest sake brewery. Raise a glass and savour the complex, nuanced flavours of this beloved Japanese beverage.
But it's not just the food and drink that make Ibaraki a memorable destination. The region's warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Experience the heartfelt omotenashi (hospitality) of the locals, as they invite you to share in their traditions, stories, and the joy of communal dining.
So, join us on the AWGN tour of Ibaraki, Japan, and immerse yourself in a world of unforgettable culinary delights, exquisite sake, and the warm embrace of Japanese hospitality. Reserve your spot today and get ready to indulge your senses!
Meet your host - Dee Mills
Golf, culture, and genuine connection — that’s the heart of the journey, and it’s exactly what Dee Mills brings to every step of your Ibaraki adventure.
As AWGN’s Ambassador for Japan and your host, Dee isn’t just guiding you through fairways and temples — she’s opening the door to the Japan she’s come to love over years of travel, play, and quiet discovery.
From the serene woodlands of Chiyoda to the ocean whispers at Oarai, she knows the rhythm of Ibaraki’s courses — where strategy meets beauty, and every caddie has a story. She’s walked the paths of Hitachi Seaside Park in spring bloom, stood in awe beneath the Ushiku Great Buddha, and shared laughter over sake at a local brewery. Now, she’s thrilled to share it all with golfers, partners, friends, and families who want more than just a trip — they want a moment that matters.
A Sydney local and mum of two, Dee and our amazing Ambassador team create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired through the game. But her passion has always been about bringing people together, across ages and experiences, through the shared joy of golf and travel.
On this Family & Friends tour, her role deepens. She’s not just hosting — she’s making sure every guest, whether playing 18 holes or exploring Asakusa Temple, feels welcomed, included, and effortlessly cared for.
With her easygoing spirit, sharp eye for detail, and knack for storytelling, Dee turns logistics into moments — from breakfast chats about the day ahead to sunset reflections after a round at Ishioka.
This isn’t just another tour. It’s AWGN’s heartfelt invitation to slow down, play with purpose, and connect — with Japan, with your people, and with something a little deeper.
Come as you are. Leave with memories that last long after the final putt.
Important Information
When traveling overseas, several important hazards must be carefully considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for yourself and any companions. It's essential to be fully aware of the varying fitness requirements for playing golf, which can differ significantly by course and region; maintaining good physical condition will undoubtedly enhance your overall experience on the golf course. In Japan, understanding sightseeing formalities is crucial to a smooth experience, as certain popular locations may have specific dress codes, behavior expectations, or even reservation requirements that need to be followed. Additionally, food tolerances should be have careful consideration, as traditional Japanese cuisine often incorporates ingredients that may not align with specific dietary restrictions; therefore, it's wise to communicate any allergies or personal preferences clearly and effectively to avoid any health issues. Lastly, comprehensive travel insurance is required to cover unexpected events, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations and lost luggage. Having this protection in place will provide invaluable peace of mind while navigating and exploring Japan.
More frequently updated information about traveling to Japan can be found at smartraveller.gov.au