Fuji Classic Golf Club Hole 7: When Hokusai’s Great Wave Becomes a Golf Hole
- 768miramar
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi’s Narusawa Village, Fuji Classic Golf Club is not just another golf course in Japan. Designed by the legendary American architect Desmond Muirhead, the course is famous for bold, symbolic design elements that merge sport with art. Among its 18 holes, one stands above the rest — the 7th hole (Par 3), a hole that has been described as a living artwork.
Inspired by Hokusai’s Masterpiece
The 7th hole draws its inspiration from one of the world’s most iconic artworks: “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, painted by Japanese ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849).
The painting, created around 1831, is part of Hokusai’s celebrated series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.
It depicts a towering wave curling above small boats, with Japan’s sacred Mt. Fuji calm in the distance.
With its dramatic composition, the print symbolizes both the overwhelming power of nature and the resilience of humanity.
Today, original impressions of The Great Wave are housed in major museums worldwide — including the British Museum (London), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), and the Bibliothèque nationale de France (Paris). While often associated with these institutions, the work itself is firmly rooted in Japanese cultural heritage.
From Canvas to Fairway
Muirhead was fascinated by Japan’s cultural symbols. When designing Fuji Classic, he transformed Hokusai’s vision into the layout of the 7th hole:
Jagged bunkers surrounding the green mimic the foamy crest of the wave.
A crescent-shaped green reflects the curve of the surging water.
The large pond before the green evokes the restless sea beneath Hokusai’s boats.
Standing on the tee box, golfers face not only a challenging shot across the water but also the feeling of stepping inside one of the most famous images in art history.
A Golfer’s Challenge
On paper, Hole 7 is “just” a Par 3. In reality, it is both visually stunning and strategically demanding:
The green is well-guarded by water in front and tricky bunkers at the sides.
Precision is essential — there’s little margin for error.
On clear days, the majestic Mt. Fuji rises in the background, adding to the sense of awe.
Many golf magazines have ranked it among Japan’s most artistic signature holes. For visiting players, it’s as much a photo opportunity as it is a test of skill.
Why It’s Worth the Visit
Fuji Classic’s 7th hole embodies the unique fusion of art, nature, and sport:
Each swing feels like a dialogue with Hokusai’s timeless vision.
Each photograph from the tee box looks like a “real-life ukiyo-e” with Mt. Fuji behind it.
Even for non-golfers, it represents a rare chance to experience art transformed into landscape.
Tips for Golfers
Best tee time: Around 10 a.m., when Mt. Fuji is often at its clearest.
Best photo angle: From the tee, looking toward the green with the mountain behind.
Mindset: Don’t rush. Take a moment to admire the artistry of the design before taking your shot.
The 7th hole at Fuji Classic Golf Club is more than a golf challenge — it is a celebration of Japanese culture and natural beauty. By transforming Hokusai’s Great Wave into a Par 3 framed by Mt. Fuji, Desmond Muirhead created one of the most extraordinary holes in the world.
Next time you plan a golf trip to Japan, set aside a day at Fuji Classic. When you step onto the 7th tee, you’ll discover that golf can indeed be a form of art.
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