Taiheiyo Club Gotemba will play host to the 15th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship this week Japan: A picturesque hillside venue at the foot of Mount Fuji Taiheiyo Club Gotemba is the flagship course among the Taiheiyo Club’s stable of 18 and will play host to the 15th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) The region’s premier championship is returning to Japan this week for the first time since 2010 when Hideki Matsuyama triumphed on home soil at Kasumigaseki Golf Club near Tokyo Gotemba is situated 100 kilometres to the southwest of Japan’s capital and has previously hosted showpiece events perhaps most notably the 2001 World Cup of Golf which saw South African duo Ernie Els and Retief Goosen come out on top That competition is also remembered for a moment of Tiger Woods magic that stands out even amid his remarkable collection The 15-time Major champion was playing alongside David Duval and the pair needed an eagle at the par-five 18th to force a play-off which was achieved when Woods expertly chipped in from off the green to the delight and amazement of those watching on with Matsuyama among those to take on a consultancy role – the first course design project the 2021 Masters champion and two-time AAC winner has been involved in was developed to make it more challenging – the 2016 and 2017 Taiheiyo Masters having been won by a combined score of 41-under-par including Matsuyama shooting 23-under on his way to lifting the trophy for a second time eight years ago Length was not increased significantly but bunkers were altered opening up the picture-postcard views of Fuji – particularly prevalent when walking up the fifth fairway – and increasing the greens’ exposure to sunlight an event previously won by the likes of Seve Ballesteros while members are also said to be enjoying the fresh challenge offered by the redesign there is potential for dramatic late twists at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba with a par-three 17th followed by a par-five to conclude a round on a course where level par sits at 72 The penultimate hole is one of the highlights Measuring 228 yards from the championship tees with the wind drifting down the hill from the Fuji summit the green is surrounded by a signature pond and several precariously placed bunkers The 18th then offers tantalising eagle opportunities which not only Woods has made the most of The 2020 Taiheiyo Masters saw Jinichiro Kozuma nail an approach from 230 yards that settled inches away from the cup and set up a routine putt for eagle enough for him to come out on top by one shot in a congested leaderboard Bubba Watson is among those to have been enchanted by Gotemba’s magical fairways a two-time Masters champion who is a member at the club I head straight for Taiheiyo Club Gotemba and tee up who has been involved in designing or redesigning more than 225 courses is pleased with the way the venue now plays following the renovations playable and pleasing to the eye,” he said “Golfers of all standards can find an appropriate tee to play from Greens hold a well-executed shot and the various challenges around the greens are intriguing The tree-lined fairways at Gotemba give the holes definition and each hole has its own unique challenge “The real reward for a golf course architect after completion of a major remodelling project is universal acceptance of the work from once-sceptical members That has occurred at Gotemba – I am now an honorary member of the Taiheiyo Club Whoever masters the layout and conditions between October 3-6 will add their name to an illustrious list of champions while also securing an invite to the 2025 Masters and The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush *This article first appeared at www.aacgolf.com Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo Featuring an overwhelming selection of 290 shops offering deep discounts, Gotemba Premium Outlets in Shizuoka prefecture offers a spectacular view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Now that there are direct buses from Shibuya it’s even easier for you to make this a day trip from Tokyo And you'll want to do just that on a Saturday between July 27 and August 31 to catch the special fireworks Called Gotemba Night 2024 the event’s free five-minute hanabi (fireworks display) takes place after closing time at 8.10pm on July 27 as well as August 3 will launch 500 shells of fireworks.  You’ll be able to enjoy the hanabi from anywhere within the outlet mall grounds since the fireworks are launched from the valley between Yume no Ohashi and Kibo no Ohashi bridges we recommend watching the show from the elevated Hill Side area the fireworks show will be postponed to Sunday.)  Fitting with the summer matsuri theme you can rent a yukata for ¥5,000 at the Hill Side Welcome Centre Yukata dressing services are also available if you bring your own for ¥2,500 Rentals and dressing services are available from 10am to 8.30pm on days when fireworks are held you’ll find food trucks at the East Zone Food Bazar West Zone Gap Square and at the Hill Side playgrounds serving Shizuoka prefecture-themed festival grub such as Mt Fuji-shaped kakigori shaved ice desserts hamburgers with Shizuoka grown meat patties stay on until dusk for a stunning sunset view over Mt Fuji For more information, see the event website (in Japanese only).The article was published on July 3 2023 and updated on July 29 2024 Enoshima island is hosting a free projection mapping event this summer Hakone is hosting a week-long fireworks festival this summer Bruce Munro’s 1.3km-long light installation in Niseko is now open A massive eight-storey anime figurine store opens in Akihabara Roppongi Hills is being taken over by Doraemon for the summer Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us The ISPS Handa Championship marks the penultimate event of the Asian Swing a swing disrupted by both the Masters and the US PGA Championship The ISPS Handa Championship returns for its second edition in 2024 this week before players jet off for back-to-back tournaments with the final round of the Asian Swing at the Volvo China Open the tournament’s first time back on the schedule in five years the DP World Tour is back in action and continuing its global odyssey in Japan at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba – a stunning course boasting breathtaking views of Mount Fuji the Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course in Japan is a welcomed destination to what is already a thriving and growing schedule on the DP World Tour With two events remaining on the Asian Swing and a host of big incentives on the line there is plenty to play for as the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai continues This season on the DP World Tour an additional $1 million is up for grabs the two golfers to bag the extra cash so far has been Min Woo Lee and Rory McIlroy For those golfers who miss out on the top spot there is an opportunity to feature in a Major next month The top three positions in the final Asian Swing standings PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club next month Matthieu Pavon is the top-ranked player in the field this week having reached a career-high in the Official World Golf Ranking with a tie for 12th on his Masters debut earlier this month who won his first PGA TOUR title earlier this year is joined in action by fellow ISPS HANDA ambassadors Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Christiaan Bezuidenhout who are also fellow winners on the DP World Tour who like Nakajima has won his first DP World Tour title during the Asian Swing is aiming to strengthen his bid for a first Major start at next month’s U.S while Matteo Manassero and Jordan Gumberg are this season’s other winners teeing it up Former DP World Tour winners Renato Paratore and Tom Lewis are among the Qualifying School graduates looking to make an impression while could we see a third Challenge Tour graduate from the class of 2023 win this season after Matteo Manassero and Jesper Svensson You can take a look at the full list of players teeing it up in the ISPS Handa Championship and how they qualified here It is a standard strokeplay event played over 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes (two rounds) that sees the leading 70 players and ties make the final two rounds The player who achieves the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament The second edition of the ISPS Handa Championship will be played at – The 7262-yard A new venue for the tournament this year after it was hosted at the PGM Ishioka Golf Club in 2023 Matthieu Pavon has to be many people’s firm favorite to win as he is now a proven winner on the PGA Tour with victory at the Farmers Insurance but he as also been in contention throughout the year too Some honorable mentions who have more than enough ability to also be in the running come Sunday would be Christiaan Bezuidenhout who has guaranteed DP World Tour status for next season by finishing top of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit Selected Bet365 odds (correct as of Apr 24 The winner of the ISPS Handa Championship will earn $380,000 from a total purse of $2,250,000 The rest of the field will be fighting it out for the remainder of the prize pot UK viewers can catch all the action on Sky Sports Golf US viewers can catch all the action on Golf Channel Tee time information for the ISPS Handa Championship can be viewed here Will has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam university and four years of experience working in golf retail with American Golf Will was part of the sales and fitting team making him the perfect man to review golf equipment. Trained by a range of manufacturers Will has all of the skills required to recommend the perfect equipment for amateur golfers By Will Shreeve-Peacock Eat a luxurious Japanese-influenced French meal with a view of Mount Fuji at Maison Kei in Gotemba Maison Kei offers a multicourse dining experience; the menu is a creation of Kei Kobayashi the first Japanese chef to win three Michelin stars for Restaurant Kei Maison Kei offers three types of dining experiences: the Decouverte a main dish and two desserts for 5,500 yen a 2½-hour course consisting of two appetizers a fish and a meat dish and two desserts for 9,500 yen; and Prestige a 2½ to three-hour chef’s choice course of six to seven dishes where customers can choose from several types of main meat dishes but guests may order from an extensive list of wines My friend and I opted for the Voyage course the maître d’ explains the ingredients of each dish and makes sure that the drinks are filled by the sommelier the utensils are replaced with a fresh set with small radishes and a salsa verde topping Bread with olive oil is available throughout the meal covered in a large ball of foam with colorful edible flowers on top The servers sprinkle an almond-and-black-olive crumble on top and toss the combination and the ingredients are fresh from Shizuoka prefecture My meat-free main dish was scrambled eggs topped with truffles which added a pungent and earthy flavor to the eggs The tradition of eating this game bird in France goes back centuries and is considered a delicacy The breast of the pigeon is served on a large plate with the liver and a wing on the side My friend said it has a unique flavor — gamey and crackers served with beni hoppe strawberry jelly on top The server then adds a nice addition to the experience they receive a caramel toffee in a small bag to end their fine dining experience Directions: Between an hour and an hour and 45 minutes by car from most Tokyo-area bases Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version you can reduce the power consumption and CO2 emissions generated by the website's screen display The news on this website is as of the date announced and may change without notice Today's print edition Home Delivery The Shizuoka Prefectural Government is considering collecting entry fees of ¥3,000 ($19) to ¥5,000 per head from people climbing Mount Fuji from the prefecture's side The fees are designed to prevent overcrowding on trails to 3,776-meter Mount Fuji and discourage dangerous overnight attempts to scale the tallest mountain in the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); At a meeting with a local council promoting safe climbing of Mount Fuji the prefectural government also presented the ideas of requiring prior learning of mountaineering rules and manners and barring climbers from all three trails on the Shizuoka side during the night except for those who have booked accommodation in mountain huts the government plans to abolish the existing "voluntary conservation cooperation" fee of ¥1,000 it intends to propose an ordinance to the prefectural assembly in February next year During this year's climbing season for Mount Fuji which straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures a daily limit of 4,000 climbers and an entry fee of ¥2,000 per head were imposed by the Yamanashi Prefectural Government for the first time The Shizuoka government introduced a voluntary registration system the number of people climbing the mountain one of the country's most iconic landmarks down some 8% from the previous year's season The number of climbers at night decreased significantly on the sole trail on the Yamanashi side due to the installation of a temporary gate to ease congestion In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division following renovation work by Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson Inaji’s managing director Hiromi Yanagisawa This article first appeared in the January 2019 issue of Golf Course Architecture. For a printed subscription or free digital edition, please visit our subscriptions page Working in Japan over the years has been a very rewarding experience for Bryce Swanson [a senior designer at Rees Jones The Japanese are very golf savvy and extremely enthusiastic about the game we completely redesigned the West course at Ibaraki Country Club Greens were converted from two per hole to one and fairway bunkers and tees were all rethought Since that time the club has flourished and hosted both the Diamond Cup Golf and Panasonic Open on the Japan Golf Tour – the winning score on both occasions was nine under par The success of that assignment led to our firm being hired by Shun Han The work was done mainly to improve the member experience but also to present a more formidable challenge for the top golfers on the Japan Golf Tour we teamed up with Inaji Landscape & Construction Co Bryce and I made a combined 24 trips to oversee the Gotemba course redesign Construction was completed in mid-summer 2018 and the Taiheiyo Masters was held in early November Professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama consulted with us on the project He has won the tournament twice: as an amateur in 2011 and with a record 72-hole score of 23 under par in 2016 His desire was for the course to play in tournaments like East Lake We both feel we achieved that result; the winning score at the 2018 Taiheiyo Masters was nine under par the lowest number it has been for 30 years parkland golf course with many views of Mount Fuji It was well laid out by Japanese architect Shunsuke Kato in 1976 The course measures over 7,300 yards; it can challenge all players and doesn’t favour the long hitters nine PGA Championship venues and six Ryder Cup venues we have the experience to evaluate what needed to be done and what needed to be left alone on such a highly-regarded layout where the green was rebuilt because the contours were too severe Some sections of other surfaces were re-graded or extended to add important manageable hole locations All the green surfaces are now suitably challenging for fast speeds during tournament play Some were added in order to increase length improve angles and provide more flexibility for all golfers All the bunkers were reconceived and rebuilt in light of the character and demands of the modern game They were redesigned to be natural looking and to allow recovery rather than being overly penal and the cavity was built to be easily maintained Fairway bunkers were often offset to provide different challenges from the tee for every calibre of golfer Fairway lines were changed to provide fairer targets and reward properly-executed shots Many closely-mown areas around the greens were created to penalise errant approach shots in various ways Most of the greenside ponds were reconfigured to allow for increased shot options and to create additional challenging hole locations adjacent to them so we were very selective in our tree removal It was only done in order to provide dramatic views of Mount Fuji and to allow for more sunlight to improve turf conditions on greens every available tee time for members and their guests has been booked Golfers of all standards can find an appropriate tee to play from The real reward for a golf course architect after completion of a major remodelling project is universal acceptance of the work from once-sceptical members That has occurred at Gotemba – I am now an honorary member of the Taiheiyo Club Rees Jones has designed or redesigned more than 225 courses in over 50 years as a golf course architect By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Kanagawa and Saitama have discount stores offering big brands at low prices Shopping is definitely an exciting experience especially when it doesn't bore a hole in your wallet all you need to do is make an easy day trip out to these outlet malls and discount stores near Tokyo – namely in Chiba we've collected the best outlet malls and shops where you can get the most bang for your buck From discounted designer fashion – think of luxury brands such as Armani Loewe and Seiko – to high-quality tableware and home décor these shopping destinations have everything you're looking for with a price tag your bank account will thank you for RECOMMENDED: 11 best department stores in Tokyo The Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu in Chiba – Tokyo’s neighbouring prefecture across the bay – is the largest outlet mall easily accessible from the capital Hop aboard the direct shuttle bus at Shinjuku or Tokyo Station and treat yourself to an extensive shopping spree The outlet park is designed to look like a resort and it houses Japanese and international luxury labels Saint Laurent and Beams all usually discounted by 30 to 60 percent – and up to 80 percent during sales There are over 300 shops, but the highlights here are a Disney store and a Pokémon outlet store selling bargain plushies and merchandise for a limited time. It’s only a 50-minute ride on the highway bus from Tokyo Station, or you can take the train to Sodegaura Station and transfer to a local bus to get to the mall. Photo: Gotemba CityDecember-February 10am-7pm; March-November 10am-8pm daily The Gotemba Premium Outlets is so near to the iconic mountain that you can get a marvelous view of it on a clear day from the mall’s East Zone entrance Which goes some way towards compensating for the 90-minute direct bus ride from Tokyo Station By far Japan’s most popular outlet mall this Gotemba venue is laid out like an old American town with 290 shops spread across two zones connected via a pedestrian bridge The directory here reads like a list of the world’s most coveted brands: Acne Studios You can get to Gotemba Premium Outlets from Tokyo Station in around 90 minutes by bus or just under two hours from Shibuya. Closed on the third Thursday of February Photo: Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama BaysideShopping 10am-8pm this outlet mall at Yokohama Bayside is your best friend for bargains with a good mix of casual and designer labels From Shinagawa Station, catch the Keihin-Tohoku line to Shinsugita Station and transfer on the Seaside line to Torihama Station to get here Photo: Karuizawa Prince Shopping PlazaShopping 10am-7pm The sprawling Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is located right next to Karuizawa Station and is home to shops selling popular fashion and luxury brands, outdoor goods, sportswear, kitchen utensils, children’s clothing and more. You’ll also find a number of cafés and food courts. Most attractions in Karuizawa close around 5pm, but Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is usually open until around 7pm, so it’s a perfect place to visit in the evening. From November to March, the mall boasts a large illumination event with about 100,000 lights. You’ll have great views from the New East Deck, where the tree-shaped illuminations are reflected on the surface of the shopping centre’s large pond. To get here, take the Hokuriku shinkansen from Tokyo Station and alight at Karuizawa Station. The journey takes about an hour. Photo: Fukaya Hanazono Premium OutletShopping 10am-8pm One of the newest outlet malls just outside Tokyo is Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlet in Saitama prefecture It has 130 stores selling the likes of designer fashion You’ll find high-end international brands like Boss and Armani as well as major Japanese stores such as United Arrows It’s not all about shopping as there are more than 30 restaurants in the outlet mall with options ranging from casual coffee shops to restaurants serving the likes of sushi there's a children's play area inspired by the iconic GariGari Kun ice cream bar with go-karts ball pits and a mini drop-n twist tower ride It’s easy to reach Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlet as it’s just a three-minute walk from Fukaya Hanazono Station which is around two hours from Shinjuku Station take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku line to Kumagaya and change to the Chichibu Railway line for Fukaya Hanazono Station Closed on the third Thursday of February restaurant opening hours vary by outlet but generally around 10am-9.30pm Although Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari isn’t the biggest, it’s definitely the easiest one to get to from central Tokyo. It has big name brands like Coach, Furla, Levi’s and Gap and is just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo Station Mitsui Outlet Park in Iruma has a wide range of shops selling clothing You can expect popular brands such as Coach To start shopping, take the Seibu Ikebukuro line to Irumashi Station and catch the Seibu bus which will take you to the outlet in around 15 minutes Photo: fb.com/xpopremiumoutlets10am-8pm daily (February 10am-7pm) restaurant opening hours vary by outlet but generally 10am-8pm Saitama’s premier mega-mall has sportswear brands like Adidas and Nike, designer labels like Diesel and Beams and even high-end brands like Bally and Coach To get there from Tokyo Station, take the Musashino line to Koshigaya-Laketown Station, which takes just under an hour. The outlet mall is located only a seven-minute walk away from the station. Photo: Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main StoreFrom food to fashion – everything you need can be found at Tokyo’s vast variety of department stores Photo: アトモス ピンク フラッグシップ 原宿店Find sneakers from major international and Japanese brands in Tokyo, including special editions and cult classics Photo: Keisuke TanigawaWhere to shop for artisanal long-lasting and made-in-Japan denim that won't go out of style Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 49-year-old was on Gotemba Trail when he suddenly lost consciousness 3378TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwanese hiker died while hiking Mount Fuji's Gotemba Trail on Thursday (Aug The hiker surnamed Huang (黃) was climbing Mt. Fuji with friends during a trip to Japan, according to CNA He was on the Gotemba Trail when he suddenly lost consciousness at around 1:40 p.m Huang's companions alerted workers at a mountain hut Police later confirmed that the 49-year-old truck driver had died The Shizuoka Prefecture mountain rescue team is currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of Huang's death Japan stress Taiwan Strait peace in joint statement Japan scrambles jets against China plane that breached airspace Japan warns of rising tension over China's military drills near Taiwan South Korea to uphold peace in Taiwan Strait Philippines to expand coast guard fleet with 5 patrol ships from Japan Taipei MRT reminds passengers of drinking water ban Taiwan dollar hits NT$29 per US dollar triggering currency exchange rush Central Bank steps in as Taiwan dollar posts strong single-day gain Taiwan ranked 2nd most innovative country in world Vietjet flight makes unscheduled landing in Taiwan US tech earnings spark Taiwan stock market rally Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes off east Taiwan Four Vietnamese residents found dead in northern Taiwan US Congress members urge Somalia to reverse Taiwan passport ban Taiwan ranks 1st in Asia on World Press Freedom Index has a 46-year history on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and boasts a storied list of former champions With views of Mount Fuji offering a spectacular backdrop to this year's tournament Taiheiyo Club provides an impressive setting for the second iteration of the ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP on the DP World Tour And while it may be a new venue on the DP World Tour it’s a location that has an incredibly long-standing history with Japanese golf and the Japan Golf Tour The Gotembo Course has staged the Taiheiyo Masters on the Japan Golf Tour every year since its opening in 1977 It has also hosted the 2001 World Cup of Golf - won by Ernie Els and Retief Goosen and will stage this year's Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in October which plays at 7262 yards and is described by the club as a 'true hillside course' was designed in 1977 by Shunsuke Kato and is the flagship layout of Taineiyo Club's 18 courses It remained relatively unchanged until it underwent a renovation in 2018 which was overseen by Rees Jones with consultation from Matsuyama the advantage of course knowledge sits firmly with a plethora of Japanese players in this week's field that bring years of course experience to this week's event we delve a little further into that history and Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course subsequently a venue that boasts an incredible list of former champions spanning its 46 year history the tone was set for the calibre of champions this event would produce and is something that has continued throughout its history 1967 Masters Champion Gay Brewer won the first edition in 1972 and the importance of that victory would see a new form of a three-hole aggregate play-off contested the first ever of its kind in a golf tournament The next year the event was won by Masashi Ozaki (Japan's most successful golfer of all time and three-time winner of this event) in 1973 Open champion Gene Littler in both 1974 and 1975 Jerry Pate then claimed the final edition in China in the same year that he would claim the 1976 U.S In 1977 the tournament would move to Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course and that vein of champion immediately continued with Bill Rogers who won the Taiheiyo Masters four years before he claimed the 1981 Open Championship at Royal St George's its status and importance in the climate of Japanese golf was cemented and it has since become a staple on the calendar for golfers from both Japan and further afield The next Major champion to claim the title was none other than the late who preceded back-to-back victories captured by José María Olazábal who counted two more wins in this event on a resume that counts 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour soon triumphed again in 1992 and followed Greg Norman with another win in 1994 He is just one of several players to have won the tournament on multiple occasions Hideto Tanihara and Hideki Matsuyama - who first claimed the title as an amateur in 2011 Since Darren Clarke's second victory in 2005 the tournament has become one dominated by Japanese talent Ryo Ishikawa claimed his first of three wins in 2010 adding another in 2012 and a third a decade later with a play-off victory over Rikuya Hoshino who currently leads the JGTO Order of Merit followed Matsuyama as just the second amateur in history to win the event in 2019 and set the course-record that week of 63 (-7) He also finished as the runner-up to Hideto Tanihara two years later who himself claimed the title in both 2013 and again after development in 2021 Kanaya and Tanihara in the field this week include defending Taiheiyo Masters champion Shugo Imahira Satoshi Kodaira and recent DP World Tour winner Keita Najakima who secured his status on the DP World Tour via the pathway from the JGTO Order of Merit Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course is unquestionably a venue that already brings with it an unrivalled history in Japan golfing culture but while those players will be hoping course experience counts there is also a unique chance to add to a new legacy at this course this week - on the DP World Tour Course Record: 63 (-7) by Takumi Kanaya (2019) outlet shopping and Mt Fuji: a day trip from Tokyo to Gotemba now gets easierThis spring the Odakyu Romancecar is running extra services between Tokyo and the Shizuoka city that’s right beside Mt Fuji Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture is a popular weekend getaway among Tokyoites for its many activities, and especially for the unparalleled views of the iconic Mt Fuji up close. The city gets even more popular during the cherry blossom season in spring and best of all it’s just a 90-minute train ride from central Tokyo To get to Gotemba, hop on Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station heading towards Odawara The journey takes about 90 minutes to Gotemba Station Hadano and Matsuda stations in between. All Romancecars have extra wide windows to help you take in the scenery as you go Make sure you look out the left side windows just before getting to Hadano station – you can catch a scenic view of Mt Fuji plus pink cherry blossom trees if you’re lucky There are usually three trains on weekdays and four on weekends But during spring between March 20 and May 5 there’s an additional service on selected weekends A one-way trip costs ¥1,300 (children ¥650) plus a separate express ticket for ¥1,560 (¥780) and you can book up to a month prior to the departure date Adidas is dropping a new Japanese collection designed by Osaka tattoo artist Ukiyoemon Pokémon have taken over trains on Tokyo’s Yamanote line Japan’s biggest hot air balloon competition is on this year, with events open to public Amataro in Tokyo now offers an all-you-can-eat yakiniku deal for solo diners Same-sex couples can have a wedding ceremony at this Buddhist temple in Saitama Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. Gotemba Premium Outlets in Shizuoka prefecture is a popular shopping getaway with about 290 stores selling Japanese and international brands The outlet mall is located at the foot of Mt Fuji and on sunny days you can enjoy scenic views of Japan’s majestic mountain While there are express buses from Shinjuku and Ueno stations going straight to Gotemba Premium Outlets it’s now possible to head there from Shibuya too. Just take a bus on the Shibuya / Fuji-Q Highland / Kawaguchiko / Mt Fuji route and get off at the popular outlet mall making one stop at Futako-Tamagawa Rise Rakuten Crimson House before heading straight to Gotemba Premium Outlets in under two hours Buses towards Gotemba Premium Outlets depart from Shibuya Mark City twice a day at 8.30am and 10.30am note that the two buses going back to Shibuya depart as early as 2.10pm and 4.10pm from the mall’s bus stop A one-way ticket from the Shibuya or Futako-Tamagawa bus stops to Gotemba Premium Outlets costs ¥1,800 (children ¥900) and can be booked via the highwaybus.com website and app Tickets can be booked up to one month in advance This article was published on March 3 2022 and updated on April 7 2023 Kyotographie 2023: the best exhibitions and events at Japan's top photography festival Get unlimited metro rides and discounts at over 100 Tokyo attractions with this pass Japan to drop Covid-19 border measures on May 8 Chateraise opens a 24-hour self-checkout confectionery store in Tokyo Kyoto will stop selling the one-day bus pass to tackle overtourism Taiheiyo Golf Club’s Gotemba Course in Japan will play host to the 15th instalment of the elite event which offers the winner a place in both The Masters Tournament and The Open Championship Martin Slumbers (Chief Executive of The R&A,) Fred Ridley (Chairman of The Masters Tournament) and Taimur Hassan Amin (Chairman of the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation) made the announcement on the first day of the 14th AAC which is being contested at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia The AAC will return to Japan for the first time since 2010 – an event which was held at Kasumigaseki Golf Club near Tokyo and won by 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama “Returning to Japan for the 15th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship brings the Championship full circle,” said Taimur Hassan Amin. “The Asia-Pacific Amateur has an extensive history in Japan, starting with Hideki Matsuyama’s victory more than a decade ago and we are committed to building on that legacy in 2024 at a world-class venue in Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course.” Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course underwent a renovation in 2018 overseen by Rees Jones with consultation from Matsuyama Gotemba is a hillside course offering views of Mount Fuji It is situated some 100 km southwest of Tokyo The Gotemba Course is the flagship layout of Taiheiyo Club’s 18 courses It has played host the Taiheiyo Masters and the 2001 World Cup of Golf won by South Africa’s Ernie Els and Retief Goosen “We are excited to welcome the best players from across the Asia-Pacific region to Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course in 2024,” said Shun Han The winner of the AAC earns a place in both The Open Championship and The Masters Tournament plus an exemption for The Amateur Championship the runner up or runners up gain a place in The Open Qualifying Series Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts The R&A announced earlier this year that the inaugural Africa Amateur Championship will take place in South Africa next February The 14th Asia Pacific Amateur Championship is currently being contested over 72 holes at Royal Melbourne golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin Eight things to do at Mount Fuji’s doorstep Located high above sea level and easily accessible from Tokyo, Gotemba has long been a popular summer retreat, particularly renowned for its magnificent views of Mount Fuji But the city is a fantastic travel destination the rest of the year as well If you find yourself in this picturesque corner of Shizuoka Prefecture Established in 1964 as a symbol of the Japanese people’s desire for world peace Fuji Heiwa Park is home to a towering white stupa said to contain bones of the Buddha The park is also known for its stunning scenery: an abundance of cherry blossoms in the spring brilliant foliage in the fall and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji year-round Long known as the perfect spot for a tranquil retreat Gotemba’s Higashiyama area is home to a number of exquisite villas constructed in the Meiji and Showa eras Some of these are now open to the public — most notably the Former Kishi Residence built in 1969 for ex-Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi Designed by the legendary architect Isoya Yoshida the villa brilliantly merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western accents a traditional sweets shop and tearoom built on the lush grounds of another historic villa Enjoy some of their world-famous dorayaki (red-bean paste between two pancakes) on the terrace and soak in the landscape Mikuriya soba exemplifies the taste of home in Gotemba nourishing dish consists of buckwheat noodles mixed with yams stewed in a chicken broth and topped with Shizuoka vegetables Try it for yourself at JA Fujiizu Gotemba Soba-dokoro and savor the fragrant and rich flavors paired with the smooth texture of the noodles an experienced equestrian who has represented Japan at many international competitions Okamoto Riding Club offers something for riders of every level whether you want to practice for tournaments take leisure horseback tours or even if you’re just looking to groom and feed one of the club’s 30 horses a football field and so much more — including a massive seasonal illumination Hikari no Sumika: Fuji no Chikara (Dwelling of Light: The Power of Fuji) will remain in place until March 10 including a massive tunnel of light with six areas based on Mount Fuji through the seasons GKB Grand Table is the main taproom for Gotemba Kogen Brewery which makes its famed craft beer using natural spring water from Mount Fuji Take in the convivial atmosphere of the German-style beer hall and pair any of the brewery’s five original brews with hearty meat-heavy fare like sausages and spare ribs Gotemba Premium Outlets is Japan’s most popular outlet mall and it’s not hard to see why: With about 290 stores selling internationally known brands at discounted prices For those who wish to take a break from bargain-hunting the outlet mall also has its own food court and several coffee shops a hot spring day spa with large open-air baths overlooking Mount Fuji In addition to several indoor and outdoor communal baths with water sourced directly from a local spring Konohana no Yu is also equipped with 19 private bathing rooms for couples and families Gotemba is located just 1.5 hours from Shinjuku, or 2 hours from Haneda Airport by express bus. To explore more Gotemba destinations, visit GotembaTourism.jp This work, Camp Fuji remembers 3-11 with installation run and moment of silence [Image 10 of 10], by Katie Gray, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright Camp Fuji remembers 3-11 with installation run and moment of silence Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp Japan is a shopper’s paradise with its wide array of shopping centers to explore or budget-friendly goods that don’t skimp on quality But aside from having visitors spoiled for choice Japanese shopping spots set themselves apart from your usual consumer hubs with charms and features that are uniquely theirs Ready to up the ante in your Japan travel shopping experience Here are five Japanese shopping spots that double as unforgettable sightseeing locations Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a former customs warehouse featuring stunning European architecture. Its two buildings were established in 1911 and 1913 respectively. It’s now a known tourist destination, made distinct by its red brick composition that stands out vividly on Yokohama’s harbor as well as event spaces where special performances are sometimes held Within its vicinity, a picturesque view of Yokohama’s Bay Bridge and Osanbashi Pier can be seen. It’s also located a couple of minutes away from other famous Yokohama tourist spots such as Minato Mirai 21 and Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama Following the concept of a ‘city theater’ where the people are the star of the story, Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture provides a multifaceted approach to shopping and entertainment through its many shops and facilities ready to cater to any kind of traveller and shopper Canal City Hakata also has the Ramen Stadium on its fifth floor which features several stalls serving ramen not just from Fukuoka but also from other parts of Japan This site has a 180-meter-long canal that curves around the buildings that make up the shopping center It features a dynamic fountain that dances along lights and sounds for crowds to enjoy based on a daily schedule guests will also witness the mesmerising 3D projection mapping show called Canal Aqua Panorama Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza in Nagano Prefecture is a shopping mall home to eight shopping zones comprised of about 240 shops dedicated to branded products and souvenirs The resort-style shopping mall features outdoor green spaces called ‘Shibafu No Hiroba (English translation: Lawn Square)’ that are perfect for both kids and adults to take a breather in after enjoying a day of endless shopping There’s also a ‘Dog Run’ area where guests can relax with their furry shopping buddies Stunning views of abundant nature, including Mount Asama providing guests with the perfect balance of a cityscape experience and a nature trip  Its open wooden terrace is an amazing recreation of a ship deck which looks out into the captivating clear waters of Tokyo Bay allowing visitors to feel like they are in an above-ground water paradise full indoor entertainment facilities like amusement parks DECKS Tokyo Beach is also one of the few places that feature year-round illumination in Japan. The lights show, titled Odaiba Illumination YAKEI, paints the Tokyo Bay night skyline with an awe-inspiring illumination display complemented by views of Odaiba’s Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower You won’t be able to leave without a shopping bag or two when you visit Shizuoka Prefecture’s Gotemba Premium Outlets® with their wide assortment of brands and goods this establishment usually offers exclusive shopping offers you need to watch out for to help you save as you shop Aside from shopping, this spot also offers a breathtaking view of the UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage site Mount Fuji which is simply a must-see when you visit Japan There’s also a newly opened onsen located on its grounds called Konohana No Yu ready to welcome guests after a long day of shopping Maximize the experience by trying out one of Gotemba’s sightseeing tours, which will take you along select tourist locations effortlessly, providing some ease to your itinerary planning. Check out more information here Shopping in Japan is a unique travel experience of its own Which of these spots will complete your itinerary on your next visit Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages The prefectural government of Shizuoka said Tuesday it will restrict entrance to trails on Mt from this summer to ease overcrowding and enhance safety following a similar announcement by neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture The measures will be implemented on a trial basis to prevent unsafe climbing practices such as "bullet climbing," or trying to scale Japan's tallest 3,776-meter summit for sunrise in one go without sleeping overnight on the mountain which straddles the two central prefectures The three trails on the Shizuoka side -- Subashiri Gotemba and Fujinomiya -- will be closed during evenings except for people staying at mountain lodges The prefectural government plans to negotiate the details with the municipalities concerned The local government earmarked 52.50 million yen ($351,000) in relevant expenses under a draft budget for fiscal 2024 including for developing an online system for mountain lodge reservations Yamanashi Prefecture will set up a gate at the 5th station of the Yoshida trail on its side to close the route between 4 p.m and cap the number of climbers at 4,000 a day It is also planning to collect 2,000 yen per climber for using the trail from this summer The Yoshida trail normally opens on July 1 In the climbing season of 2023 through Sept Yamanashi counted 137,236 visits using the Yoshida trail while Shizuoka recorded 49,545 on the Fujinomiya trail followed by 19,062 and 15,479 on the Subashiri and Gotemba trails "Due to restrictions by Yamanashi Prefecture more climbers may flow into the trails on the Shizuoka side We will start with what we can do," a Shizuoka official said Mt. Fuji climbers to face 2,000 yen fees amid overtourism concerns Mt. Fuji gets season's 1st snowcap, 5 days later than last year FOCUS: Tourism and Mt. Fuji's rocky recovery after COVID To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible TOKYO, October 18, 2022 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) announced that the Company celebrated the completion of its new research center Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama (hereafter Chugai LSP Yokohama is a center for drug discovery research which is the starting point of value creation at Chugai By integrating the existing domestic research centers of Fuji Gotemba and Kamakura Research Laboratories in one place Chugai has built the foundation to maximize its drug discovery capabilities In addition to the drug discovery research function Chugai LSP Yokohama also includes a part of pharmaceutical research facilities which will mainly focus on mid-size molecule compounds Chugai LSP Yokohama will start to operate in April 2023 with approximately 1,000 employees “We are very pleased to announce the completion of construction of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama Chugai’s new drug discovery engine,” said Chugai’s President and CEO “I would like to express our gratitude once again for all the support and efforts from many people since the start of construction in August 2019 Chugai will further pursue innovation and continue striving to deliver a steady stream of innovative new drugs from our new research center for the benefit of patients around the world who are awaiting new treatments.” [Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama] Photo taken in September 2022 A variety of design features were adopted in the construction of Chugai LSP Yokohama to induce innovation through communication of researchers from different fields and the fusion of their knowledge The 300-meter corridor named “Spine” that connects laboratories and researchers’ offices is the backbone of Chugai LSP Yokohama By setting up spaces for meetings and collaboration in the Spine where researchers will be walking around daily this concept aims to stimulate conversations and lively discussions among these researchers Chugai LSP Yokohama exploits artificial intelligence (AI)-based drug discovery and automation incorporating robotics technology in order to significantly improve the productivity and quality of research Chugai hopes that the center’s cutting-edge research and convenient location will attract excellent talents and enhance our relationship with external researchers both inside and outside Japan The concept of the research center is “Green Innovation Village - State-of-the-art creative research laboratories scattered in the greenery.” Lush greenery is brought into the exterior of the facility and designed to harmonize with neighboring communities Measurements are adopted in pursuit of coexistence with the environment This includes saving energy by using the latest lighting and air conditioning systems and creating energy by using natural resources to reduce the environmental burden In addition to having a portion of the site as parks provided to the city of Yokohama an area on the west side of the research center has been designated as a greenway and will be opened to the public during the day as a promenade the sports ground will be available for public use a hands-on facility named “Bio Lab” will provide programs for children and students to contribute to the local community and the development of human resources in the biotechnology field Upper Right: collaboration spaces in the SpineLower Left: laboratory buildings from the greenway [Overview of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama] [Reference Information]Chugai Life Science Park YokohamaWebsite (Japanese only)https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/profile/lsp/ Establishment of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama and Relocation of Research Laboratories (Press Release on May 21, 2019)https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english/news/detail/20190521170000_619.html You are now moving to an external website.  Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)'s members descend from a Chinook helicopter during a live-firing drill at Higashi Fuji training grounds in Gotenba, central Japan, 24 August 2017. // EPA PHOTO Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) armored vehicles fire flares to make a smoke screen during a live-firing drill at Higashi Fuji training grounds in Gotenba, central Japan, 24 August 2017.// AFP PHOTO A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)'s vehicle fires during a live-firing drill at Higashi Fuji training grounds in Gotenba, central Japan, 24 August 2017. // EPA PHOTO Thai Schools Gear Up for Term Start with Safety Checks and Tablet Rollout Tawee visits Narathiwat, pledges to tighten security for Buddhist communities Trump orders 100% tariff on foreign-made movies to save 'dying' Hollywood Ratchada Night Market Shuts Doors Suddenly, Leaving Businesses in the Lurch Chadchart confident search for 14 missing workers will be completed in four days japan image © koichi torimura all images courtesy of masao yahagi architects japanese firm masao yahagi architects have recently completed the ‘house in gotemba’ a residence for a family of four within the shizuoka prefecture of japan originally farmland at the base of mount fuji the site was in need of costly improvements leading to a configuration of rooms separated into four cores and stacked vertically to navigate the ground plane maintaining the palimpsest of the previous farmland supported the budget restrictions while minimizing contact area with the building eliminated the need to remedy any underlying issues with the earth living and dining area are elevated midway between a lower and upper level which inhabitants may descend or ascend into each individual room from the common space stairways or wooden steps branch into the corner elements while openings wrapping the partition enclosures in horizontal bands to offer a 360 degree view inside and outside the structure from each location four separate cores of rooms form the building footprint image © koichi torimura play area under house proportioned to small children image © koichi torimura lower level guest room image © koichi torimura dining area and kitchen beyond image © koichi torimura horizontal voids within the walls allow cross-communication between rooms images © koichi torimura (left) view from the kitchen towards the children’s room (right) view from the children’s room towards the kitchen images © koichi torimura floor plate beneath kitchen is elevated forming an outdoor play area image © koichi torimura AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Marines had their first airborne landing and combat training together on Tuesday near Mt Fuji as the two allies strengthen military cooperation amid growing maritime activity by China and Russia in the regional seas Japan has been expanding its defense budget and capability for about a decade and is now revising its key national security strategy in the face of threats from China 400 troops from Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and 600 U.S Marines based on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa jointly practiced landing and combat operations in a scenario of an enemy invasion of a remote Japanese island amphibious armored vehicles and artilleries such as M777 The exercise comes at a time when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has intensified worries about what could happen in East Asia where China’s growing assertiveness has escalated tension around Taiwan While Japan has shifted its security focus to the southwest it also faces Russia’s growing naval activity and its increased cooperation with China Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the Japanese navy spotted a fleet of six Russian warships Monday passing the Soya Strait between Hokkaido and Sakhalin as part of Russia's major naval exercises days after another Russian fleet crossed the Tsugaru Strait between Aomori on the northern tip of Japan's main island and Hokkaido He said Russia also conducted a land-to-air missile firing last week on the Russian-held Kuril islands The dispute over the islands Moscow took at the end of World War II has prevented Japan and Russia from signing a peace treaty “Russia's military has been escalating abnormal naval drills in areas including the Okhotsk in sync with their invasion of Ukraine,” Matsuno said “We told Russia we are watching its intensifying military activity with grave concern." Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has repeatedly pledged to fundamentally strengthen Japan’s defense power including considering possessing a controversial preemptive strike capability missile defense systems and other arsenals to increase interoperability as the two sides increasingly work together Tuesday’s drill was part of a three-week joint exercise aimed at advancing interoperability between the allies to strengthen their deterrence and response capability “We are committed to securing the peace and stability in the region through Japan-U.S Any potential adversary will see this as our actual capability commander of Japan's First Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment have the will and ability to defend the region "We are operating across all domains to achieve the effects that are required to be successful on today’s battlefield" seamlessly between the two allies Commanding Officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa part of the army and Japan's first marines since World War II was launched in 2018 to bolster the country's defense in the East China Sea Japan is particularly concerned about Chinese military activity there in waters surrounding the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands which Beijing also claims and calls Diaoyu Japan has significantly expanded its joint drills with the United States as well as other partners including Australia Britain and Germany that also share concern about China’s push for its territorial claims in the region which has some of the world’s busiest sea lanes Vietnam look to cyber-defense against China Biden warns Putin of ‘severe costs’ of Ukraine invasion Japan and Australia seek to align on defense as China’s regional influence grows ASDF scrambles against Russian aircraft spike suddenly Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Home to the iconic Mount Fuji and located just one hour by bullet train from Tokyo the prefecture of Shizuoka is set to welcome the opening of the climbing season of Japan’s tallest mountain There are a total of four climbing routes to Mt. Fuji’s summit – 3,776m above sea level – with Shizuoka boasting three. In 2023, the routes in Shizuoka are set to open from 10 July to 10 September All trails to the summit of Mt. Fuji start at different points boasting different conditions and difficulty levels: this route heads to the summit from the east side with separate ascending and descending routes The ascending distance is 6.9km and 6.2km for the descent The topography of this route is relatively gentle covered with trees up to approximately the seventh station and with rocky areas from the eighth station onwards Hiking times are approximately six hours for the climb and three for the descent This route starts at New Gotemba 5th Station located on the southeast side of the mountain This is the longest trail with a large difference in elevation to the summit and tends to be the quietest and most suitable for experienced walkers The ascending trail has a distance of 10.5km with a volcanic gravel road up until the eighth station This hike would require approximately seven hours for the climb and three for the descent this one is the shortest as it starts from the highest altitude It’s the same 4.3km trail for both ascent and descent It would take approximately five hours for the climb and three for the descent to complete there are many options including a suspension bridge Located in the city of Mishima, visitors will find the Mishima Skywalk, famous for being Japan’s longest walking suspension bridge Travellers will not only be able to enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding lush mountains but also of the shimmering blue waters of the Suruga Bay (Japan’s deepest) there is also a “Long ZIP Slide” in the facility sliding towards Mt which can be enjoyed on its own or as part of an “Adventure Course” with various activities included Access to the suspension bridge starts from JPY 1,100 per adult (£6) and the Adventure Course from JPY 3,900 (£21) The Mt. Fuji Paragliding Experience is perfect for travellers looking for a once in lifetime paragliding setting participants meet the instructors for a tandem experience enjoying views of the Asagiri Plateau and the majestic figure of Mt Fuji cannot be guaranteed during the summer months as the air is hazier with late autumn and winter offering a better chance Prices start from JPY 10,000 (approx £55) per person Shizuoka has a growing reputation as an unforgettable cycling destination for riders of all levels. The Mt. Fuji Nature E-bike Ecotour allows visitors not only to discover Shizuoka’s stunning scenery and Mt but also its traditional life and local flavours enroute The experience includes visiting Lake Tanuki riding through a traditional Japanese village Fuji and fresh rainbow trout at a local farm as well as riding to the World Heritage Shiraito Falls visitors return to basecamp for a local craft beer surrounded by paddy fields in front of Mt The five-hour experience starts from ¥42,350 per person (approx £233) and includes pick-up at Shin-Fuji Station Just one hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Shizuoka is home to Mt Fuji and boasts a spectacular natural environment of coastline It’s also home to the beautiful Izu Peninsula which has been described as “Japan’s Riviera” and was designated as a Global Geopark by Unesco in April 2018 has a huge choice of traditional ryokan inns and onsen hot springs Images: Explore Shizuoka Sports Tourism News works with a number of affiliate partners Products are sold directly by agents and operators We may earn a commission should you choose to book any tickets or packages Nothing beats a relaxing hot spring experience after a long day of shopping and this is exactly what you can experience at Konohana no Yu in Shizuoka Prefecture Built on a hill on the premises of the famous Gotemba Premium Outlets one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping malls Konohana no Yu is a day-trip hot spring facility with a stunning view of Mount Fuji Boasting five baths — two open-air and three indoor — the facility opened in December 2019 promising to serve as a unique place to rest and enjoy the ever-changing view of Mount Fuji when seen from each of the facility’s baths Konohana no Yu’s all open-air baths are self-sourced hot springs rich in metasilicic acid It is said that these waters could help improve various health conditions including soothing the skin and releasing piled up muscle tension Konohana no Yu also houses 19 private baths some of which also come with a splendid Mount Fuji view The facility also has a spacious rest area (pictured below) where guests can read a book or take a nap before heading to their next destination Konohana no Yu also houses its own unique restaurant where you can enjoy a pint of beer and local bits and bites For those who wish to extend their travel experience Konohana no Yu is adjacent to the,  also newly opened Konohana no Yu is only about an hour and a half away from Tokyo via express bus If you’ve been planning to do some shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets stop by for a body and mind relaxation experience We assure you that it’ll make a difference For information on Hotel Clad, see www.gotemba-hotelclad.jp a golf tournament organized by DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) with the International Sports Promotion Society as the title sponsor will be held from April 25 to 28 at the Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course in Gotemba The ISPS is a charity organization founded by philanthropist Haruhisa Handa that contributes to social welfare and international cooperation through sports co-organized by the Japan Golf Tour Organization including stars such as four-time major winner Ernie Els and three-time DP World Tour winner Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa as well as four-time DP World Tour winner Rafa Cabrera-Bello from Spain compete for over $2.2 million in prize money one of the world’s few heritage stones the distillery is one of the largest in the world the distillery offers free tours to the public craving some fresh air and an escape from sweltering Tokyo I headed out to the cooler climes of Shizuoka Prefecture.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); I am greeted by a neatly dressed guide who leads our group into a cinema lined with barrel lids stamped with the date "1973," the year of the distillery's first bottling and a video takes us through the history of the distillery and highlights the importance of its water source The water used at the distillery filters through the mountain over a period of 50 years and brings a light Shizuoka Prefecture--The owner of a three-star Michelin restaurant in Paris has opened a sister establishment here promising French cuisine made with local ingredients served up with a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji Kei Kobayashi is the first Japanese to earn three Michelin stars in Paris thanks to his upscale Restaurant Kei in the French capital 30 in collaboration with Toraya Confectionery Co. a long-established Japanese confectionery maker based in Tokyo's Minato Ward The new restaurant offers French dishes prepared by a first-rate chef at lower prices than its counterpart in France company President Mitsuharu Kurokawa met Kobayashi when he was working at the confectionery's Paris branch They decided to team up to open a sister restaurant back in Japan the company's studio and shop close to the former Kishi Residence in the city's Higashiyama district allowing diners to enjoy meals in a relaxed environment far from bustling city crowds who had worked at Restaurant Kei for six years while dinners are priced from 4,800 yen and up For more information, visit the official website at (https://www.maisonkei.jp/) Michelin Tokyo awards 3 stars to Chinese eatery for 1st time Fashion designer Kenzo Takada dies from COVID-19 at age 81 FINCEN FILES: Money trail ties Tokyo Olympic bid consultant to kin of IOC member GOHAN LAB/ Cod cooked in 'chanchan' style: Making it in an electric griddle gives everyday dish a party edge GOHAN LAB/ Fish simmered in sweet soy sauce: If you want it fluffy Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version U-22 Singapore National Team holds training camp at Gotemba (3/7-18) The U-22 Singapore National Team held their training camp at Tokinosumika Sports Center in Gotemba Shizuoka from Thursday 7 to Monday 18 March The camp was held in preparation for the AFC U-23 Championship Thailand 2020 Qualifiers scheduled to take place from Friday 22 March With the qualifiers taking place at Ulaanbaatar another purpose for this training match was to allow the players to adjust to the weather the team played training matches against Kokushikan University and Tokai University The players were also seen enjoying their time off the pitch as they spent their free time shopping at the Gotemba Outlet Mall The U-22 Singapore National Team concluded their training camp on Monday 18 March and made their way to Ulaanbaatar Head CoachThis training camp has given us a wonderful experience but it gave us the opportunity to adjust ourselves for the weather in Mongolia The training matches were played with great intensity The university teams we played were very strong teams and it allowed us to effectively prepare ourselves ahead of the tournament in Mongolia We were very satisfied with the facilities here as there were both artificial turf and natural turf fields and the pitch conditions were maintained at the finest level we utilised the artificial turf to simulate the match venue at the upcoming tournament but it’s so wonderful that this facility will allow you to make the choice depending on the conditions of the match venues The meals were served just as we requested as their flexible response to serve us Halal allowed us to spend our time very comfortably The staffs at the facility has supported us greatly and we are grateful for their warm hospitality Our players were able to focus on their trainings under this wonderful environment CoachThis training camp has given us a precious experience ahead of the AFC tournament The access to the training field from our accommodation was great and it was so convenient to spend less time to get around I feel like our players were able to strengthen their bond I was impressed by the wonderful hospitality provided at the facility and the accommodation I think it really helped our players spend a great time here CaptainOne of the main purposes of this training camp was to get used to the cold weather With the temperature being so different from Singapore the players had a tough time adjusting to it for the first two days but we gradually got used to the cold weather There were many fields available and while many other teams utilised the facility we are thankful to be given the opportunity to train twice a day we weren’t able to get together and train as a team in a regular basis so this has allowed us to really prepare ourselves as a team ahead of the AFC tournament The teams we faced in our training matches were at a higher level than us and I felt like we had the chance of winning the matches The Japanese players are capable of understanding sophisticated strategies and consists great techniques at the individual level The level of football in Japan is much higher than Singapore and I felt that we have lots to learn from Japan Upon receiving requests to hold training camps in Japan, JFA will make all arrangements including training-matches in efforts to support the strengthening of the national teams of the Member Associations.For more Information MELBOURNE: The 15th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be contested at Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course in Gotemba The announcement was made today by the championship’s founding partners during the on-going 2023 edition at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club This will be the second time that the Asia-Pacific Amateur will be staged in Japan 14 years after Hideki Matsuyama won the second edition in 2010 The field is comprised annually of the top male amateurs in the Asia-Pacific region representing the 43 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation-affiliated organisations The champion of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur will receive an invitation to compete in the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and automatically qualifies for The 153rd Open The runner(s)-up will gain a place in Final Qualifying for The Open “Returning to Japan for the 15th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship brings the championship full circle,” said Taimur Hassan Amin Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation “The Asia-Pacific Amateur has an extensive history in Japan starting with Hideki Matsuyama’s victory more than a decade ago and we are committed to building on that legacy in 2024 at a world-class venue in Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course.” Notable past competitors include 2021 Masters champion Matsuyama a two-time winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur alumni of the Asia-Pacific Amateur have gone on to win 24 tournaments on the PGA Tour to date and more than 120 across the PGA Tour “We are excited to welcome the best players from across the Asia-Pacific region to Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course in 2024,” said Shun Han “The Gotemba Course is one of the world’s top courses and we look forward to the test it will provide to some of the most talented golfers in the world.” the Gotemba Course is the flagship of Taiheiyo Club’s 18 golf courses and underwent a renovation in 2018 overseen by Rees Jones with consultation from Matsuyama Situated 100km southwest of Tokyo and featuring views of Mount Fuji the course has hosted a number of international events including the Taiheiyo Masters and the 2001 World Cup of Golf won by South Africa’s Ernie Els and Retief Goosen “It will be an honour to welcome this elite championship back to Japan after hosting the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2010,” said Andy Yamanaka Executive Director of the Japan Golf Association “We are prepared to showcase Japanese golf at the highest levels and build on the success that past champions such as Hideki Matsuyama Takumi Kanaya and Keita Nakajima have had at this championship.” the Asia-Pacific Amateur has served as a springboard for some of the world’s top players including Australia’s Cameron Davis the Republic of Korea’s Si Woo Kim and Kyoung-Hoon Lee Tel: +603-7784 6688      Fax: +603-7785 2625 Japanese version U-19 Vietnam National Team holds training camp in Gotemba The U-19 Vietnam National Team held their training camp at Tokinosumika Sports Center in Shizuoka for 12 days from Tuesday 28 August to Saturday 8 September The camp was held in preparation for the AFC U-19 Championship Indonesia 2018 The team was seen devoting their time to strengthen the team as they conducted three training-matches during their stay The players were seen spending their time walking around their hotel while enjoying their time along with the players and staffs of the U-16 Vietnam National Team who were also conducting a training camp during the same period the team spent their time to observe Fujieda MYFC and visited the sports shop as well as the outlet mall the weather didn’t comply with them to view the scenery of Mt but the players were seen enjoying themselves shopping and tasting the Japanese cuisines and sweets The team’s training schedule was affected by the arrival of the typhoon but the players and staffs have seemingly enjoyed themselves making it a productive training camp for them CoachThe air was clear and the hotel we stayed was very clean in Tokinosumika The meals served here were very delicious as the restaurant staffs provided us with exactly what we requested for The environment was perfect for our trainings as the synthetic field allowed us to train even under rainy weathers We are very satisfied with this training camp Through the three training-matches conducted during our stay the team was able to learn where we stand at this moment and the staffs were given the opportunity to confirm both our strengths and weaknesses This camp has given us a great opportunity ahead of next month’s AFC U-19 Championship Indonesia 2018 and everyone else who made this camp possible CaptainThis camp has allowed us to prepare ourselves ahead of the AFC U-19 Championship Indonesia 2018 We will make the necessary adjustments ahead of the Championship to earn good results This was truly a satisfying camp including the meals served and the accommodations This opportunity to hold a camp in Japan at this period of time has given us a great edge It was unfortunate that we couldn’t view the scenery of Mt but we still enjoyed ourselves through shopping and sightseeing I would like to express my gratitude towards everybody who has supported us during this camp NGUYEN HONG SONThis camp was a very productive camp for everyone on this team Especially the opportunity to experience the high-level techniques and teamwork displayed by the Japanese teams were priceless I have learned that I must work harder to improve my techniques and that we must mature as a team we must implement what we have learned during this camp into our daily trainings so that we can become a better team The meals served at Tokinosumika was so impressive Our accommodation was also shaped in a very unique way Upon receiving requests to hold training camps in Japan, JFA will make all arrangements including training-matches in efforts to support the strengthening of the national teams of the Member Associations.For more information U-16 Vietnam National Team holds training camp in Gotemba The U-16 Vietnam National Team held their training camp at Tokinosumika Sports Center in Shizuoka for 11 days from Saturday 1 to Tuesday 11 September The camp was held in preparation for the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 The results of the training-matches were as follow: the team hiked up to the fifth station of Mt The team was also seen spending their time shopping at the outlet mall in Gotemba and visiting the sceneries of Shizuoka City CoachThis is my second time visiting Japan since I arrived here to play in the Asian Games as a member of the U-19 Vietnam National Team the people of Japan left an impression that they are very kind and passionate for their work After observing all the people who supported us during this trip it made us realise that there are many aspects we must learn from them including how prompt and discipline they were Although the weather didn’t comply with us during our stay we are very satisfied with the support given by the staffs of Tokinosumika and JFA The pitch conditions were great for both the natural grass and synthetic fields we utilised for our trainings and training-matches The nutrition was well thought for our meals served here and the entire environment was ideal for our players The teams we faced in the three training-matches were very strong and provided us with a great learning experience During this training camp we made some mistakes we normally don’t make and we got to work on implementing an improvement plan ahead of the AFC U-16 Championship but we were still able to conduct our trainings on the synthetic fields so that was great we are very satisfied with the meals served here and the Japanese cuisines the climate was a bit cooler than what we are used to in Vietnam so we were able to conduct our training sessions comfortably we were able to heighten the overall quality of our individual techniques With just two weeks ahead of the AFC U-16 Championship we are in the final phase of our preparation The fact that we got to play against strong Japanese teams gave us great inspiration It provided us with a great challenge to face teams that has high-level techniques and great ball control We will continue to work hard and strive for higher levels so that one day we can come back to Japan to conduct another camp like this Vo Quoc DanThe Japanese people are very prompt The scenery was beautiful during our travel in Japan The transportation system in Japan was very well organised compared to Vietnam and it was very comfortable The meals served here were delicious and each meal featured rich variety of dishes with great balance in nutrients We spent most of our training sessions on the synthetic field we train on natural grass and the pitch condition is not the best condition to play football By playing against strong teams in our training-matches It also nurtured a sense of competition among the team Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force tanks and other armoured vehicles take part in an annual training session near Mount Fuji at Higashifuji training field in Gotemba Chinese Taipei National Team hold training camp in Gotenba In preparation for the East Asian Cup qualifiers Chinese Taipei National Team held the seven-day training camp in Gotenba former Chinese Taipei Power Company player consisting mainly of young players born in late 80’s and early 90’s Players with no precious overseas experience gained a lot of assignments and fruitful findings in the three training matches during their camp Chinese Taipei will play the East Asian Cup qualifiers with the new experience they gained in this camp Note: Chinese Taipei Power Company (Taiwan Power Company F.C.) is a top contender of the domestic league as they have currently led the league and won four domestic titles but the well-organised schedule and the hospitality in our accommodation greatly helped our players concentrate on the camp After we had three matches against young Japanese teams we learned a lot of things such as to work hard at any cost to greet and behave in a proper manner and to work together as a team throughout a game and the camp must have been very meaningful for them in the sense that they could motivate each other CaptainWe have hard time playing football in Chinese Taipei chasing the football dream was a very tough road I believe the East Asian Cup will be the finale of my football career Playing against young Japanese players reminded me of my youth and various areas in football are also advanced I am very envious that young Japanese can play football in a good environment I need to convey all knowledge and experience I’ve got to young generation CoachIt was great that our opponents were selected properly in stages and the facility was very good such as the well-conditioned pitch I was shocked at how high the Japanese football level was We gave our players an opportunity through the camp to improve not only individual skills and tactics but also mind-set to put up with the pressure They could take advantage of this experience for their further development through the camp so we could get well-prepared for the qualifiers but anyway I was impressed at Japanese football as a whole Chinese Taipei National Team still do not have enough international experiences and need to promote more development of young players This camp was a good chance to let them have a good experience As well as each player could polish his individual skills and mental side our team’s style in a game was getting established as the camp went on That’s the target we were heading for in the camp This camp was the preparation for the East Asian Cup qualifiers But it was the most fruitful that players could recognise that this camp is designed for the further future as well Japanese version How to make "chat bacon" talking when people pass in front with a human sensor When I lend a room with the service "Airbnb" to lend and borrow the room with local people, the damage amount is about 9 million yen Apr 05, 2014 18:00:49 in Coverage,   Vehicle,   Video