Pond-guarded resort golf near the Shirahama coast

Nanki Shirahama Golf Club lies in Kamitonda on the southern Kii Peninsula of Wakayama, just inland from the resort town of Shirahama. It opened in 1991 and was designed by Fukuichi Kato as an American-style layout, with ponds in play throughout its 18 holes. The par-72 course stretches to 7,022 yards from the back tees, and the gently rolling hills give it a resort feel. The club describes it as a course built for enjoyment rather than sheer difficulty, while still being set up to host tournaments.

Water at every turn, and a hotel and hot spring at the end of the round.

The region's mild, warm maritime climate makes it a good year-round option, and the club is open every day of the year. A European-style resort hotel stands on site, and a natural hot-spring open-air bath is listed for after the round, which makes this an easy base for a golf stay. Shirahama is one of Japan's best-known onsen towns, with white-sand beaches, seaside hot springs and fresh seafood. Further afield are the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Nanki-Shirahama Airport is about 15 minutes away, which makes the club an easy trip from Tokyo by air. JR Shirahama Station is about 10 minutes by road.