Harper Lin
Japan is a golfer's paradise, boasting over 2,000 courses that showcase the country's beautiful natural landscapes. The rules and etiquette for playing golf in Japan are similar to those in other countries, with a few unique differences. Reservations at Japan's prestigious courses, which are often members-only, can be made over the phone or through the course's website. English speakers may find it difficult to make reservations at golf courses, as only a handful of courses allow for easy reservations in English. Groups of two golfers are accepted by most courses, but they may have to pay a surcharge compared to larger groups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses | Over 2,000 |
| Regions | 7 |
| Prefectures | 47 |
| Golf booking websites | Golf-bookings.com, Rakuten Gora, Value Golf, Golf Digest Online |
| Booking methods | Online, phone |
| Booking options | Singles, groups, competition, prepaid discount, premium |
| Course setting and conditions | Scenery, food, staff friendliness |
| Green fees | Varied, discounted on weekdays |
| Clubs and carts | Usually rentable |
| Caddies | Usually available for a fee |
| Dress code | Collared shirt, slacks or shorts/skirt, golf shoes or sneakers |
| Lunch break | 1-hour between first and second halves |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a course: Consider setting, condition, food, scenery, staff, and distance
- Booking process: Book via phone, website, or travel agent/concierge
- Costs: Green fees, club/cart rentals, caddies, and lunch
- Dress code: Collared shirts, slacks/skirts, and golf shoes/sneakers
- Rules: Yellow flags, OB tees, and lunch breaks
Choosing a course: Consider setting, condition, food, scenery, staff, and distance
When choosing a golf course in Japan, there are several factors to consider, including setting, course condition, food, scenery, staff, and distance.
Setting
The setting of the golf course can vary greatly depending on the region of Japan. For example, the Kagoshima area offers a treasure of gorgeous natural surroundings, while the Tohoku region, specifically the Yamagata Prefecture, is known for its natural hot springs. If you're looking for a mix of ultra-modern and traditional culture, Tokyo, the beating heart of Japan, might be the ideal setting.
Course Condition
When considering the condition of the course, look into the age and layout of the course. For instance, the Kanagawa C.C. course in the Kanagawa area is one of the older courses, known for its tricky layout that challenges golfers with a variety of shots.
Food
Some regions in Japan, such as Kagoshima, Kagawa, and Kumamoto, are known for their culinary adventures and amazing food. If you're looking for a combination of rich history, natural beauty, and culinary delights, these areas might be worth considering.
Scenery
Japan boasts a variety of scenic golf courses. For instance, the Setouchi Golf Resort overlooks the picturesque Seto Inland Sea, offering a prime hillside location. The Kanagawa C.C. course is also set in a stunning natural setting with outstanding water features.
Staff
While information on staff at golf courses in Japan is limited, it is safe to assume that the staff at golf courses in a country with over 2,000 courses and 10 million golfers will be knowledgeable and accommodating.
Distance
Consider the distance you are willing to travel to reach the golf course. If you are based in a major city like Tokyo, you might want to consider courses in nearby areas like Kanagawa. If you don't mind travelling further, destinations like Kagoshima, Tohoku, and Yamagata Prefecture offer unique experiences and are known for their natural beauty and cultural attractions.
By considering these factors, you can choose a golf course in Japan that aligns with your preferences and expectations.
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Booking process: Book via phone, website, or travel agent/concierge
Golf is a popular sport in Japan, with over 2,000 courses to choose from. Booking a round of golf in Japan can be done in several ways: by phone, online, or through a travel agent or hotel concierge.
Booking by Phone
Many courses in Japan accept reservations by phone. This is a good option if you don't speak Japanese, as you can ask for an English-speaking caddy to be provided. You can also clarify dress code requirements and other rules when calling to book.
Booking Online
Some websites offer tee-time booking services for courses across Japan, with user reviews and search capabilities. These include GDO, Rakuten Gora, and Value Golf. GDO, for example, offers 24-hour bookings at about 1,900 courses nationwide, with options for singles and competition bookings, prepaid discounts, and a Premium Club membership for access to premier courses.
Booking via Travel Agent/Concierge
If you are staying in a hotel, you can book through the concierge, especially if you are looking for a course with English-language services. Some hotels also have their own golf courses, which can be convenient. There are also a couple of Japanese websites that allow reservations at most golf courses in the country and offer the hitori-yoyaku service, which lets single players reserve rounds with other singles.
It is worth noting that some courses may be members-only, while others may charge a surcharge for smaller groups.
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Costs: Green fees, club/cart rentals, caddies, and lunch
Golf in Japan is cheaper than you might think. While it may have been expensive a few decades ago, these days, it is quite affordable.
Green Fees
The green fees at golf courses in Japan vary depending on the course and the time of year. They can range from $80 to $150 USD, which usually includes a caddie, cart, and tax. For instance, the Mashiko course charges $82 USD without a caddy and $118 USD with a caddy, both of which include a cart.
Club/Cart Rentals
Most golf courses in Japan provide a cart shared by five people, including a caddie. When playing without a caddie, players need to manage the cart themselves, sometimes using a remote controller. Clubs are available for rent at most courses, with prices varying depending on the course. Golf in Japan offers a rental service, providing the latest Titleist models, which can be shipped directly to your course.
Caddies
Caddies are typically included in the green fees at Japanese golf courses. While tipping caddies is not necessary, it is appreciated.
Lunch
Some golf courses in Japan offer packages that include meals. For example, the Asama and Shirakaba courses provide two games, accommodation, dinner at a restaurant of your choice, and breakfast in the clubhouse for $275 from mid-May to July, with slightly lower prices from September to November.
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Dress code: Collared shirts, slacks/skirts, and golf shoes/sneakers
When preparing for a day of golfing in Japan, it is important to keep in mind the dress code. Most golf courses in Japan enforce a dress code requiring players to wear appropriate golf attire. This typically includes a collared shirt, slacks or a skirt, and golf shoes or sneakers. During the summer, most courses permit shorts, but some may require knee-length socks. Outside of the summer months, it is obligatory or at least recommended to wear a jacket before and after play in the clubhouse.
It is important to check the specific dress code rules of the golf course you plan to visit, as stricter courses may refuse entry to those who do not adhere to the dress code. For example, some courses do not allow turtle-neck or polo-neck shirts, and shorts may only be worn with long socks that completely cover the ankle area. Jeans, t-shirts, and sandals are also typically not allowed.
Upon arrival at the golf course, players will usually change into their golf attire and shoes in the locker room. Soft-spiked shoes are the norm in Japan. It is considered good etiquette to arrive at the first tee 10 minutes before your official start time.
Golf is typically an all-day event in Japan, with a lunch break of around one hour between the front and back nine. Some clubs allow play-through, but most require this break. After a day of golfing, players can relax in the clubhouse bath, where towels, soap, and shampoo are usually provided.
It is worth noting that tattoos are not permitted in the bathing and shower facilities at golf clubs in Japan. This is due to the historical association of tattoos with organized crime groups. If you have tattoos and wish to use these facilities, be sure to cover them with supporters or patches.
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Rules: Yellow flags, OB tees, and lunch breaks
Golf is a popular sport in Japan, with courses suitable for golfers of all skill levels and budgets. The rules and etiquette for playing golf in Japan are similar to those in other countries.
Yellow Flags
A yellow flag or striped pole is often placed on the fairway at around 230 yards from the regular tees, near where a good tee shot would land.
OB Tees
OB tees are additional, yellow tee markers placed further down the fairway. They are used to speed up play on holes where there is a good chance that balls are played out of bounds or into water from the teeing ground. After playing their ball out of bounds or into the water on their initial shot, players would take their next shot from the OB tee.
Lunch Breaks
Playing a round of golf in Japan is typically an all-day event with a lunch break of around one hour between the first and second halves of the course. Playing 18 holes without a break is possible at selected courses, except in Hokkaido and Okinawa, where it is the norm. After a round, golfers usually head to the clubhouse to relax in the bath. Towels, soap, and shampoo are provided.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf courses in Japan can be booked over the phone or through the course's official website. There are also third-party websites that allow you to book tee times at multiple courses across Japan, such as Golf Digest Online.
Golf is typically an all-day event in Japan, with a one-hour lunch break between the front and back nine. There are also some rules and etiquette that may be unique to Japan, such as the use of yellow flags and OB tees to speed up play. Appropriate attire, such as a collared shirt and slacks or shorts/skirt, is also required.
The cost of playing golf in Japan can vary depending on the course and day of the week. On weekdays, it is common to pay between 7,000 and 12,000 yen per person for an 18-hole round, including lunch and a golf cart. Prices may be higher on weekends, during peak seasons, and near large cities.
