A riverside nine on the banks of the Tama

Kawasaki Riverside Park Golf Course sits on the flat floodplain of the Tama River in Saiwai Ward, just across the water from Tokyo. Opened in 1987, this compact public nine-hole layout plays to par 34 over about 2,259 yards, with one par 5, five par 4s and three par 3s, and drivers allowed on most holes. Players walk the course pulling hand carts, which gives a round here a relaxed, old-fashioned rhythm under wide open skies.

An easy-going city round by the river, perfect for an early-morning nine.

It is an ideal spot for beginners, juniors or visitors who want a quick, low-key taste of Japanese public golf without travelling to the hills. Bring your own full set of clubs, since rentals are not offered, and warm up on the natural-turf approach area with its practice bunker or on the free putting green. Weekday tee times are first come, first served, while weekend slots can be booked two months ahead. The Tama River cycling path runs alongside, and Kawasaki's lively station area, with its shopping and restaurants, is about ten minutes away by taxi or a short city-bus ride to the Gyoko Park stop.