During Japan’s bubble years, golf was the game in regards business and prestige. Deals were done on the course, and club membership was a status symbol — the cost of which could be truly astronomical. Of course at the time it was simply an economic miracle and not a bubble. Then all of a sudden it was a bubble, and the value of club membership collapsed, resulting in many golf clubs going out of business.
Since then the sport has struggled on, but coronavirus has unexpectedly resulted in fresh interest, both on the course and at driving ranges. A shift in attitudes towards leisure time, and golf’s relative safety during a pandemic seemingly the key factors.
That said, it’s still far from cheap, and players need to both book and travel to get a game. Alternatively, an hour or so at the driving range may suit some, but for those looking for a bit of competition and a chance to improve their putting, a day under the motorway might well be the best bet.
Maya says
Hi! Love your work. This putt-putt looks adorable too, altho missing some windmills. Could you pls tell me where this is?
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yes, a few windmills and maybe a bridge or two would definitely spice things up a bit! Yeah, it’s under the expressway in Ojima, a short-ish distance from the river.
Richard says
I can attest to the importance that golf played in sustaining my mental health at the start of the pandemic in the spring and summer of 2020. It allowed me to get some exercise, to socialize with friends, and to not worry about Covid for a few hours. I am not a fan of miniature golf because I play the real game. But this is a great use of the space. One question, however: do the emissions from the cars on the highway above filter down to the people playing?
Thanks for a great series!
Lee says
You are very welcome.
I can understand how that would have been the case. Clearly helped a lot of people here as well. As for emissions, I didn’t notice any. Very rarely do in Tokyo to be honest. Sure there must be more here than other areas though.
Günter says
I like this idea. It looks a great use of space.
Lee says
Yeah, I agree. It might not look all that attractive, but at least the area is being used in a positive way.
Once an Expat says
WTF?
Lee says
It’s quite a scene, isn’t it? Not at all what I was expecting.
Richard says
I passed on a link of this post to a friend who lives near this place. His 7 year old granddaughter might enjoy it. Thanks again!
Lee says
My pleasure. I hope they get the chance for a game.
Richard says
He wrote that he is going to wait until the temperatures cool off. Per the news there have been 9 straight days of 35+ degree temperatures!! Be careful when you go out.