Shigaraki After Dark: Rose Golf Club

Set on the gently rolling Shigaraki Highlands of Koka, Shiga, Rose Golf Club opened in October 1974 to a design by Seizo Tomizawa. This public par-72 layout stretches to 6,879 yards, with wide fairways, little elevation change and two par fives of more than 600 yards that reward a big drive. Woodland birds such as pheasants, kingfishers and cuckoos are frequent companions, and the club is listed among Japan's bird-friendly golf courses. Its most striking twist: all 18 holes are lit by LEDs for night golf, a first in Shiga.

Two holes beyond 600 yards by day, and the whole course under lights by night.

Spring brings cherry blossoms and camellias, and autumn paints the hills in foliage, while the clubhouse adds a pot bath made from local Shigaraki ware, a relaxed restaurant and lunchtime barbecue plans. Shigaraki itself is one of Japan's six ancient kilns, famous for its tanuki figures and pottery studios, so a round pairs naturally with an afternoon among the kilns. Carts come with GPS navigation and a 270-yard range lets you warm up. The course is about seven minutes from the Shin-Meishin Expressway's Shigaraki interchange, making it an easy drive from Kyoto; for an overnight stay, the club's sister glamping site, THE ROSE VILLAGE, is nearby.