Japan golf etiquette: what British golfers get wrong (and how to get it right)

Japan is the most etiquette-specific golf destination in the world. None of the etiquette is difficult once you understand it, and understanding it will change how much you get out of the experience. Here is everything you need to know.

Dress code: smarter than you think. Collared shirts are mandatory at every course I've visited. Many clubs require tailored trousers rather than shorts — check before you go, and bring a pair of lightweight trousers as a backup. Logos are generally fine, but loud patterns are sometimes discouraged at traditional clubs. Conservative golf wear is always correct.

The clubhouse shoes: you will change shoes in the clubhouse car park. Not at the bag drop. Not at the locker room. At the car park. Your golf shoes go into a bag provided. You walk into the clubhouse in the locker room shoes that the caddie master will direct you to. This is standard and the process is well-managed — just be prepared for it.

Your caddie: Japanese golf caddies are, as a class, the most skilled and knowledgeable I have encountered anywhere. Bow when you meet yours. A simple nod and slight bend is sufficient — you do not need to perform a formal bow. Your caddie will carry your bag, clean your clubs after every shot (there are wet towels at each cleaning station), and give you yardages in metric. Most major course caddies speak basic English. More than enough.

Pace of play: Japan takes pace of play seriously in a way that UK golf does not. You will not be behind slow players. You will be expected not to be one. Japanese courses tend to run to tighter schedules and a 5-hour round is considered slow. Keep up with the group ahead.

The post-round onsen: at any ryokan or onsen hotel adjacent to a golf course, you will be offered use of the traditional hot spring bath after your round. This is not optional in the sense that it is strongly culturally expected if staying at the property. The rules: no tattoos visible in shared baths (some onsen have private rooms for guests with tattoos — ask), no swimwear, wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath. The experience itself — soaking in mineral hot spring water after 18 holes — is extraordinary.

Tipping: do not tip in Japan. It is considered rude. The service you receive is provided out of professional pride, not financial incentive. Expressing genuine verbal gratitude (arigatou gozaimashita — 'thank you very much') when leaving is both sufficient and appreciated.

Finally: be on time. The Japanese relationship with punctuality is not the same as the British one. Being 10 minutes early is on time. Being on time is slightly late. For tee times, arrive at the first tee 15 minutes before your start.