🕐 How Play Works
Half-Turn Break (Standard Rounds)
Very different
In a standard round, players take a break at the restaurant after the front 9 holes for food and rest. Scorecards and payments are handled at the end of the full round.
🌍 Overseas
Playing all 18 holes straight through without a break is the norm🇯🇵 Japan
~40 min food & rest break after 9 holes. Scores and payment settled after the round
Slow Play is Strictly Frowned Upon
Very different
Each hole has a target time. Falling behind delays everyone and staff may intervene.
🌍 Overseas
A relaxed pace is more commonly tolerated🇯🇵 Japan
Tee times are managed precisely. Delays cause problems for following groups
Caddie or Self-Play — Your Choice
Watch out
Self-play (no caddie) is the norm at most Japanese courses, but many clubs also offer a caddie option for an additional fee.
🌍 Overseas
Caddies may be standard depending on the country or course🇯🇵 Japan
Self-play is standard. Caddies available for an extra fee (approx. ¥4,000–¥8,000)🚗 Cart & Course Rules
Cart Fairway Access Varies by Course
Very different
At many Japanese courses, carts are restricted to designated cart paths. However, some courses do permit fairway access. Always check the rules with the course in advance.
🌍 Overseas
Driving carts onto fairways is common at many courses🇯🇵 Japan
Cart paths only at most courses — but fairway access is allowed at some
Mobile Phones — Keep It Quiet
Watch out
Phone calls on the course or in the clubhouse are generally considered bad manners. Keep your phone on silent.
🌍 Overseas
Open phone use and social media on course is widely accepted🇯🇵 Japan
No calls. Photos/video OK when stopped. Check club rules before posting on SNS💳 Money & Booking
Cash May Be Required
Watch out
Credit cards are accepted at most golf courses in Japan. However, some on-course food or extras may be cash-only, so carrying a small amount of cash is a good idea.
No Tipping
Good to know
Tipping is not a custom in Japan. Offering a tip may actually confuse or embarrass staff.
🌍 Overseas (US, Korea…)
Tipping caddies is standard practice🇯🇵 Japan
No tips needed. A sincere "arigatou gozaimasu" is enough🛁 Clubhouse Etiquette
Change Shoes in the Locker Room
Watch out
Golf spikes are not allowed inside the clubhouse. Always change in the locker room before and after your round.
A Bath or Shower After Play is Common
Good to know
Most Japanese golf clubs have shower or bathing facilities. Using them after your round is common and expected.
🌍 Overseas
Many courses lack bathing facilities🇯🇵 Japan
Many clubs have full baths (onsen-style). Post-round bathing is part of the experience⛳ Course Manners
Always Repair Divots and Rake Bunkers
Watch out
Fill divots (turf chunks) with the sand bottle on the cart. After using a bunker, rake it smooth and replace the rake.
Always Shout "Fore!"
Safety matter
If your ball heads toward other players or an adjacent hole, shout "Fore!" loudly. This is a safety obligation, not optional.