| Club Name | Rokko Kokusai East Course |
| Designer | Fukuichi Kato, Nicklaus Design |
| Par | 72 |
| Type | Parkland |
| Length | 7,416 Yards |
| Club Address | 15-16-1 Nishishimo, Yamada-cho, Kita-ku Kobe, Hyogo 651-1263 Japan |
Rokko Kokusai Golf Club is one of the Kansai region’s premier golf destinations, located in the foothills of the Rokko Mountains just 30 minutes from central Kobe. The club features two championship courses, the East Course and West Course, with the East Course widely regarded as the club’s flagship layout and the venue for many of Japan’s leading professional tournaments. Originally designed by Fukuichi Kato and opened in 1975, the club underwent a major renovation in 1996 under the direction of Jack Nicklaus Design. The renovation modernised the layout while preserving Kato’s original routing through the natural mountain landscape, including the introduction of bentgrass greens that continue to provide outstanding year round playing conditions. The East Course has built a strong reputation through its long association with the Mitsubishi Electric Ladies Golf Tournament, one of the longest running events on the LPGA of Japan Tour. Combined with its immaculate conditioning and strategic design, it is consistently recognised among Japan’s finest championship golf courses.
Set amongst mature pine forests with views across the surrounding mountains, Rokko Kokusai offers a peaceful setting that feels far removed from nearby Kobe despite its convenient location. The combination of championship golf, exceptional presentation and easy accessibility has made the East Course a favourite among both Japanese golfers and international visitors.
Rokko Kokusai Golf Club sits at the heart of one of Japan’s strongest golfing regions. Golfers staying in Kobe often combine the East Course with Arima Royal Golf Club – Royal Course, Arima Royal Golf Club – Noble Course and Golden Valley Golf Club, creating an outstanding multi course itinerary through Hyogo Prefecture.
The East Course is routed across gently undulating mountain terrain where mature pine forests frame every hole, creating a traditional Japanese championship layout that places a premium on accuracy and thoughtful course management. Fukuichi Kato’s original design has been carefully preserved, while the Nicklaus Design renovation refined the playing surfaces and enhanced the strategic qualities of the course.
Tree lined fairways reward precise placement from the tee, with the ideal approach often determined by the angle created from the fairway rather than simply driving for maximum distance. Well positioned bunkers and subtle changes in elevation continually influence club selection, while the bentgrass greens provide fast, consistent putting surfaces that reward confident approach play.
Although the course demands accuracy, it remains fair throughout the round, with each hole presenting a clear strategy and multiple options for golfers of different abilities. The routing flows naturally through the surrounding forest, with each hole feeling secluded from the next and offering a distinct character.
While the neighbouring West Course features more prominent water hazards and a different strategic style following its more extensive redesign, the East Course remains the club’s signature layout and the preferred choice for golfers seeking a classic championship test in one of Japan’s most respected golfing settings.
Rokko Kokusai Golf Club features an elegant Spanish Colonial style clubhouse serving both championship courses. Facilities include spacious locker rooms, member lounges, a professional shop and a restaurant overlooking the surrounding mountains, providing an excellent setting before and after the round.
One of the club’s standout amenities is the 288 yard Rokko International Golf Range, an open air practice facility without overhead nets, allowing golfers to warm up in conditions that closely resemble on course play. Practice putting greens are also available.
Motorised golf carts are used throughout the course due to the rolling terrain, with caddie service available depending on the selected playing package and booking conditions.
Although there is no accommodation at the club, Rokko Kokusai is ideally located for golfers staying in Kobe or nearby Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns. The club is easily incorporated into a wider Kansai golf itinerary alongside other leading courses in Hyogo Prefecture.
BOOK YOUR GOLF TRIP WITH VOYAGES.GOLF
Planning a golf trip shouldn’t be harder than playing the course itself. Voyages.golf is an International specialist golf travel agency, built by golfers for golfers who want access to the world’s best courses without the booking headaches. Our services go well beyond golf, with curated travel services creating the best package to suit your needs as described by our thousands of travellers.
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We handle the details so you can focus on your game. Every itinerary is custom-built around the courses you want to play, with accommodation, transfers, and logistics coordinated to maximise your time on the greens. No budget stay-and-play, no minimum group sizes, no automated responses – just personalised service from golf travel specialists who understand what makes a great golf trip.
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