Graham Marsh's resort course beneath Mt. Asama

Orsolvert Karuizawa Club sits in the Mozawa area of Karuizawa, Nagano's classic summer highland retreat. It opened in 1992 as an 18-hole, par-72 resort course designed by Australian champion Graham Marsh, stretching to 6,662 yards from the back tees. The terraced fairways are almost flat, yet the layout is full of visual strategy: low-handicap players who attack are tested, while average golfers can find safer routes. The 18th is a long, downhill closing hole from a raised tee, with Mt. Asama, the clubhouse and a pond all in view.

Flat, strategic highland fairways framed by a volcano, with a boutique hotel just off the 18th.

The on-site residence hotel has 13 spacious rooms, some pet-friendly, and a restaurant that cooks with local seasonal produce, so it's easy to make a weekend of it. Karuizawa is known for its cool summers, forest walks, outlet shopping and boutique cafés, and Hoshino Onsen and the Shiraito Falls are a short drive away. The Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Karuizawa Station in about 65 minutes from Tokyo, then it's a 25-minute taxi ride. The season runs from April through November, with fresh green early summer and fiery autumn colors.