Just moved to Japan

[thedurtydurden]

New to the JDM game. After a little research and unable to come up with exactly what I'm looking for I've got a couple questions:

 

1) Are there major chain-style retailers here? I'm an 8 hr drive from Tokyo (eastern Aomori Prefecture) so hopping down there isn't always an option. I've seen a couple small boutique stores locally (I assume--I saw signs for very expensive shafts), just wondering if there's anything Golfsmith-type where I can see everything, especially up north.

 

2) What exactly is different with brands in both US and Japan (i.e. Taylormade, Nike)? I understand stuff like Endo, Miura, etc., just wondering about the clubs I'm used to seeing. I've been playing forged Nike stuff for a while and love it, but I won't be able to resist the market when all this snow melts. And are there any markings for woods that are COR conforming or not? Is the groove rule worldwide?

 

I went in a Sports Authority (go figure) the other day and saw the R15s and the forged Vokey wedges. Just sitting on the rack, about $200 ea. I'm used to seeing $30 Tommy Armour wanna-be's on that same rack in the states. I wasn't a Vokey guy before...

 

 

[CallTaylor]

I'm interested to see the responses here. As far as I know there are tighter tolerances in JDM built clubs compared to the U.S. ones. Maybe you can check on some pricing on cool gear and send them back this way? Srixon z745 or z945 irons ?

[thedurtydurden]

[quote name='CallTaylor' timestamp='1419853666' post='10654529']
I'm interested to see the responses here. As far as I know there are tighter tolerances in JDM built clubs compared to the U.S. ones. Maybe you can check on some pricing on cool gear and send them back this way? Srixon z745 or z945 irons
[/quote]
I'll keep my eyes open. I'm actually looking forward to researching the prices that are actually here compared to what they would cost in the US.

[CallTaylor]

Yeah thanks. I'd love to hear about your finds. How favorably is the US dollar fairing vs the Yen now?

[thedurtydurden]

I haven't been here that long, but I think it's pretty decent at the moment--around 120y to 1 USD.

[Soloman1]

http://www.golfgruppe.com
http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9028/
http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9023/

Those are a few shops in Aomori.

[Bigmean]

Clicking on the golfgruppe site, how can you NOT love Japan?........I need to go.

[dtmamg]

not just on golf stuff..if you like/love anything high tech, or electronics, you really got to see JAPAN. they have city/district fill with stores that sell nothing but those consumer goods...it was an amazing experience growing up in asia

[JBW]

I spent 4 years at Misawa Air Base and loved every minute of it. In fact, Misawa was my favorite assignment. I loved hiking in the Hakkoda mountains, Lake Towada, and Oriase gorge. And don't get me started on all the festivals. Unfortunately, I wasn't into JDM at that time, so I can't help out in that aspect.

[mizleft]

I visited a golf partner in Sendai first week of December ,wasn't impressed with selection.if u do go to Tokyo there are some shops in ueno that are unreal

[thedurtydurden]

[quote name='Soloman1' timestamp='1419857776' post='10654629']
[url="http://www.golfgruppe.com"]http://www.golfgruppe.com[/url]
[url="http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9028/"]http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9028/[/url]
[url="http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9023/"]http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9023/[/url]

Those are a few shops in Aomori.
[/quote]
Thank you, that's what I was looking for.

[quote name='JBW' timestamp='1419912058' post='10658729']
I spent 4 years at Misawa Air Base and loved every minute of it. In fact, Misawa was my favorite assignment. I loved hiking in the Hakkoda mountains, Lake Towada, and Oriase gorge. And don't get me started on all the festivals. Unfortunately, I wasn't into JDM at that time, so I can't help out in that aspect.
[/quote]
That's where I'm at, haven't heard of anyone that didnt enjoy it. Definitely no year-round golf, though.

[hksaikung]

You will find some posts on Tokyo shops on the forum . Victoria golf at shinjuku , ameyoko/ueno golf shops . http://www.tourspecgolf.com/ will keep you posted on the new equipment (in english)

[hksaikung]

victoria golf in aomori prefecture
[b] 青森県[/b][list]
[*][b] [url="http://www.victoria.co.jp/22266/"]Victoria Golf ピアドゥ八戸店[/url][/b]

〒031-0071
青森県八戸市沼館4-7-113
10:00-21:00 ★年末年始営業時間★ 12/31（水） 10:00-19:00 1/1（木） 9:00-20:00 1/2（金）通常営業
[*][b] [url="http://www.victoria.co.jp/22356/"]Victoria Golf 青森中央店[/url][/b]

〒030-0847
青森県青森市東大野2丁目12番1号 (スーパースポーツゼビオ内)
10:00-21:00 ★年末年始営業時間★ 12/31（水） 10:00-20:00 1/1（木） 9:00-20:00 1/2（金）通常営業
[*][b] [url="http://www.victoria.co.jp/22378/"]Victoria Golf 五所川原エルム店[/url][/b]

〒037-0004
青森県五所川原市大字唐笠柳字藤巻509-1
平日 10:30-20:00 土曜・日曜・祝日 10:00-20:00 ★年末年始営業時間★ 12/31（水） 10:00-19:00 1/1（木） 9:00-20:00 1/2（金）～1/4（日）10:00-20:00 1/5（月）通常営業
[*][b] [url="http://www.victoria.co.jp/22386/"]Victoria Golf 弘前高田店[/url][/b]

〒036-8084
青森県弘前市大字高田5-1-1 (スーパースポーツゼビオ内)
平日 10:30-21:00 土曜・日曜・祝日 10:00-21:00 ★年末年始営業時間★ 12/31（水） 10:00-19:00 1/1（木） 9:00-19:00 1/2（金）～1/4（日）10:00-20:00 1/5（月）通常営業
[/list]
other shops google
aomori ken
青森県 ゴルフショップ
misawa
三沢 ゴルフショップ

[2bGood]

Nothing to add but Japan is great! I have been around the world and seen allot, and Japan is the place I most won't to get back to.

[3_Putt_Par]

Having lived in Japan for a couple of years, I can say that there are some deals to be had on the Japanese golf digest site...

http://shop.golfdigest.co.jp/used/

If you know what you are looking for, and can have someone help you with the order form, the prices are much lower than the retail stores.

[thedurtydurden]

[quote name='3_Putt_Par' timestamp='1420601865' post='10699085']
Having lived in Japan for a couple of years, I can say that there are some deals to be had on the Japanese golf digest site...

[url="http://shop.golfdigest.co.jp/used/"]http://shop.golfdigest.co.jp/used/[/url]

If you know what you are looking for, and can have someone help you with the order form, the prices are much lower than the retail stores.
[/quote]
Thanks for this! I like what I see on there.

[Soloman1]

Yahoo auction is the granddaddy of used clubs, There is probably 5 times the number of clubs as Golf Digest Online (it's called GDO in Japan).

Here is link to right handed irons. The brands are listed on the left side.

http://list4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/アイアン-男性右きき用-クラブ-ゴルフ-スポーツ別-スポーツ-レジャー/2084032191-category.html

That should keep you busy for the next 6 months...

Some added info: You won't get ripped off in Japan buying online. The clubs will be better than advertised. You can't return them after buying, but you won't be dissapointed. It's a different culture, so accept it and don't worry like you do in the U.S.

[3_Putt_Par]

[quote name='Soloman1' timestamp='1420631860' post='10700145']
Yahoo auction is the granddaddy of used clubs, There is probably 5 times the number of clubs as Golf Digest Online (it's called GDO in Japan).

Here is link to right handed irons. The brands are listed on the left side.

[url="http://list4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/アイアン-男性右きき用-クラブ-ゴルフ-スポーツ別-スポーツ-レジャー/2084032191-category.html"]http://list4.auction...1-category.html[/url]

That should keep you busy for the next 6 months...

Some added info: You won't get ripped off in Japan buying online. The clubs will be better than advertised. You can't return them after buying, but you won't be dissapointed. It's a different culture, so accept it and don't worry like you do in the U.S.
[/quote]

You can actually return clubs bought on the GDO site within 8 days. It's a bit of a chore, but it can be done. However, generally the clubs are in much better shape than the ranking says they are in most cases, so as long as you look at the pictures closely, you shouldn't need to return anything. Good luck.

[Nessism]

I played the other day with a guy that commutes back and forth between the US and Japan for work (he teaches English in Japan). Each time he comes back he brings 2-3 sets of Miura's with him and flips them on ebay. Pays for his airfare +. Miura has a cult following in the states, but are relatively common over there and can be found for good prices.

[moethebarman]

Hi guys,

Im going to Japan in a couple of weeks and thought it might be a good opportunity to buy a set of second hand golf clubs. The Yen/GBP is awesome at the moment at Yen182 to the Pound. I was wondering, how much (Yen) could I/should I be paying for a pair for a good set of second hand clubs? I've been told about Festival Golf and Golf Digest.

[3_Putt_Par]

[quote name='moethebarman' timestamp='1424015926' post='10957175']
Hi guys,

Im going to Japan in a couple of weeks and thought it might be a good opportunity to buy a set of second hand golf clubs. The Yen/GBP is awesome at the moment at Yen182 to the Pound. I was wondering, how much (Yen) could I/should I be paying for a pair for a good set of second hand clubs? I've been told about Festival Golf and Golf Digest.
[/quote]

It all depends on what you are looking for. Before you go, I'd check out the GDO website as a reference and have an idea of what you want and how much you see them for online. Do some homework, check this site, as well as JDM Clubhouse and Tourspecgolf for reviews and information on clubs that you are interested in and go from there. You can get some cheap sets, but there are also REALLY expensive clubs there too.

Also make sure that you are getting the right shafts and flex for your swing. JDM clubs are notoriously light and a little soft on the flexes for the most part.

If you are in Tokyo, check out Golf Garage which has two locations in Tokyo. The store by Shinbashi is big and you can see the clubs there with this link...

[url="http://shop.golfdigest.co.jp/used/f/stock_2000"]http://shop.golfdige...ed/f/stock_2000[/url]

Here's a map which shows all of the golf shops around Shinbashi. Golf Garage is C on the map, right near the Shinbashi station.

[url="https://maps.google.co.jp/local?q=%E6%96%B0%E6%A9%8B+%E3%82%B4%E3%83%AB%E3%83%95&hl=ja&lr=lang_ja&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8"]https://maps.google....=utf-8&oe=utf-8[/url]

All and all, I bet you can get completely geared up with some great clubs for about 600 pounds or less, depending on what you are looking for.

Enjoy your stay, it's a wonderful country, and the weather should be getting nicer in a few weeks as well!

[craniac76]

The difference between JDM and USDM? after experimenting with Tourstage, Yonex, Miura, Maruman, Yamaha brands, performance wise is minimal or none.... But the design is top notch (the drivers look more compact at address than USDM). Also JDM clubs use the real aftermarket shafts. If it says the shaft is GD Tour AD DI, then it's the real thing not the watered down version.

Also if a driver says it's hi-cor. Probably it's non conforming....

[thedurtydurden]

[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1424097276' post='10962765']
The difference between JDM and USDM? after experimenting with Tourstage, Yonex, Miura, Maruman, Yamaha brands, performance wise is minimal or none.... But the design is top notch (the drivers look more compact at address than USDM). Also JDM clubs use the real aftermarket shafts. If it says the shaft is GD Tour AD DI, then it's the real thing not the watered down version.

Also if a driver says it's hi-cor. Probably it's non conforming....
[/quote]
I couldn't believe the first used rack I saw over here. I had never seen so many aftermarket shafts in my life, and the good stuff too. The drivers do look fantastic at address too, and all the ones I've hit felt more solid and sounded better.

Price-wise I haven't seen anything stand out as expensive or cheap, maybe listed prices seem like a pretty decent deal for the most part. Seems like almost everything is reg flex or S200. What I've found really odd is that I have seen just ONE 60* wedge for sale (up north). 58's are everywhere but 60's are non-existent. Does anyone know why that is? Do they just not play 60's over here?

[Aviador Naval]

A chain shop that hasn't been mentioned you may want to ask about is Golf5. I lived in Japan twice for about 4 1/2 years total but quite a bit south of you. In my opinion, the typical Golf 5 had a better set-up than the typical Victoria Golf.

As you're in Misawa, I assume you're either in or support the USAF. If you get down to Yokota, there is a HUGE stand alone store between Yokota and Yokosuka on the south side of Rte 16 that has twice the amount of used stuff as you're typical Golf5 or Victoria Golf. I can't remember the name, but you simply can't miss it. Basically, you drive down Rte 16 toward Yokosuka and a couple KMs past the Zama exit you will see a very small Victoria Golf on the left. Approximately 1KM beyond that is the stand alone place - but on your right.

Interestingly, they devote a very large section of their store to 'US Market' clubs. It appears the grass may be greener on the other side for the Japanese as well...

Enjoy your time in Japan. It is a wonderful country.

[craniac76]

I went to Japan in May 2014. Visited Gotemba Outlet (5 hours from Tokyo?). I love it. There are two golf stores in that outlet, Taylormade and Callaway. I found the prices are discounted from 10% to 30%. Some are JDM and some are USDM. I will be back to the place someday....

[Aviador Naval]

Forgot to add two quick things to the Japanese retail bit...

Don't fear 'sticker shock'. It appears that often times they list the equivalent of MSRP in the store. However, if you ask, many of the things are available for similar prices (allowing for currency exchange) as the US market. I bought a set of MP64s with Modus3 120s for just a few dollars more than a set of MP64 with PX 5.0 that I got from Discount Dan's.

Also, both Victoria Golf and Golf5 have a 'rewards program'. During my last stay there, I engaged in a little ho'ing/swapping/trading and it didn't take long to earn enough points to get a free dozen golf balls or the like.

[dtmamg]

reading your thread just reminded me my wonder years growing up in asia..and cant wait to have my bro back home this week with some good sticks..ie Z9x5, and tourstage

[craniac76]

[quote name='dtmamg' timestamp='1424201095' post='10972189']
reading your thread just reminded me my wonder years growing up in asia..and cant wait to have my bro back home this week with some good sticks..ie Z9x5, and tourstage
[/quote]

I thought Tourstage brand is gone....

[devlin3000]

[quote name='Soloman1' timestamp='1419857776' post='10654629']
[url="http://www.golfgruppe.com"]http://www.golfgruppe.com[/url]
[url="http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9028/"]http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9028/[/url]
[url="http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9023/"]http://www.golfpartner.co.jp/9023/[/url]

Those are a few shops in Aomori.
[/quote]
its times like this that I wish I kept up with the language classes in school.
who here know japanese ?

[3_Putt_Par]

[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1424254131' post='10976647']
[quote name='dtmamg' timestamp='1424201095' post='10972189']
reading your thread just reminded me my wonder years growing up in asia..and cant wait to have my bro back home this week with some good sticks..ie Z9x5, and tourstage
[/quote]

I thought Tourstage brand is gone....
[/quote]

Bridgestone has consolidated the Tourstage brand world wide into the Bridgestone line. However, after years of making clubs, many great clubs available used around Japan. Some for real cheap considering they have the real deal shafts in the drivers and fws.