A Fred Couples design among flowers and alpine views

Excellent Golf Club Mitake Hanatopia Course sits in the hills of Mitake in southern Gifu Prefecture, just three minutes from the Kani-Mitake interchange. Opened in 1998 and designed by Fred Couples, the 18-hole, par-72 layout measures 6,325 yards. It is a hilly, strategic course where every shot needs a plan and all 14 clubs get used. The 9th, with its pond and waste bunkers, is the signature challenge.

Seasonal flowers along the fairways, and Mt. Ontake on the horizon.

Seasonal flowers line the course, and on clear days you can see out to the Central Alps and Mt. Ontake, which makes for a scenic round in spring and autumn. The location makes it an easy day trip from Nagoya by expressway, and it fits well into a trip through central Japan: the old Nakasendo post towns, the castle town of Inuyama on the Kiso River, and the onsen of Gero are all within reach. After your round, the clubhouse has a large bath. Drive 2 km from Kani-Mitake IC on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway, or allow about 20 minutes from JR Tajimi Station.