Transforming Sapporo Country Club into a Global Gastronomic Destination

In a bid to elevate the traditional perception of golf courses, Imajina Inc., a Tokyo-based organization specializing in branding and organizational development, is embarking on a significant value enhancement project at Sapporo Country Club in Hokkaido. This initiative transforms the golf course from a mere sports facility into a prominent "gastronomic destination" that embodies the essence of the region's culinary culture.

Recently, Imajina conducted a media and influencer tasting event that showcased the culinary potential of this expansive facility, which boasts 81 holes and hosts over 130,000 visitors annually. The feedback from this event was overwhelmingly positive, as more than 60% of participants reported that their preconceived notions about golf course dining had been overturned. The average satisfaction score was an impressive 4.2 out of 5, illustrating the potential value of the overall guest experience.

The Surprising Insights of the Event

On the day of the tasting, over 50 attendees, including influencers, Sapporo tourism ambassadors, media representatives, and professional golfers, gathered to explore the rebranding concept termed "Unite in Green." This concept aims to bridge the realms of nature, food, and community connections.

Breaking the Norm

One of the key findings from the post-event survey was a need to challenge existing beliefs regarding golf course dining. The remarkable score of 4.2 reflected that many attendees were surprised at the quality and creativity of the food presented. Traditional views of golf course cuisine as mundane were dispelled by stunning flavor profiles and unexpected dishes that showcased the high-quality ingredients sourced from the local area.

High Propensity for Social Sharing

Attendees shared their experiences on social media, creating buzz with captivating phrases like "A glass of lobster that you 'drink'" and "The richest shrimp ramen I've ever had." Such grassroots promotion significantly amplified the event's reach, turning the spotlight onto Sapporo Country Club and its innovative offerings.

Highlighted Menu Items

Among the culinary highlights was the "Shrimp Maru Ramen," inspired by a renowned restaurant in Jinbocho, featuring a 100% lobster bisque broth paired with egg noodles. This dish alone captured 43% of the participants' votes as the favorite dish of the day. The distinctive quality of the ingredients and the unexpected level of sophistication in the courses served established a powerful brand hook that participants would remember.

Elevating Sapporo Country Club's Status

Imajina's ultimate goal is to transform Sapporo Country Club into a benchmark for what a golf club can achieve, turning it into a destination that attracts visitors locally and globally. Their approach not only focuses on offering remarkable culinary experiences but aims to create a holistic guest experience that leaves a lasting impression. In light of the positive feedback received during the tasting event, the next steps involve further refining the guest experience, including enhancements to service quality and atmosphere.

Redefining Japanese Regional Assets

Japan's local assets often fail to realize their full potential, facing challenges such as low visitor numbers and declining value perception. Golf courses, with their expansive natural landscapes and infrastructure, are underutilized and tend to cater to a limited audience. Imajina’s project is about redefining local resources by reshaping experiential value. The 'surprises' participants experienced were not just in fine dining but also in creating experiences that exceed expectations, delivered proudly by their staff. This synergy of community engagement and resource appeal represents a promising avenue for regional revitalization.

As Imajina continues to set Sapporo Country Club as a model, the vision extends to making it a celebrated destination for pride and tourism, attracting visitors from all over Japan and beyond.

About Imajina Inc.

Imajina Inc. embodies the purpose of building a society where investing in people is commonplace. They specialize in corporate branding, organizational development, and talent cultivation, diligently supporting Japanese enterprises in elevating their value to global standards. For further inquiries, please contact:
Imajina Inc.
Address: 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Yoshiki Sekino
Website: Imajina