Playing a round of golf in Japan unlocks a cultural experience that goes far beyond just chasing a little white ball for 18 holes. From mandatory lunch breaks to post-round hot spring soaks, the day is a beautifully orchestrated event built on tradition, service, and respect. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect and how to navigate a golf day in Japan, covering booking, on-course rules, unique customs, and vital etiquette.
Unlike simply calling up a course or booking online in many Western countries, securing a tee time in Japan has its own particular flow. The most popular way for locals and residents to book is through large online portals, and you can use them too.
The two giants in the online golf booking world are Rakuten GORA and Golf Digest Online (GDO). A third, JALAN Golf, is also quite popular. Think of them like Expedia, but specifically for tee times. These sites are a golfer's treasure trove, listing thousands of courses across the country with user reviews, pricing information, and available slots.
A Quick Tip: While these sites have made booking easier, many are primarily in Japanese. Using your browser’s built-in translation tool (like Google Translate in Chrome) is incredibly helpful. The translations aren't always perfect, but they are usually good enough to navigate the booking process. You will likely need to create an account to book.
When you browse for a time, you'll notice prices aren’t just a flat "green fee." They are typically packaged deals. A listed price of ¥12,000 (roughly $80 USD), for example, will often include:
Be sure to read the details of the plan you’re booking. Weekends and national holidays are significantly more expensive and in high demand, so booking well in advance is essential. Weekdays offer incredible value and a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you're a tourist just visiting, asking your hotel concierge for help can be a great option. Higher-end hotels often have relationships with nearby private courses and can book a tee time on your behalf, smoothing over any language barriers.
The moment you arrive at a Japanese golf course, you realize it’s different. The experience is centered on hospitality, or omotenashi. Arrive at least an hour before your tee time to fully appreciate it.
After dropping your clubs at the designated area (where they will be cleaned and prepared for your cart), head inside to check in. You’ll give your name, receive a locker key, and often a score-card holder with your personal number on it. This number is used for everything throughout the day - from buying a drink on the course to paying for lunch - with the final bill settled upon departure.
The locker rooms themselves are often spectacular. Don't be surprised to find immaculate facilities, personal amenities like razors and hair products, and often an ofuro (communal bath) or even an onsen (natural hot spring), which we'll get to later. You’ll change into your golf attire here.
_A Note on Dress Code:_ Many Japanese courses, especially medium to high-end ones, have a strict dress code. It's common for members to arrive wearing a blazer, changing into their golf clothes in the locker room. As a guest, you should aim for a collared polo tucked into tailored trousers or shorts (no cargo shorts), a belt, and proper golf shoes. Being respectful of the dress code is a sign of respect for the club and its traditions.
Japan’s practice facilities are typically excellent. You'll find a putting green and often a separate chipping area and practice bunker. The driving range can sometimes be a bit different, at some courses built in mountainous terrain where space is a premium, you might find yourself hitting into a net rather than an open field.
Before you head to the first tee, it's polite to find your playing partners and greet them with a slight bow and a simple "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu," which roughly translates to "I look forward to playing with you today."
Out on the course is where the most unique aspects of Japanese golf come to life. The rhythm and rules are designed for efficiency and enjoyment for all.
At many mid-to-high-end courses, a caddie is mandatory for your group. The Japanese caddie is a true professional, most often an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced woman who has been at the same course for years. She does more than carry bags (in fact, she won’t carry them - she drives the cart). Your caddie will:
Your job is to trust her. If she tells you the putt breaks three cups to the right, believe her. Tipping is not necessary or expected. The caddie fee is included in your bill. A sincere "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you very much) at the end of the round is the perfect way to show your appreciation.
Pace of play is not a gentle suggestion in Japan, it is a rule. A standard round is expected to take around 2 hours and 15 minutes per nine holes. Caddies are instrumental in maintaining this pace.
To keep things moving, you'll encounter two common "local rules":
These rules are not about making golf harder, they are about ensuring a pleasant day for every single group on the course.
Perhaps the most civilized tradition in Japanese golf is the mandatory lunch break. After you hole out on the 9th green, you won’t head straight to the 10th tee. Instead, your caddie will confirm your break time (usually 45-60 minutes), and you'll go to the clubhouse restaurant for a full, proper lunch.
The food is almost always fantastic. Typical menus feature delicious Japanese comfort food like katsu curry (pork cutlet curry), ramen, soba noodles, and tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) sets. It’s also perfectly normal to enjoy a cold beer with your meal. This break is a fantastic time to relax, chat with your playing partners, forget about that triple bogey on the 7th, and refuel for the back nine.
When your round is finished, the service continues. Your caddie will whisk your clubs away to be thoroughly cleaned. You will head back into the clubhouse to settle your score.
Payment is usually handled at an automated kiosk. You'll scan the barcode on your key/scorecard holder, and an itemized bill will pop up showing your green fee, lunch, and any on-course purchases. You can typically pay with cash or a credit card. It’s an incredibly efficient system.
Now for the ultimate post-round relaxation: the ofuro. Almost every Japanese golf clubhouse has a large, hot communal bath. Soaking in the hot water is the perfect way to soothe your muscles after a long walk. Don't be shy! This is an integral part of the experience.
Bathing Etiquette 101: Before entering the main bath, you must first wash yourself thoroughly at one of the individual shower stations. Each station has a stool, a handheld shower sprayer, soap, and shampoo. Once you are completely clean, you can then enter the large tub to soak. Remember, the big bath is for soaking, not washing. Towels are provided.
Approaching a round of golf in Japan as a full-day cultural event, rather than just a sport, will make it one of the most memorable rounds of your life. By understanding the etiquette and embracing the unique traditions - from the pre-round bow to the post-round bath - you’ll not only have a smooth day but will also earn the respect of our fellow players.
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