Valley carries and big views in the hills above Nagatoro

Nagatoro Country Club lies in Yorii, on the northern edge of Saitama's Chichibu region, about an hour from central Tokyo by car. Opened in 1968 and laid out by Mitsuo Komatsubara and Yoshitaro Kawanami, it is the oldest course in the Chichibu area: 18 holes, par 72, set across rolling hillside at around 400 metres above sea level. The layout is full of drama, with dynamic downhill tee shots, uphill approaches and carries across valleys, finishing on bentgrass greens kept in good condition. Play is all self-play, with GPS-equipped riding carts.

A heritage hillside course with real elevation, on the doorstep of Chichibu's river gorges.

Nagatoro is a fine choice for golfers who want a round with character away from the busier courses around Tokyo, and it combines easily with a day in the countryside. The Nagatoro gorge, famous for its rock terraces, river boat rides and summer rafting, is a short drive away, and the Chichibu area is known for cherry blossoms in spring, glowing maples in autumn and its winter night festival. Drive in via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, about 10 km from the Hanazono interchange, and round off the day with a soak at one of the region's hot-spring baths and a bowl of local soba.