Golf holidays in Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture is the most southernly prefecture in Japan and consists of over 150 different islands. It actually makes up two thirds of the Ryukyu Islands and is situated in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. A quick glance at the map shows Okinawa is closer to the capital city of Taiwan than it is to Tokyo.

Due to its location, Okinawa enjoys a tropical climate and is known for its stunning beaches and coral reef. You will find many people book Okinawa holidays as a way to relax on the beach and enjoy water sports such as snorkelling and diving.

The largest island in the Okinawa Prefecture is called Okinawa and this is where you will find the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. The island was the site of a huge a 1945 Allied invasion and has a long history, including the Vietnam War. However, a great deal has changed since then and Okinawa has become one of the most popular places in Japan for booking golf packages.

There are many natural and man-made attractions on Okinawa including Cape Manzamo, Cape Hedo, Okinawa Senseki Quasi-National Park, Gyokusendo, Moon Beach, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Mid-Sea Road and Okinawa World. Naha Airport is the main airport on the island accepting flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and mainland China.

Golf holidays can be enjoyed all year round due to the tropical climate. There are plenty of golf courses to choose from with at least 12 available for visitors to enjoy, one of which is called The Southern Links Golf Club. This golf course is very highly rated and features regularly on most Okinawa golf packages. The links-style golf course has a spectacular setting along the Pacific coast and some of the holes run along a 40-metre-high cliff. Having negotiated the cliff holes, the back nine features plenty of water hazards and the wind often adds to the challenge throughout the round.

Another golf course which cannot be missed when booking a Okinawa holiday is Chura Orchard Golf Club. Having opened for play in 1970, the East China Sea provides the backdrop to several of the 18 holes. This is one of the most established golf courses on the island and if you only manage to play a few rounds during your stay, Chura Orchard Golf Club should be high up the list.

Thanks to being a tropical island, many of the golf courses on Okinawa are situated on the coast and offer tremendous views. Emerald Coast Golf Links, Ocean Links Miyakojima and Shigira Bay Country Club are all good examples. If you would like to play a course which is set a little further inland. Orion Arashiyama Golf Club is a good choice.

Set among local flora and fauna, this golf course plays to 6,995 yards from the back tee and offers a contrasting selection of holes. There is little water to contend with on the front 9 but that changes on the back line with four water hazards to negotiate.

There are many fantastic resorts to choose from when staying on Okinawa and you are spoilt for choice in terms of both golf courses and accommodation.