Birch woods and valley carries on Sapporo's doorstep

Rembrandt Golf Club Sapporo lies in Kiyota Ward on the southeastern edge of Sapporo, about 40 minutes from the city centre and 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport. Opened in August 1977 to a design by Masujiro Yamamoto and long known as Dynasty Golf Club Ariake, it has recently reopened under its new name with a fully renovated clubhouse. The 18 holes, par 72 and 6,521 yards from the back, are split into the Ariake and Takino nines, winding through birch and mixed woodland with uphill and downhill holes, valley carries and strongly contoured greens.

A strategic woodland course in Hokkaido's short, sweet summer, with a 600-yard par 5 waiting at the start of the Takino nine.

Takino No. 3, a short hole over a valley, is the prettiest on the course, while Takino No. 9 finishes over a pond to a raised green. GPS carts show distance, slope and grain, and visitors are treated to a free half buffet before or after the round. The season runs from about mid-April to mid-November, when Hokkaido's cool air makes summer golf a pleasure. Nearby Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is lovely in autumn, Jozankei onsen is a short drive into the mountains, and Sapporo's ramen, seafood and beer gardens await in the evening. The nearest interchange is Kitahiroshima IC on the Hokkaido Expressway.