Rolling fairways and hot springs in the Tochigi countryside

Belle Selva Country Club Sakura Course lies in the quiet farmland of Sakura City in northern Tochigi, about 20 km from the Tohoku Expressway's Yaita interchange. Opened in 1993 and designed by Yasushi Katayama, the 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches to 6,743 yards across broad, gently rolling land. Moderate elevation changes and wide fairways give the round a relaxed, generous feel, while well-placed par 3s on both nines keep the scoring honest. GPS-equipped riding carts make for an easy self-play day.

A round that ends in a hot-spring soak, with a hotel bed just steps away.

What sets Belle Selva apart is how complete a getaway it is: the club has its own hot-spring bath and the on-site Hotel Belle Selva, so you can play, soak and stay without moving the car. The surrounding Tochigi countryside is easy to combine with a longer trip north of Tokyo, with the shrines and autumn colours of Nikko and the onsen towns of Nasu and Kinugawa within reach. Golfers coming by train can ride the Tohoku Line to JR Ujiie Station, where the club runs a reservation-only shuttle bus to the clubhouse.