Easygoing Hill Golf in Yamanashi's Gateway Valleys

Otsuki Garden Golf Club sits in the hills of Tsuru in eastern Yamanashi, about 11 km from Tsuru IC on the Chuo Expressway. It opened in 1995 under the design supervision of Katsuichi Asami. The 18-hole, par-72 layout measures around 6,370 yards from the back tees, and its bent greens make for a manageable day out. Run by Accordia Golf, the club is popular for relaxed rounds with friends and couples. Self-play GPS carts and a friendly, unpretentious clubhouse keep things simple.

A relaxed mountain round within reach of Tokyo, with Fuji Five Lakes just beyond.

Rental clubs and shoes are available, and there is a bath to unwind in after the round, which makes this an easy choice for visitors travelling light. Tsuru and Otsuki are the gateway to the Fuji Five Lakes region. After golf you can continue to Lake Kawaguchi and Fujiyoshida for views of Mt. Fuji and hot-spring stays, or stop in Otsuki for the old Saruhashi "monkey bridge." The surrounding mountains are especially pretty in autumn. From Shinjuku, the drive west on the Chuo Expressway takes you out of the city and into the hills fairly quickly. There is no shuttle bus, so a car is the practical way to get here.