Kawana (Fuji Course)
There are golf courses that impress with immaculate conditioning, others with famous championship pedigrees, and a select few whose setting alone leaves a lasting impression. The Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel belongs firmly in the latter category. Perched dramatically along the eastern edge of Japan's Izu Peninsula, this Charles Hugh Alison masterpiece occupies a windswept volcanic plateau where fairways tumble toward the Pacific Ocean and nearly every turn reveals another breathtaking vista.
Opened in 1936, the Fuji Course is widely regarded as one of Japan's greatest golfing treasures. Alison, whose architectural influence can also be found at such classics as Hirono Golf Club, believed great golf should emerge naturally from the landscape rather than overpower it. Working alongside Japanese engineer Kinya Fujita, he created a course that feels as though it has always belonged on this rugged stretch of coastline.
The volcanic origins of the site are evident from the opening tee. Ancient lava flows have produced firm, naturally draining ground and a landscape of sweeping ridges and gentle folds that dictate both strategy and aesthetics. Fairways rise and fall with the terrain, often feeding well-struck shots toward ideal positions while punishing slightly offline drives with awkward stances or difficult recoveries. Rather than imposing artificial shapes, Alison allowed the land to determine the routing.
The Pacific Ocean is never far away.
Several holes cling to the cliffs overlooking Sagami Bay, where crashing waves provide both a spectacular backdrop and a constant reminder that nature has the final say. Even on seemingly calm days, the ocean breeze quietly influences club selection, while stronger winds can transform familiar holes into entirely new challenges.
The opening stretch eases players into the round before the course gradually reveals its true character. One of the earliest highlights is the short par-3 5th, where the green appears to float above the rocky shoreline. Depending on the wind, it may require anything from a smooth short iron to a firmly struck mid-iron, making club selection every bit as important as accuracy.
The par-5 7th is another standout, sweeping gracefully along the coastline before bending toward an elevated green protected by Alison's trademark deep bunkering. Long hitters may be tempted to attack in two, but the combination of crosswinds and strategically positioned hazards often makes restraint the wiser choice.
Perhaps the course's most photographed stretch arrives around the spectacular par-3 15th. Played toward the ocean with panoramic views stretching across the Pacific, it delivers one of the most memorable tee shots in Japanese golf. The scenery alone can become a distraction before the player even considers the ever-present wind or the subtly contoured putting surface waiting below.
The closing holes continue the drama. The long par-4 16th rewards a bold drive but demands a precise approach to an elevated green, while the finishing hole climbs gently back toward the stately Kawana Hotel, providing a fitting conclusion to one of golf's great seaside walks.
Alison's influence extends well beyond the routing itself. The steep-faced bunkers that guard many greens became so closely associated with his work that they are still referred to throughout Japan as "Alison bunkers." Their intimidating appearance is matched by their strategic importance, often forcing players to choose between conservative lines and more aggressive routes that bring both reward and considerable risk.
The experience at Kawana is deliberately traditional. Every round is played on foot alongside a caddie, encouraging golfers to slow down and absorb the rhythm of both the course and its surroundings. Rather than rushing from shot to shot in a golf cart, players have time to appreciate the volcanic landscape, the crashing surf, and the changing perspectives offered by each hole.
That timeless quality has helped the Fuji Course remain one of Japan's premier championship venues. It continues to host the Fujisankei Ladies Classic on the LPGA of Japan Tour, while a recent restoration program removed thousands of trees to reopen the sweeping ocean views envisioned in Alison's original design.
Nearly ninety years after it first welcomed golfers, the Fuji Course remains a magnificent marriage of architecture and landscape. It is a place where the land, the sea and the wind collaborate to create an experience that is as memorable for its beauty as it is for its golf.
Japan Golf Trip tips: For golfers inspired to make the journey to Japan, Kawana is a reminder that a golf trip here is best approached as a broader travel experience. I’ll share more on planning a golf trip to Japan in a future feature, but as a starting point, allow at least seven to ten days to combine several outstanding courses with time to experience the country’s cities, cuisine and culture. Tokyo is a natural gateway, while destinations such as Hakone, Kyoto and the Izu Peninsula can easily form part of a well-planned itinerary. The key is to plan around the golf, book courses well in advance, and group rounds geographically rather than trying to squeeze too much into each day.
