Arthur Golden was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and received his education from prestigious institutions, making a mark with his unique expertise in art history, specifically Japanese art. Golden attended Harvard College, culminating in a notable degree, and furthered his education at Columbia University where he obtained an M.A. in Japanese history. This was complemented by his proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, acquired during his rigorous academic journey.

Golden's experiences extend beyond the academic realm, having spent a summer at Beijing University and working in Tokyo, which significantly influenced his cultural understanding and narrative style. Upon returning to the United States, he completed another M.A. in English from Boston University.

The literary world recognizes him most for his bestselling novel Memoirs of a Geisha (1997), which catapulted him to international fame and solidified his status as an influential writer. He currently lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his wife and two children.