Japan Golf Guide 2026
Golfing in Japan
Golf in Japan is as unique as the country itself, there are over 14,125 islands including the four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu. There are over 2,000 courses in Japan, varying from some revered world top 100 courses to riverside pitch and putt. This guide is a tool for tour operators and agents to expand their offering to include Japan- Asia ' s best kept golfing secret!
Planning
For countries outside of Asia, Japan is a long-haul destination, and as such is not a place you can truly expereince the golf and the culture in a few days. It is recommeneded to allow between 7-14 days for a successful trip. Giving ample time to discover some unique areas around the country. Although there are more options for online booking, it is recommended to use knowledgeable, licensed and reputable local DMCs to help book and manage your tours, ensuring quality of service and a smooth logistical execution for clients.
Expanding Beyond the ' Golden Route '
Visiting Japan ' s largest cities of Tokyo and Osaka is inevitable and essential for your Japan trip, they offer so much in terms of culture, entertainment and shopping, and acount for nealy all of Japan ' s tourism industry. However, Japan ' s wonderful golf courses are found throughout the country, and we strongly encourage travelling outside of the ' Golden route ' of Tokyo and Osaka and experiencing something completely different in one of Japan ' s other 45 prefectures, no matter where you go in the country you will find something truly amazing.
Transportation
Japan is renowned for its transportation, however, its a common misconception that courses are close to the major cities like Tokyo. Japan ' s large cities are incredibly populated and its imperative that you allow ample travel time for travel from city hotel to the golf course-- which can be quite a ways to travel, particularly by road. A game of golf and transportation will most likely be an all day affair.
Traveling to restaurants and sightseeing spots in the city is very easy given the extensive metro system. Local taxi companies are also a great option, offering fixed fee tours and hire services.
Intercity travel is easy and enjoyable with the indomitable Shinkansen, and an extensive air network makes domestic travel easy and convenient. Another service worth checking out is Golf Kyubin, where golf bags can be collected and shipped quickly— all over Japan, from course to course, and even finally to the airport directly for your return journey.
Japanese Golf Clubs
It is very popular right now for golf travelers is to purchase golf clubs while in Japan, both for playing here and as the perfect sounvenir to take home. Most manufacturers and quality sholf shops will offer English service including fitting. Another option is to rent clubs, although many golf courses have outdated sets, there are services such as Golf- In-Japan that offer new rental sets- boasting the lastest Japanese and international makers. They also take care of the shipping, meaning they will be at the course and ready to play.
Japan Golf DID YOU KNOW?
CADDIES
Traditionally the Japanese played with caddies-one caddie per foursome. Today however, with the birth of automatic carts and navigation systems, some courses no longer have caddies as staff, and if you would like a caddy you will need to reserve in advance. There is no tipping culture in Japan so no need to tip, however you may buy them a soft drink at the halfway house to show appreciation.
LUNCH BREAKS
Golf in Japan is, or at least used to be, a full-day exercise. One reason for this is that after the first 9 holes, players take an average one-hour lunch break. Some courses will allow play through, with lunch after the round, but usually this would be an early tee time and only on weekdays.
COURSE FEATURES
Forward yellow tees: To speed up play, most Japanese courses use OB tees, if you hit a shot OB you will proceed down the fairway to the playing 4 tee( located where a good tee shot would have presumably landed) and play your 4th shot from there. OB tees are also used on par-3 holes, and would normally be located past the hazards and close to the green-where you ' ll be playing your third shot.
BLACK-AND-YELLOW STAKES
Another feature to speed up play is the use of one penalty“ Yellow” markers instead of OB markers. This falls under a“ Local Rule” and you won’ t find it in the R & A or USGA rulebooks. If you hit past this line, you simply move your ball back into play- within two club lengths from the line and add one shot penalty.
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