Practical information
Golf in Japan is shaped by geography. Hokkaido has a shorter, cooler season, while much of Honshu offers spring and autumn conditions preferred by many visitors; Kyushu and Okinawa can be playable for longer. Courses range from wooded, undulating inland layouts to coastal ground and mountain settings. Terrain, summer humidity, winter snow and typhoon disruption can affect both playing windows and travel plans, so regional timing matters more than a single national season. Many clubs operate with structured arrival routines and may include caddie service or shared carts, though arrangements vary. Advance reservations are advisable, particularly around weekends, holidays and the spring and autumn travel peaks. Visitors should check whether a course accepts direct bookings, requires a local intermediary or has dress and pace-of-play expectations. Rail and domestic flights make regional combinations practical, but a rental car is often useful for courses outside major cities. Allow time for course transfers, bring rain protection in wet periods and confirm seasonal opening dates in colder areas. In popular areas, early starts and weekday tee times can offer a calmer schedule for visitors.