Chateraise Koumi: golf in the thin, clear air of Yatsugatake

At 1,300 metres on the slopes of the Yatsugatake range in eastern Nagano, Chateraise Country Club Koumi opened in June 1990. Designed by Koichiro Nezu, the 18-hole, par-72 course plays 6,785 yards from the back tees across moderately rolling highland, with broad Kentucky bluegrass fairways, single bent greens, few blind shots and water, bunkers and a natural stream on the 5th hole to keep things strategic. The club likes to say the mountain air adds noticeable carry to every drive.

Cool summer rounds high above the heat, with a hot spring waiting at the end.

The low humidity makes this a classic summer escape, and the season runs from spring into late autumn when the larches turn gold. After the round golfers can soak for free in the Hoshizora no Yu natural hot spring, with outdoor baths and a sauna, and stay at the Gateaux Kingdom Koumi resort hotel a kilometre away. Lunch comes with a Chateraise dessert bar. The club is about 22 km from Yachiho-Kogen IC or roughly 40 km from Nagasaka IC via Nobeyama, and a short taxi ride from JR Koumi Station. Combine it with Lake Matsubara, the Nobeyama highlands and stargazing under some of Japan's darkest skies.