GreenlitBETA
Kobe, Hyogo

Rokko Kokusai Golf Club

Championship mountainside golf beneath Japan's Rokko Range with Jack Nicklaus-redesigned courses that challenge champions and inspire golfers.

About the Course

Rokko Kokusai Golf Club is a prestigious 36-hole facility nestled in the scenic foothills of Kobe's stunning Rokko Mountain Range. The club showcases two distinct 18-hole courses—the West and East—both originally designed by Fukuichi Kato in 1975 and renovated by Jack Nicklaus in 1996. Set against one of Japan's most picturesque backdrops, the courses offer breathtaking seasonal beauty: spring flowering, summer green, autumn golden leaves, and winter clarity that frames Osaka Bay views. This is championship golf at its finest, hosting prestigious tournaments including The Japan Open, The Japan Senior Open, and the annual LPGA Suntory Ladies event.

The East Course stretches 7,416 yards at par 72 and is the longer, tougher track—a genuine test of championship caliber that demands precision and strategy. The West Course, at 6,824 yards and par 71, offers a more elegant American-style design that requires accurate ball control rather than brute distance. Both courses showcase Nicklaus's refined design philosophy with undulating bent grass greens, strategic water hazards, and bunker complexes that reward strategic thinking. The dramatic elevation changes create a fluid, organic routing through the landscape.

The clubhouse, styled with elegant Spanish Colonial architecture, provides exceptional amenities including a practice range that extends an impressive 288 yards, onsen-style bathing facilities, and a rest house for post-round relaxation. Located just 30 minutes from central Kobe, the club is positioned perfectly for golfers combining world-class golf with Japan's urban attractions and nearby historic hot spring resorts. This is destination golf that transcends mere play—it's an experience steeped in Japanese golf tradition and international design excellence.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • Two distinct Jack Nicklaus-renovated championship courses hosting The Japan Open, Japan Senior Open, and LPGA Suntory Ladies—prestige golf with tournament pedigree
  • Dramatic mountain setting with seasonal beauty framing every hole, from cherry blossoms to golden autumn foliage, with panoramic Osaka Bay views
  • Pure test of golf craftsmanship: challenging strategic routing, undulating bent grass greens, and water hazards that demand precision and respect
  • Exceptional facilities including 288-yard practice range, onsen-style bathing, and Spanish Colonial clubhouse for complete luxury experience
  • Perfect Kansai basecamp: 30 minutes from Kobe city center with easy access to sightseeing, Arima Onsen hot springs, and Mt. Rokko attractions
Courses on Property
West Course18 holes · Par 71

6,824-yard American-style course requiring accuracy and precision, where beauty and strategy coexist across undulating fairways and water-guarded greens.

East Course18 holes · Par 72

Championship-length 7,416-yard course that is longer and tougher, hosting The Japan Open and demanding strategic excellence on every hole.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$130–$225/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal golfing conditions with comfortable temperatures and stunning mountain beauty. Spring features cherry blossoms and lush greens; autumn brings golden foliage across Mount Rokko. Avoid summer (June-August) due to heat and humidity, and winter (December-February) offers cooler but playable conditions. The course showcases distinct seasonal beauty throughout the year.
ParklandMountainChampionshipCaddies AvailableWalking OnlyMajor VenueHistoricBucket List
Nearby Lodging