Quiet fairways near the Awara hot springs

Japan Central Golf Club lies in the countryside of Awara in northern Fukui, about seven minutes from Kanazu Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. Opened in 1993, it is an 18-hole, par-72 layout stretching to 7,001 yards from the back tees. The club describes it as a course that balances strategy with scenery: rolling but not steep ground, delicately contoured bent greens, and water in play at key moments, from the par-3 6th with hazards on both sides to the par-5 9th, where two large ponds guard the green, and the downhill par-3 17th across a pond, creek and waterfall. A 30-metre windmill tower beside the 6th makes a memorable landmark.

Play a relaxed self-play round in the morning, then soak it off in Awara Onsen by evening.

Every group plays self-service with GPS riding carts, and the gentle terrain makes it a comfortable choice for newer golfers while longer tees keep it interesting for stronger players. The setting is the real draw for travellers: Awara Onsen, one of the Hokuriku region's classic hot-spring towns, is about ten minutes away, and the club offers stay-and-play packages with local inns. Nearby are the dramatic Tojinbo sea cliffs and the seafood of Mikuni Port, with Fukui's famous winter crab in season. Komatsu Airport is roughly 30 minutes by car, and the course is easily reached from Awara-Onsen Station. Note that the course typically takes a winter break in this snowy region, so plan for spring through autumn.