ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Hugh Alison, the course architect, is the same designer behind Japan’s other most legendary layouts, and the Fuji Course regularly hosts the prestigious Fujisankei Ladies Classic on the LPGA of Japan Tour.
About
Kawana Hotel's Fuji Course, designed by acclaimed architect C.H. Alison in 1936, is ranked among the world's top 100. Set above the Pacific Ocean with views of Mount Fuji, its classic routing features deep black volcanic sand bunkering and tree-lined holes. The course hosts top tournaments and is enjoyed exclusively by hotel guests, offering a premier traditional Japanese golf experience.
Caddie Tip
Plan for forced carries and strategic approaches—many greens are elevated and appear deceptively shallow, so take enough club. The ocean breezes are often stronger than they seem; trust your caddie’s wind reads and local knowledge, especially on cliffside holes like 15 and 16.
The Main Challenge
Narrow fairways, deep classic bunkering, and coastal winds demand precision from every tee and approach. The undulating terrain creates tricky lies, and raised greens with significant false fronts and runoffs challenge even top-tier short games. The closing stretch along the cliffs requires both nerve and execution.
The Good
Golfers rave about the stunning setting—tree-lined fairways atop dramatic seaside cliffs, with Mount Fuji often visible in the distance. The classic design provides immense variety, and the attentive caddie experience is a highlight few other courses can match, with every detail handled seamlessly.
The Not So Good
Players frequently note the course is expensive, and some wish the greens ran slightly faster, especially late in the season. Reservation restrictions (must stay at the hotel to play) and limited tee times also frustrate some who find access challenging compared to other top courses.
Signature Hole:
#
15
The par-5 15th is the Fuji Course’s most celebrated hole, playing along sheer cliffs with panoramic Pacific Ocean views. This demanding hole sweeps left, demands a precise tee shot, and dares ambitious play with dramatic risk-reward options, all while exposed to ocean breezes—a true test of nerve and strategy on a world-class stage.
Clubhouse
Classic clubhouse offers a pro shop, locker rooms, Japanese and Western restaurants overlooking the Pacific, comfortable lounges, and access to the historic hotel’s onsen hot spring for hotel guests. Service is attentive, with staff speaking both Japanese and basic English.
Practice Facilities
There is an 8-bay driving range, putting green near the clubhouse, and chipping area with practice bunker—modest but well-maintained and suitable for a quality warmup before your round.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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