How to plan, book, find golfers and play golf in Japan
Japan Golf Etiquette Guide for Foreign Golfers
Everything overseas golfers need to know before stepping onto a Japanese golf course — dress code, arrival procedures, on-course manners, the mandatory lunch break, and post-round payment.
Golf in Japan operates by a distinct set of customs. Following them is not optional — courses enforce dress codes, pace-of-play rules, and shoe policies strictly. This guide covers the most important etiquette rules so you arrive prepared and enjoy a seamless experience.
Dress Code
Most Japanese golf courses have a strict dress code.
Dress as if you are attending an important business meeting when arriving and leaving.
For golf, Men should wear collared shirts, long pants (no jeans), and golf shoes(no metal spikes).
For golf, Women should wear collared shirts or blouses, skirts, slacks, or golf shorts, and golf shoes.
Many courses don't allow shorts for men, especially at higher-end clubs.
Some courses require golf socks that cover the ankles.
Caps/Hats should be removed when indoors at the clubhouse.
Arrival & Check-in
Arrive at least 1 hour before your tee time.
At the bag drop off, your golf bag will usually be taken to the starting area by staff.
Head towards the reception counter and present your reservation information at the reception desk.
At many courses, you'll be assigned a specific locker with a key and you can use that as a charge card for your meals or vending machines
Change into proper golf attire in the locker room
After changing, you may proceed to warm up or the buggy area.
On-Course Manners
Be at your tee off box at least 10 minutes before to prepare for the tee off timely.
Use the sticks at hole 1 or 10 to determine who starts first.
Face your flight mates and bow slightly when greeting them.
Be very quiet when someone is taking their shot.
Wait until everyone in your group has teed off before moving to the next hole.
Mark your ball with a coin or marker when on the green.
Replace divots, repair pitch marks, and rake bunkers after use.
Avoid walking on other players' putting lines on the green.
Maintain a reasonable pace of play – if you're falling behind, pick up your ball and move further in front to catch up the pace of play.
Unique Japanese Golf Rules
Japan golf courses do not usually allow single/solo play.
Many courses require a meal break (usually 45 minutes) after 9 holes.
Golf rounds in Japan typically take 5-6 hours for 18 holes because of the meal break.
After 9 holes, head back to the buggy area and get a timing to come back after the meal break to continue your second 9 holes.
Clean your shoes before you head to the restaurant.
Visit the restroom and remove your headwear and tidy up your hair before you head to the restaurant.
Put your headwear at the hat rack before you enter the restaurant.
At restaurants, use provided oshibori (hot towels) to clean your hands before eating.
It's common to exchange small gifts or business cards with new playing partners.
Some courses don't allow playing more than 18 holes in a day.
Avoid talking loudly in any areas of the golf course.
Tipping is not expected or common in Japan, including at golf courses.
Photography may be restricted at some clubs.
Caddies are common at high-end courses and should be treated with respect.
Pace of Play
'Ready golf' is well followed in Japan.
Be early at the tee box after the meal break.
Be ready to play when it's your turn.
Limit practice swings to one or two.
Begin calculating your next shot while others are playing.
Take a few clubs to your ball to avoid slow play.
Depending on your golf mates, golfers have to putt-in in Japan but gimmes are also ok.
Clubhouse & Facilities
After the game, do clean your shoes before you head back to the clubhouse.
Many courses have hot spring (onsen) baths in their locker rooms – it's customary to use these after play.
Prepare for showers, some golf courses have a different sections of the bathhouse where you can bring your change of clothes to place in a basket and head to the showers and use the same place to dress up after your shower.
Please shower first before you use the onsen for hygiene purposes.
Take a small towel to cover your 'ahem' if you are a little shy. Japanese have an 'open' concept of nudity in the showers.
Remove shoes before entering tatami areas in the clubhouse.
Many clubhouses have strict no-smoking policies except in designated areas.
Language & Communication
Basic golf terms to know:
- 'Otsukaresama desu' - a common phrase after a round, meaning 'Thank you for your worked hard'
- 'Dozo' - 'please go ahead' or 'after you'
- 'Sumimasen' - 'excuse me' or 'I'm sorry'
- 'Naisu shotto' - 'nice shot'
- 'FARRRR!' - 'Fore!'
- 'Hai' - 'Yes'
Most staff at international courses near Tokyo will understand basic English.
Japan Golf Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code at golf courses in Japan?
Almost all Japanese golf courses require a collared shirt (a polo shirt), tailored shorts or golf trousers, and soft-spike or spikeless golf shoes — metal spikes and denim jeans are banned. Many courses also expect a jacket in the clubhouse in cooler months. T-shirts, tank tops, and athletic wear are not permitted on the course.
Why do Japanese golf courses have a lunch break?
Japanese courses include a mandatory mid-round lunch break between the 9th and 10th holes — it is part of the culture, not optional. The break usually lasts 30–60 minutes and you order a set lunch in the clubhouse restaurant, then return to the 10th tee on time. You settle the lunch bill together with everything else at the end of the day.
Do you tip caddies or staff at golf courses in Japan?
No. Tipping is not practised in Japan, including for caddies, restaurant staff, and bag attendants. The caddie fee is already included in your bill and handled by the course, so there is no need to hand over any cash.
What time should I arrive for a tee time in Japan?
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your tee time. Japanese courses run on strict schedules: you check in at reception, collect a locker key, change into your golf shoes in the locker room, and hand your clubs to a bag-drop attendant before heading to the first tee.
How do you pay at a golf course in Japan?
Everything is settled in one bill at reception after the round — greens fee, caddie, cart, food, drinks, locker, and range balls. You don't pay hole by hole or at lunch. Credit cards are accepted at most courses, but carry some cash for smaller or rural venues.
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