Helena International: English countryside in Iwaki

Helena International Country Club spreads across some 900,000 square metres of gentle hill country on the edge of Iwaki, in southern Fukushima. Opened in May 1993, this par-72 resort course was conceived with the look of the English countryside, from its wide, open fairways to its English-style clubhouse. Elevation changes are modest, but water comes into play often: the 8th is an island-green par three, and the closing two holes offer alternative tees, the finale asking for a second shot over a waterfall.

A relaxed resort round, with a waterfall waiting at the last.

Play is self-paced in riding carts that can drive onto the fairways, and a large bath and an on-site villa make it easy to turn a round into an overnight golf trip. Iwaki is a rewarding place to linger: the Yumoto Onsen hot-spring town, the Aquamarine Fukushima aquarium and the fresh seafood of Onahama port are all within easy reach. The course is under 10 km from the Iwaki-Nakoso interchange on the Joban Expressway, or a short taxi ride from Ueda or Izumi stations on the JR Joban Line.