Birch and larch fairways 1,200 metres above the summer heat

Opened in 1979 at around 1,200 metres on the Tateshina plateau above Chino, Tateshina Tokyu Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout by Chohei Miyazawa. The course is relatively flat but full of gentle fairway undulation, threaded through stands of white birch, pine and larch. Ponds, doglegs and two-tiered greens keep things interesting, with a short par 3 over water at the 9th, and the Penncross bent greens run smooth and quick.

Cool forest golf in the Yatsugatake foothills, right in the heart of a mountain resort.

Wide mountain views open up across the course, and the Yatsugatake range rises behind the clubhouse. Play is self-service with rental clubs available, and stay packages pair golf with the resort hotel nearby, making it easy to build a relaxed highland break around a round or two. The Tateshina area is a favourite summer escape for Tokyo residents, with lakes, hiking trails and colourful autumn woods. Drive about 20 km from the Chuo Expressway's Suwa exit, or take a train to Chino Station and allow about 25 minutes by car. The course closes for the winter from mid-December to late March.