A guide to golf in Japan: a cultural and golfing experience like no other
12/14/2024 10:00 AM
Japan is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and beautiful golf courses.
The country features some incredibly well-maintained and unique layouts, each with its renowned cultural intricacies.
It boasts a staggering 2,200 golf courses nationwide, more than the United Kingdom, yet the percentage of tourists who take their golf clubs to Japan is minimal.
With Japan such a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from so many countries around the world, it’s a mystery why more people don’t visit and enjoy its combination of top-tier golfing and cultural opportunities.
It’s contribution to the game can’t be underestimated, with Hideki Matsuyama flying their flag sky high when landing The Masters at Augusta in 2021.
Most courses in Japan contain two greens per hole courtesy of the country’s traditional methodology to maintain year-round play in areas where the climate makes this more difficult.
The thought of playing golf in Japan could seem daunting with the language barrier.
However, English speakers are rife in golf clubs across the nation, and you will seldom struggle to access a desired location via the clean, fast and efficient bullet trains (‘Shinkansen’) which allow access to different locations around Japan.
So what do 18 holes look like in this golfing paradise?
How will my round differ, and what cultural experiences will I gain from taking the leap and booking a golfing trip to Japan?
Arrival and time to prepare
A notice to that member of the group who is always late: you will be expected to check in to the club up to an hour before your tee time, where you will receive a warm, traditional Japanese welcome.
This time is to allow golfers to prepare their equipment, change into their playing attire in luxurious changing rooms and spend some time on the range and putting green, ensuring they’re ready for their round.
Front 9
Tee times will be to the minute, and you won’t see a group tee off late during your visit!
There is a large emphasis on etiquette in Japan, with bowing to staff and fellow players encouraged, as well as ensuring all divots are repaired on the golf course.
Your front nine will be played at a leisurely pace, and you won’t be rushed by the group behind you. You’re expected to complete the first half between two and two-and-a-half hours.
Lunch Break
At the halfway point, you will be expected to stop for lunch, which is mandatory at most Japanese golf courses and included in your fee.
The restaurant at the clubhouse will serve traditional Japanese meals, allowing you to maybe try something new, sit back and enjoy the country’s offerings while being looked after with polite and exemplary service.
This, again, won’t be rushed a one. A one-and-a-half-hour lunch break provides a chance to relax and socialise with others at the golf club while sipping a beer or even a native sake.
Back 9
Played at a similar pace as the front nine, you may be grateful for the relaxed pace following a big lunch.
The pace may seem slow compared to the speed of play around the world, but it’s steady and allows for maximal scenic and cultural intake.
Post Round
Just when you bow on the 18th hole, thinking it’s home time, the post-round traditions in Japanese golf clubs take place.
You return to the clubhouse and settle your scorecards before again entering the pristine changing rooms.
Rather than a quick shower, you will be able to take advantage of the idyllic bathhouses and have a soak following a long round – a truly unique way to debrief on the day’s play.
Departure
Once changed back into smart casual attire, you will complete your final bows, settle your bill and leave with a big emphasis on gratitude.
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