Heavenly Hokkaido

Where to Play

Niseko Tokyu **** 1/2

Also called Hanazono, this is the best of the bunch in many ways. Great facilities, superb conditioning and memorable holes, with Mount Yotei forming a breathtaking backdrop on many of them.

Wind plays an important part here and the four par-5s can make a mockery of the stroke index if the breeze is coming from an undesired direction. The 16th in particular is a spectacular beast when played into the breeze. The par-3s here are also a memorable feature. All four are challenging – especially the 17th, which from the elevated tees looks longer than its 214 yards. The green is narrow and a lake protects the front. With the wind straight into the player (as it was the day we played) a par here is a great result.

Water comes into play on many of the holes, and, with no two consecutive holes playing in the same direction, you're constantly asking yourself questions on the tee.

Par: 72 Yardage: 7,003
Contact: www.niseko-tokyu.co.jp

Niseko Village ****

Designed by Arnold Palmer and a stroll from the first-rate Hilton, this tree-lined track is a delightful setting for a game. Niseko Village is a true resort course as there are plenty of challenges here, but nothing insurmountable. It’s possible to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery without one’s score disintegrating, and the facilities are superb, being part of the Hilton resort itself. A little unfortunately, the signature hole is the slightly ridiculous 10th, a 721-yard slog of a par-6.

Par: 73 Yardage: 6,845
Contact: www.niseko-village.com