Pine-lined holes in ninja country

Iga Golf Course opened in September 1964 in the hills of Iga, in western Mie Prefecture. It is an 18-hole, par-72 layout of 6,245 yards, designed by Sadakichi Mano, with pine trees separating the holes and gentle undulations throughout. Most holes are short to medium length, but the back nine brings water into play: the 10th is a long dogleg left past a pond, the downhill par-3 11th carries over water, and the closing hole bends right over another pond to a narrow green. The club describes it as a course where beginners can enjoy the basics while low handicappers discover its depth, with views to Mount Ao and the Nabari hills.

An unhurried round among the pines, a short train ride from Osaka.

Getting here without a car is easy: Kintetsu trains run from Osaka to Iga-Kambe Station, and the club bus covers the last seven minutes. Iga is famous as the home of the Iga ninja, and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in Ueno Park, beneath the white walls of Iga Ueno Castle, is a fun stop after golf. The town is also the birthplace of the haiku poet Matsuo Basho and is known for Iga beef and Iga-yaki pottery, so it is worth staying for an evening.