Golfing under Mt Fuji

The very first time one sees this majestic mountain, we are left with a feeling of total awe. She is one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains. Mount Fuji is an attractive volcanic cone and a frequent subject of Japan Art especially after 1600, when Edo (now Tokyo) became the capital and people saw the mountain while traveling on the Tokaido road. According to history, in medieval times it eventually came to be seen by Japanese as the number one mountain of the then known world; China, India and Japan. The mountain is mentioned in Japanese literature throughout the ages and is the subject of many poems. During this golfing week we will get to know her, and the friendly local inhabitants, very well indeed. We stay in Tokyo, for the first night. Otherwise we are based at the gorgeous Sengokuhana Prince Hotel for enjoying our four selected Mt Fuji Country Clubs.

This morning, we make our way out of Tokyo to our Hakone hotel. After settling into our base for the next 4 nights, we move to the nearby first tee at Hakone-en golf course.

Perched on a hill top this course was created to take advantage of the sloping land that faces Lake Ashi with Mt. Komagatake as its backdrop. The designers, Komyo Otani and Yasuhiko Asaka, sculptured fewer elevation changes than you might expect, because it is laid out around the foot of the mountain. From most of the holes, you can see magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. It’s not overly long and at 5,936 yards you might think this is an easy course.

But the subtle undulation changes, the narrow fairways and strategic position of bunkers all make this quite the difficult course. Several holes feature twin green options to add variety and more challenge. Accuracy is key to scoring well and the elevation along with the nearby mountain can produce nice refreshing winds from the nearby lake Ashi. 

Famous for hot spring, natural beauty and the view across Lake Ashinoko, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists.

Hakone is famous as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan and is called an “onsen theme park” because of the different styles and types of hot springs you can experience and enjoy in the area. There are hundreds of bathes to discover in the area each with their own qualities, history, and appeal. Walking around Hakone you can discover many delicious options for a bite to eat. Many of them are reasonably priced and there are also places to spend for an overall experience. We are planning a relaxed and extended lunch at one of our favourite French restaurants. Either La Foret or Vert Bois, both of which will have us well fed and watered during our visit. We return to the hotel and can explore locally or prepare for our second half tomorrow.

Located right beside our hotel and spread out up here on the majestic Sengokuhara plain against the background of the broad mountain of Hakone Crater, the Daihakone Country Club offers 18 handmade holes landscaped with truly unique individuality. A notable feature of the course is the hole No.17 known as the ‘Lotus flower’ a very difficult hole surrounded by tricky bunkers. Enjoy a refreshing day of golf on the finely sculpted fairways of Daihakone Country Club, which hosts the CAT Ladies Pro Golf Tournament every August. Navigate the tricky bunkers while admiring the sweeping views of Hakone Crater outer rim.​

After this round and suitable refreshments, we return to Tokyo and the Prince Park Tower Hotel. Check in and freshen up then prepare for tonight’s included farewell dinner which will be around and under the railway lines at Yurakucho railway station. Thereafter you are free to enjoy your final evening on the town in Tokyo.