Island golf with the Pacific all around

Izu Oshima Resort Golf Club is on Oshima, the largest of the Izu Islands. The island is officially part of Tokyo but lies out in the Pacific, about 1 hour 45 minutes from the city by jetfoil. The course opened in October 1958 as Oshima Golf Club, designed by Nobukatsu Marumo, and took its current name in 2021. It is an 18-hole, par-70 layout over rolling island ground, with ocean views from many holes. The fairways are wide, but Pacific winds are the real test: on the short holes, a misread breeze can leave you with an awkward uphill chip.

A downhill opening drive toward the sea, with Mt. Fuji on the horizon on a clear day.

The highlights include a downhill par-3 that the club calls its signature hole, a hole that plays toward a lighthouse, and a final green guarded by a sacred pine. From the course you can see across to Mt. Fuji on the mainland and back toward the volcanic wilderness of Mt. Mihara. It is a relaxed, self-play course with two-seater carts and a casual dress code. Twosomes and solo golfers are accepted when there is space. There is no bath or shower at the club, so plan to clean up at your hotel afterwards. Getting there is part of the adventure: take the jetfoil or overnight ferry from Takeshiba Pier, or the 25-minute flight from Chofu Airport, and stay a night or two to explore Mihara's lava fields.