To play golf after sunset in Kyoto, floodlit driving ranges are not the only option: simulation golf in the city centre is a candidate too.
Which venue suits depends on whether you are there to practise or to spend an evening after dinner. Here is how to choose golf that works at night.
Know what night golf can mean
Golf after dark comes in three forms: a floodlit outdoor range, a course with evening play, and indoor simulation golf. The travel time, the weather exposure and the equipment you need differ in each.
For an evening in central Kyoto after dinner, an indoor venue close to a station or the entertainment district, and bookable for a short session, is the easiest to work into the plan.
Separate practice from a night out
If you want to hit a lot of balls, prioritise the practice facilities. If you would rather talk and drink with friends or colleagues, a golf bar with seating and a bar counter suits better.
When someone in the party has never played, check for simple game modes, whether staff explain the controls, and what there is to do besides golf.
Check the hours and the way home
For an evening visit, check last entry, last orders and the closing time separately. If you are staying into the small hours, share the last train times and where the taxi rank is.
If you might be late for your booking, ask in advance whether the session simply gets shorter or whether the start time can be moved.
- Last entry and closing time
- Walking time from the station
- Whether equipment can be borrowed
- How you get home late at night
Compare price against time
Pricing comes by the hour, by the booth, or as a per-person set plan. Compare not only the playing charge but the rental, the drinks and the service charge.
After sightseeing or a dinner, 60 minutes is a reasonable measure; for a group who also want games and drinks, two hours makes the evening easier to plan.
Night golf in Gion until 5:00 am
Gion Country Club is three minutes' walk from Gion-Shijo Station, open from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am. Whatever the weather, you can play simulation golf on courses reproduced from around the world.
Clubs, gloves and shoes are lent free of charge. From a short taster to a plan with free-flow drinks, choose according to your numbers and the occasion.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play golf late at night in Kyoto?
With late-opening simulation golf, yes. Check the hours for the day of the week and the last entry time.
Can beginners enjoy night golf?
At a venue with beginner-friendly games and rental equipment, no experience is needed.
Can I come straight from dinner in what I am wearing?
Anything you can move in is fine, but check whether shoes can be borrowed.
