Spa & Golf Resort KujiIwatecho, Ibaraki Prefecture

The clubhouse boasts vaulted ceilings giving an air of grandeur, the gift shop sells local produce and some perfect Omiage (souvenirs). After check-in you head down the staircase that leads to the action: locker rooms, and onsen, as well as the caddy master room and carts. We quickly changed and rushed out to catch a quick nine holes while we still had some light. One great perk of staying at the resort is that guests can play later than the usual advertised tee times, allowing us to squeeze in a fun and entertaining nine holes. But more on the course in a moment.

Each villa comes with its own golf cart, retrofitted with headlights, to transport guests to and from the clubhouse and large onsen. The villas are situated around the back nine and are beautiful. We were fortunate enough to stay in one of the newest villas, which were nothing short of amazing.

there are single and two-bedroom types, accommodating up to four people, all have a spacious living/dining area with a kitchen that opens onto a terrace overlooking the course. The villas all boast a private onsen bath which is a real treat after a round.  Our villa was located near the par-3 17th hole, and watching the sunset from the terrace, with views of the course, was incredibly relaxing.

One of the highlights of staying at Kuji is the dinner experience. The staff will actually bring an exquisite meal- right to your villa! They can set it up inside or on the terrace as you prefer. We opted for the Kaiseki set, a traditional seafood set featuring delicacies like crab, bonito, prawns, tuna, a selection of sushi, salad miso soup and rice, and also a western set which is very french inspired, with tarine, duck, prawns and a large selection of veg and salads. The quality was outstanding! On the recommendation of the staff we also paired the meal with local Ibaraki wines and sake, which complemented the dishes perfectly. 

The next morning the staff also come by (at an agreed time) with breakfast; fresh coffee, breakfast roles. eggs and a salad to get you going. Top class.

In Japan, one tradition not to be missed is the onsen bath. This natural hot spring, renowned for easing aches and pains, is located in the clubhouse. The handy golf cart makes it easy to zip over to the onsen. Each guest is assigned a locker at check-in, which can be used throughout the stay, meaning you don't need to bring your golf gear to the villa. The onsen offers both indoor and outdoor baths, making it the perfect way to unwind after a day on the course and a great part of Japanese golf culture. Of course, if you are a little shy- each villa has its own private bath as well! 

Spa & Golf Kuji was designed by renowned amateur golfer and teacher Ginjiro Chubu. The concept was to create a traditional yet entertaining course suitable for every level of golfer, and it certainly lives up to that vision.

The first hole is a downhill par 5 with a dogleg for the last 150 yards. At just over 450 yards from the regular tees, two good shots should get you close to or on the green. Our group played well, and with one birdie under our belt, we were ready for more. The second hole is a tricky par 4 with a dogleg and OB on the left, followed by a short par 3, well-guarded by bunkers and rough. The next stretch of three par 4s is scoreable, especially the 4th, which is only 320 yards—a fun stretch that offers good scoring opportunities.

The 7th hole is a par 5 with a slight rightward curve, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests from the elevated tees. The course's natural routing beautifully integrates the forest and the land's topography. Despite its beauty, the 7th hole is deceptively difficult and proved challenging for our group. The short par 3 8th hole, with its large sloping green, kept us engaged. The 9th hole, a par 4, has an elevated tee, making it drivable, but the slope to the right and the green hidden by a hill on the left make it a tough shot that requires precision.

After an entertaining front nine, we headed to the restaurant on the 2nd floor for lunch. The restaurant overlooks the 18th green, providing plenty of entertainment as we watched approaches from the window-side tables. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including beef curry, ramen, pork cutlet, and tempura, as well as both Japanese and Australian steaks.

After lunch, we were ready to tackle the back nine, this is the side with the villas, which we had played the previous day. Whereas the opening 9 felt a bit wilder with its vast forests and elevation changes, this side is more refined, and flat and features more classic holes, The 10th are 11th are two straight-up par 4s slightly elevated greens with guarded by bunkers on both sides. I felt the greens were massive (usually in Japan its common to have two smaller alternating greens, so good to see the single green system here).

The 12th is an excellent par 3, starting over water, and with a very tricky green, a par on this hole is a fair result. Onwards to 14 which is a tight par 4 with a dog-leg left, water on the left and OB on the right make precise shot making essential, and after the nervy tee shot however, it's just a short wedge to an elevated green.

The final stretch is really an enjoyable part of the course, starting with the 15th. A straight-up long par 5 moving to the left; something about this hole really suited my eye and its just long and good. There is a danger with OB on the right and a further down a large bunker is strategically placed to catch any lay-ups, so it entices you to go for the green. These larger greens make it for fun and easier to get on in regulation, and they were running at a perfect 10, and in great shape.

The 16th is a par 4 with villas all on the left overlooking the fairway, you have to make sure you hit it well here and give the people on their terraces something to look at! The 17th- a par 3, where we had stayed the night before is like a mini-amphitheatre- with the villas perched all around the green. From the tee box, with the tree plantings just in front it feels longer than it is so easy to go long here- which we all did (ill know what to do next time). 

The 18th is a classic finishing hole; another long par 5 demanding that last bit of concentration starting straight and then moving to the left, then moving downhill to the green overlooked by the clubhouse with some water also on the left. Knowing that everyone is sitting at the window watching creates an excitement. 

Even before finishing this article, I had already booked my next stay at Kuji with two friends. It's just one of those perfectly comfortable experiences—great golf, excellent accommodation and facilities, and amazing food, all within easy reach of Tokyo. But what really stands out is the mellow ambiance, enhanced by the serene surroundings and the warm hospitality of the staff, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

The cost is also incredibly reasonable. On a weekday in October, you can enjoy 18 holes of golf, a hotel stay, and three meals for just ¥17,900 per person (around $125). For the quality you get, it’s an unbeatable deal. You’ve got to try it!