Karamatsu at Minakami Kogen Golf Links

Minakami Kogen Golf Links sits in the mountainous terrain of Tone, in northern Gunma Prefecture, where the landscape rises toward the border with Niigata. The Karamatsu course represents Arnold Palmer's work in this alpine setting, part of a larger resort complex that developed during Japan's golf expansion in the latter decades of the twentieth century. The region experiences significant seasonal variation, with heavy snowfall in winter and cooler summers than the lowland courses closer to Tokyo.

The routing works through forested slopes and valleys characteristic of this part of the Japanese Alps. Elevation changes figure prominently in the design, with holes moving across hillsides and through stands of karamatsu—the Japanese larch that gives the course its name. These conifers frame many holes and contribute to the mountain atmosphere. The terrain dictates shot values, with uphill and downhill lies common and visibility sometimes limited by topography and tree cover.

Palmer's design from this era typically emphasized playability for resort guests while incorporating the natural movement of the land. Water features appear on several holes, fed by mountain streams. The course serves primarily members and resort visitors, with access to the hot springs and accommodations that define the Minakami area as a recreational destination. The facility operates seasonally, closing during the winter months when snow makes play impossible at this elevation.