Ponds, Creeks and Seven Thousand Yards

Yokkaichi no Sato Golf Club sits in the Uchiyama hills on the western side of Yokkaichi, Mie, and has been open since 1988. Now run by Accordia Golf, its 18 holes (par 72) are laid out over flat ground and stretch past 7,000 yards, yet the course is anything but bland: ponds, creeks and well-placed bunkers tighten the landing areas and ask for a clear plan from every tee.

A long, flat layout that looks friendly, until the water and sand come into play.

Play is self-service with four-seater riding carts fitted with navigation, which makes it a relaxed and easy-to-book choice for visitors, and a classic Japanese lunch break is part of most plans. The club is about 3 km from Yokkaichi IC on the Higashi-Meihan Expressway, so it is a straightforward drive from Nagoya. Round off the day in the Suzuka foothills at the Yunoyama Onsen hot springs, or head into Yokkaichi for its famous tonteki pork steak before the trip back.