(1) Versatility in creating alternate layouts. While the standard layout is short and not challenging for the intermediate to advanced player, there are many ways to create your own 3.5 to 4.0 rating course using the existing basket locations.
(2) The natural setting is pleasant: the disc golf property is made up largely of a wide open field, pasteur like in its condition (without the cows), surrounded by clusters of trees, elevated areas to the west and north (for great alternate tees), and a modest-sized pond at the south end. Views of the Yatsugatake mountains and, on a clear day (I'm sure), the southern Alps and perhaps even Mt. Fuji, add scenic value.
(3) Nice wooden signs, and decent up-keep of the course.
(4) Nearby facilities in the Kiyosato no Mori resort are bonus.
(5) Good entry-level course to hook beginners to the sport.

(1) The major reason for a 2.5 rate: Standard course is short and not challenging. (It would be a 2 pt rating if it were not for all the enjoyment possible in creating different layouts.)
(2) Most holes lack protective obstacles around putting perimeter and on the drive or approach. Hole #8 is the only real exception to this.

The course's biggest drawback -- lack of challenge for advanced disc golfing -- is easily overcome. After I surveyed the first few holes from atop the ridge that overlooks the playing field (course), I realized quickly that I should avoid playing the standard design and instead create some alternate layouts. Using the existing baskets, I first designed and played what I decided to call the Alternate A course. The routing was the same -- i.e. it followed the same sequence of holes. But it was made significantly longer -- from 433m ( 1420 ft ) to 783m (2540 ft) -- and more challenging (with more obstacles in play). This was accomplished in most cases by simply walking backwards from the regular tee, anywhere between 30 to 99 strides, until a logical tee area was found. The second design I called "Alternate B." It was a "Safari" routing, a course that used the existing baskets, but not in the same hole-1-to-9 sequence. The B route, measuring 879m (2839 ft) using my fairly consistent stride, crissed crossed the disc golf territory and included four elevated tee shots.

The act of creating the courses added great play value to the mid-day rounds. Bottom line: Now that I've jotted down the alternate routings, I would not hesitate to come back to disc golf here. If anyone is interested, I can provide a rough sketch of my Alternate A and B layouts.

It is no wonder that Kiyosato no Mori is the venue for a few disc golf events a year. From what I've read on the web, the organizers set up tokusetsu (custom) courses for these occasions, and I could see how easy and fun it is to do in this setting.