Golf in Japan Guide
Japan is a golf paradise with over 2,400 courses, impeccable service, and unique traditions. Whether you're chasing Mt. Fuji views or experiencing the famous Japanese hospitality, here's everything you need to know.
Why Golf in Japan?
What Makes It Special
- Immaculate conditions - Courses are pristine
- Service excellence - Japanese hospitality extends to golf
- Unique experiences - Hot spring baths, kaiseki lunch, Mt. Fuji views
- Course variety - Mountain, seaside, links-style
- Off-season value - Winter rates very reasonable
The Numbers
- 2,400+ golf courses
- Third most golf courses globally (after US, UK)
- Golf is a serious business culture activity
- Weekend courses can be expensive
Understanding Japanese Golf
The Typical Experience
Different from Western golf:
1. Half-day structure - Front 9, long lunch break, back 9 2. Lunch is serious - Full meal at clubhouse restaurant 3. Bath afterward - Many courses have onsen/bath facilities 4. Caddies common - Especially at premium courses 5. Cart restrictions - Carts often path-only or not allowed
Time Structure
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in | 30-60 min before | Registration, locker room |
| Front 9 | ~2-2.5 hours | Morning round |
| Lunch | 45-90 minutes | Full meal, included in fee |
| Back 9 | ~2-2.5 hours | Afternoon round |
| Bath/Departure | 30-60 min | Onsen, change, checkout |
Total time: 6-8 hours (plan your whole day)
Caddie Culture
Caddie fees: ¥3,000-5,000 per player
What caddies do:
- Read greens
- Suggest clubs
- Keep pace
- Rake bunkers
- Handle your clubs
Tipping: Not expected or required in Japan
Golf Costs in Japan
Price Breakdown
| Day | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | ¥8,000-20,000 | Best value |
| Weekend | ¥15,000-40,000 | Much more expensive |
| Holiday | ¥20,000-50,000+ | Peak pricing |
Typically includes:
- Green fee
- Cart (if used)
- Lunch
- Bath/locker access
- Range balls (sometimes)
Usually extra:
- Caddie fee
- Club rental
- Dinner
- Premium drinks
Budget Tips
1. Play weekdays - 30-50% cheaper 2. Twilight rounds - After 1-2 PM discounts 3. Off-season - Winter (except Okinawa) 4. Book packages - Golf + hotel deals 5. Avoid premium courses - Public courses good value
Premium Courses
Elite courses can cost ¥30,000-100,000+:
- Membership required for some
- Prestigious tournament venues
- Exceptional conditions
- Book far in advance
Best Golf Destinations
Around Tokyo
Fuji Area (Gotemba, Hakone):
- Stunning Mt. Fuji views
- Many courses within 90 minutes
- Can combine with hot springs
Top Courses:
- Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Izu)
- Hakone Country Club
- Gotemba Golf Club
Chiba:
- Closest courses to Tokyo
- Good variety
- Easy train access
Osaka/Kyoto Area
Kansai Golf:
- Historic courses
- Good accessibility
- Combine with Kyoto/Osaka trip
Notable:
- PGA tournament venues
- Mountain settings
- Cherry blossom season popular
Okinawa
Tropical Golf:
- Year-round warm weather
- Ocean views
- Resort-style courses
Why Okinawa:
- Winter golf escape
- Beautiful scenery
- Vacation atmosphere
Hokkaido
Summer Golf Paradise:
- Cool summer temperatures
- Wide, dramatic courses
- Niseko area excellent
Best Time: June-September
Combine With:
- Skiing (winter trip planning)
- Nature and food tourism
Miyazaki
The Japanese "Phoenix":
- Multiple tournament courses
- Pacific Ocean setting
- Warm climate
- Golf-focused resort area
How to Book
Booking Methods
1. GDO (Golf Digest Online)
- Largest Japanese booking site
- Japanese interface (use Google Translate)
- Best selection
- golfdigest.co.jp
2. Through Your Hotel
- Concierge booking
- English assistance
- May have partnerships
3. Golf Tour Operators
- Japan Golf Tours
- International operators
- Package deals
- English support
4. Direct to Course
- Email or phone
- English ability varies
- Best for premium courses
Booking Tips
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for weekends
- Earlier for premium courses or peak seasons
- Provide handicap if you have one
- Confirm dress code requirements
- Ask about rental clubs availability
Equipment & Rentals
Renting Clubs
Availability: Most courses offer rentals
Quality: Generally good (often brand-name sets)
Cost: ¥3,000-8,000 per round
Book ahead: Reserve when booking tee time
Bringing Your Clubs
Option 1: As luggage
- Check with airline (oversized baggage fees)
- Awkward to transport on trains
Option 2: Takkyubin (shipping)
- Ship clubs from airport to course/hotel
- Very reliable service
- Cost: ¥2,000-4,000 one way
- Yamato Transport or Sagawa
Tip: Many golfers ship clubs hotel-to-hotel while traveling light
What to Bring
Essential:
- Golf shoes (soft spikes preferred)
- Glove
- Balls (can buy at pro shop)
- Hat/visor
Nice to Have:
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray (summer)
Golf Etiquette
Japanese Golf Culture
Stricter than Western courses:
- Dress code enforced
- Pace of play important
- Respect for other players
- Follow all course rules
Dress Code
Men:
- Collared shirt (always)
- Long pants or proper golf shorts
- No jeans, ever
- Jacket required at some clubhouses
Women:
- Collared shirt or appropriate golf top
- Golf skirt, shorts, or pants
- No revealing clothing
Shoes:
- Golf shoes required
- Change in locker room (not parking lot)
- Bring separate shoes for clubhouse
On-Course Etiquette
- Repair pitch marks - Always
- Rake bunkers - Caddie may do this
- Keep pace - Japanese play efficiently
- Cell phones - Silent or off
- Cart rules - Follow path restrictions
- Ready golf - Hit when ready (modern Japan)
Clubhouse Behavior
- Remove hat indoors
- Change shoes in designated area
- Quiet in dining areas
- Respect bath/onsen etiquette
Language Tips
Useful Golf Japanese
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation | Yoyaku | Yo-ya-ku |
| Tee time | Sutāto jikan | Su-tah-to ji-kan |
| Green fee | Guriin fii | Gu-reen fee |
| Cart | Kāto | Kah-to |
| Caddie | Kyadi | Kya-di |
| Rental clubs | Rentaru kurabu | Ren-ta-ru ku-ra-bu |
| Pro shop | Puro shoppu | Pu-ro shop-pu |
| Left/Right | Hidari/Migi | Hi-da-ri/Mi-gi |
| Nice shot! | Naisu! | Nai-su! |
Communication Tips
- Many courses have some English speakers
- Reservation emails in English often OK
- Translate apps helpful for menus
- Golf is universal - gestures work
The Japanese Golf Experience
Pre-Round
1. Arrive 60 minutes early 2. Unload clubs (staff often helps) 3. Check in at front desk 4. Use locker room to change 5. Head to practice area 6. Starter calls your group
The Round
- Front 9 in morning
- Return to clubhouse
- Full lunch (beer optional but common)
- Back 9 afternoon
- Pace varies but generally efficient
Post-Round
1. Return clubs to drop area 2. Use bath/shower facilities 3. Change in locker room 4. Optional: Drinks or dinner 5. Settle bill (often at checkout counter)
The Bath Experience
Many Japanese courses have:
- Full onsen (hot spring bath)
- Sento-style (regular bath)
- Separate male/female
Same etiquette as regular onsen - wash before entering, no swimsuits.
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms, mild | Busy, pricey |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Long days, lush courses | Hot, rainy June |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Best weather, foliage | Peak season, expensive |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cheap, uncrowded | Cold (except Okinawa) |
Weather Prep
- Summer: Hydration, sun protection, start early
- Rainy season (June): Full rain gear, backup plan
- Typhoons (Aug-Oct): Check forecasts, flexible bookings
- Winter: Layers, hand warmers, early sunset
Special Experiences
Mt. Fuji Views
Several courses offer iconic views:
- Kawana Hotel Fuji Course
- Fuji Golf Course
- Gotemba area courses
Historic Courses
- Hirono Golf Club (1932) - Japan's "Augusta"
- Naruo Golf Club - Oldest (1904)
- Tokyo Golf Club - Exclusive, historic
Resort Golf
All-inclusive experiences:
- Okinawa resorts
- Hakone/Izu resort courses
- Miyazaki Phoenix area
Tournament Venues
Play where pros play:
- PGA Tour Japan venues
- LPGA tournament courses
- Japanese Open history
Practical Tips
Transportation
From airports:
- Rent a car (easiest)
- Course shuttles (some offer)
- Taxi (expensive)
- Train + taxi
Club shipping:
- Takkyubin from airport
- Arrives next day
- Very reliable
What to Budget
Per Round (Weekday):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Green fee + lunch | ¥12,000-18,000 |
| Caddie (optional) | ¥3,500-5,000 |
| Club rental | ¥4,000-6,000 |
| Range balls | ¥500-1,000 |
| Total | ¥20,000-30,000 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Showing up late - Very frowned upon 2. Wrong dress code - May be refused 3. Skipping lunch - It's part of the experience 4. Not booking ahead - Popular courses fill up 5. Underestimating time - Allow full day
Golf in Japan is a unique experience that combines sport with Japanese hospitality, cuisine, and even hot springs. Embrace the full-day structure, enjoy the lunch break, and don't skip the post-round bath. Your Japan golf trip will be unlike any other.