Taiheiyo Gotemba West at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West

Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West sits in Gotenba, Shizuoka Prefecture, at the base of Mount Fuji. Designed by Shunsuke Kato, the course occupies terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity, with rolling land and stands of pine and other native vegetation typical of the Fuji foothills region. The routing takes advantage of elevation changes and natural contours, offering golfers views of the iconic mountain when weather permits. Kato, a significant figure in mid-to-late twentieth-century Japanese golf architecture, created layouts that often emphasized strategic variety and integration with the landscape.

The Taiheiyo Club organization operates multiple courses across Japan, and the Gotemba properties represent part of this network. The West course shares the broader Gotemba site with other layouts, forming a resort-style golf destination in a region known for its concentration of courses and proximity to Tokyo. The area's cooler climate and volcanic soil support firm playing conditions during much of the year.

The course features a mix of hole types that reflect both the natural topography and Kato's design approach, with doglegs, elevation changes, and green complexes that require thoughtful club selection. Gotenba's location makes it accessible for members and visitors traveling from the capital region, and the club maintains traditional Japanese standards of service and course conditioning. The setting, with Fuji as a backdrop, provides a distinctive visual context that defines golf in this part of Shizuoka.