Wind, grassland and the shores of Lake Kitaura

North Shore Country Club lies on the western side of Lake Kitaura in Namegata, part of Ibaraki's Suigo lake-and-river country. Opened in 1991 and designed by Tsuneo Tanaka, it is an 18-hole, par-72 championship layout stretching to more than 7,200 yards from the back tees. The club describes it as a natural, links-style course set mostly in open grassland, with relatively few fairway bunkers but punishing rough, bentgrass greens and a back nine with more variety. Breezes off the lake are a constant factor, and short holes such as the 13th can play very differently into a north wind.

Few bunkers, plenty of breeze, and a lake that shapes every shot.

It is a strong choice for golfers who like a long, honest test, with a 250-yard range and free short-game areas to warm up on and caddies available on request. The surrounding Suigo region is known for its lakes, canals and lotus fields; Itako's iris gardens and boat rides are a classic early-summer outing, and Kashima Shrine, one of Japan's oldest, is within driving distance. By car the course is about 25 minutes from the Itako interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway; by train, take the JR Joban Line to Ishioka and then a taxi of about 40 minutes.