Akagawa Shimin Golf Course

Akagawa Shimin Golf Course is a 9-hole riverside layout in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, running along the Akagawa River. The course uses a two-green system with bent grass, and the greens are notably generous — averaging around 90 tsubo — making them easier to hit than is typical for a riverside course. That said, subtle undulations across the putting surfaces add genuine difficulty for first-time visitors. Middle-distance holes are on the shorter side throughout, giving players a real opportunity to protect their scorecard. Out-of-bounds applies along the Akagawa River and the embankment, while shots reaching adjacent holes carry a one-stroke penalty. On a clear day, the course offers views of Mount Gassan and the Chokai mountain range. In spring, the cherry blossom trees lining the Akagawa riverbank are a highlight of the setting.