Mountain golf on the edge of Sapporo, from Eniwa to Yoichi

Jozankei Country Club's Komaoka Course, long known as Sapporo Minami Golf Club Komaoka Course, sits in the green hills of Makomanai in Sapporo's Minami ward, about 25 minutes from the city centre. It opened in 1966 to a design by Chin Seisui, and from 2013 the leading Japanese architect Taizo Kawata reworked it over three years. The 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches 6,744 yards from the back tees, with many downhill tee shots, ponds and valleys in play, and quick two- and three-tier bent greens that reward careful reading.

A panorama of Sapporo's mountains, from Mt. Eniwa all the way to Mt. Yoichi.

The setting is the draw: the dining room's big windows look out over the course to the surrounding peaks, and the moderate ups and downs keep every hole interesting without being exhausting. The club runs a free shuttle bus from Makomanai subway station (book by phone in advance), making this one of the easiest courses to reach from downtown Sapporo without a car. Afterwards, the hot-spring town of Jozankei Onsen lies further up the same valley, perfect for a soak and an overnight stay, while the city's ramen, beer and seafood are a short ride back. Note that Hokkaido's golf season is limited by snow, and that groups including overseas visitors may need to play with a club member.