Fuji Views and Blue Water an hour from Shinjuku

Nishi Tokyo Golf Club sits in the green hills of Tsuru in eastern Yamanashi, just three minutes from the Chuo Expressway's Tsuru interchange and roughly an hour's drive from Shinjuku. Designed by Shunsuke Kato, the 18-hole, par-72 layout rolls over gently hilly ground, with Mt. Fuji on the horizon, a cobalt-blue pond guarding the 9th and 18th holes, and bright beach-style bunkers. The yardage is on the modest side, but the rough is kept tournament-thick, and two-tier greens on the front nine reward a careful approach. Forward tees on every non-par-3 hole make it a welcoming round for newer players, and GPS-equipped riding carts keep the pace easy. The clubhouse, styled after a southern European castle, completes the picture.

A short, scenic round under Fuji, with water waiting at the finish.

Nishi Tokyo is open year-round with no regular closing day, and tee times can be booked online, which makes it an easy day trip from the capital. Arriving by train is possible too: take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, change to the Fujikyu Line for Tsuru-shi Station, then a five-minute taxi. Since the same line continues toward the Fuji Five Lakes, it is simple to stretch the visit into an overnight stay around Lake Kawaguchi, with its lakeside onsen inns and classic views of the mountain, or to stop at the Fuji-Q Highland area on the way. Spring greenery and crisp autumn days, when Fuji tends to show itself most clearly, are especially rewarding times to play.