Valleys, doglegs and dramatic drops beneath Gunma's mountain ranges

Taiheiyo Club Takasaki Course lies on a gently sloping highland near Annaka in Gunma Prefecture. Opened in April 1976 to a design by Shunsuke Kato and renovated by Norio Homma, the par-72 eighteen threads through woodland, mixing uphill and downhill shots, carries over valleys and a string of doglegs. It measures 6,229 yards from the back tees, and the finishing 18th plunges 73 metres from tee to green for a memorable close. GPS-equipped riding carts make light work of the terrain.

Framed by majestic mountain ridges, with jagged Mt. Myogi close at hand.

The setting is pure inland Japan, with the craggy peaks of Myogi nearby and the onsen towns of Gunma within easy reach, so a round here pairs naturally with a night at a hot-spring inn. The restaurant serves buffets with seasonal fairs. Getting here is surprisingly quick: the Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Annaka-Haruna Station in about an hour from Tokyo, and the club bus (reservation required) takes around 15 minutes to the clubhouse. By car, leave the Joshinetsu Expressway at Matsuida-Myogi IC, about 15 minutes away. Guests play on a member's introduction.