Pete Dye's Lakes in the Iga Highlands

St. Lakes Golf Club sits in Iga, Mie Prefecture, a few kilometres from the Meihan National Route. Opened on July 1, 1989, it is the work of Pete Dye, who reportedly called the site heaven-given terrain. The 18 holes, par 72, follow a 'return to Britain' concept in a new Scottish style: rolling, hilly ground, complex undulations and fairways that bounce unpredictably. Lakes, ponds and waterways run throughout, and the strategic, target-style design often leaves just one ideal landing area per hole, earning it a reputation as one of Mie's toughest courses.

Every shot has one right answer, and the water is waiting for the rest.

Highlights include the par-3 3rd, whose green sits below the level of its pond, the three-tiered green of the 8th and the giant split green on the 17th, before a pond and stone wall frame a dramatic finish at 18. Afterwards, soak in the large bath. Iga is ninja country: the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Iga Ueno Castle are a short drive away, and the area's Iga beef and Iga-yaki pottery reward an extra day. By train, take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Iga-Kambe Station and a 15-minute taxi.