Mountain fairways above the Pacific coast of Kumano

Nippon Diamond Golf Club, formerly Centleisure Golf Club Katsuura, rises on the slopes of Mt. Myoho above Nachikatsuura on the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula. Opened in 1965 to a design by J.E. Crane, it is an 18-hole, par-70 course of about 6,000 yards, laid over mountainous terrain with plenty of elevation change and sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean. The holes are strategic but fair, enjoyable for beginners and single-digit players alike, and play is in GPS-equipped riding carts.

Few rounds in Japan come with a view like this, where the mountains tumble down to the sea.

This is golf as part of a pilgrimage-country journey. The course sits close to the Kumano Kodo trails, Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and the towering Nachi Falls, and Katsuura is famed for its seaside onsen ryokan and for fresh tuna landed at its fishing port. After your round, the club's rock-sauna bath is free for players, or head down to Katsuura Onsen for a soak overlooking the bay. The nearest stations are Kii-Katsuura and Nachi on the JR Kisei Line, around 15–20 minutes away by taxi; driving from Osaka takes about four hours, so plan to stay a night or two.