Ikaho Kokusai Country Club

Akagi-Haruna occupies mountainous terrain in Shibukawa, situated in Gunma Prefecture north of Tokyo in the Kanto region. The course takes its name from two of the area's prominent volcanic peaks, Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, which define the landscape of this part of central Honshu. Mitsuaki Kobayashi designed the layout to work with the natural elevation changes and forested character typical of Japanese mountain golf courses from the mid-twentieth century development period. The routing navigates slopes and valleys characteristic of volcanic topography, with holes that rise and fall through wooded corridors. Gunma's position inland from Tokyo Bay and its elevation create a climate with distinct seasons—warm summers suitable for play and winters that can bring snow to higher elevations. The course serves members of Ikaho Kokusai Country Club, part of the network of private and semi-private clubs that expanded across Japan during the country's golf boom. The Ikaho area has long been known for its hot springs and resort character, drawing visitors from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Courses in this region typically combine golf with onsen facilities and traditional Japanese hospitality, offering members and guests a retreat from urban centers. The design reflects the constraints and opportunities of mountain sites, where dramatic views and elevation change come with the challenge of building and maintaining fairways on steep terrain.