Neba: cool fairways at 900 metres

High in the far south of Nagano, inside Tenryu-Okumikawa Quasi-National Park, Neba Country Club sits about 900 metres above sea level, which keeps rounds comfortable even in the height of summer. Opened in 1976 and designed by Junji Shiba, the 18-hole, par-72 course measures about 6,097 yards and is wrapped in forests of pine and white birch. The club calls it a championship layout, yet big ups and downs are rare: fairways are wide with gentle slopes, and each hole has its own personality, rewarding careful target selection on the front nine and a downhill charge on the long 16th.

A highland escape from the summer heat, carved through pine and birch forest.

Neba village lies where Nagano meets Aichi and Gifu, a quiet mountain corner of rivers, forests and small hot springs; the club offers discount tickets for a nearby onsen after your round. It is a natural add-on to a trip through the Ina Valley or the old post towns of the Kiso road. Most visitors drive from Nagoya via the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway or come up the Chuo Expressway to Iida. The course closes in winter and reopens each March.