18 Holes Without Stopping? Not Always in Japan!
I’ve played golf in Hawaii, Thailand and the mainland United States. In all three places, I was used to playing 18 holes straight through, without taking a long lunch break.
In Hawaii, for example, you might stop at a Grab & Go to pick up a hot dog, a drink or a few snacks. You can have them in the cart.
Golf in Japan is quite different.
At many golf courses, especially around Tokyo, you stop for lunch after the first nine holes.
How Long Is the Lunch Break?
Typically, lunch breaks last around 45–60 minutes. (At some courses, they can stretch to 90 minutes.)
The length depends on the golf course and how busy it is. In our experience, affordable courses sometimes have longer breaks (^^)
After finishing the front nine, you return to the clubhouse, enjoy lunch at the restaurant and then head out for the back nine at your scheduled starting time.
For golfers accustomed to playing 18 holes without stopping, this can come as quite a surprise.
Lunch Is Part of the Golf Experience
For me, lunch is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to relax, chat with friends and talk about the first nine holes.
Perhaps you made a birdie. Perhaps you lost three balls in the water. Either way, there’s plenty to talk about over lunch.
Many golf course restaurants also serve beer and other alcoholic drinks. (You should always drink responsibly, particularly if you’re driving home.)
Is It the Same Everywhere in Japan?
Not quite. As far as I know, lunch breaks are common at golf courses in the Kanto region, but there are regional differences.
In Hokkaido, for example, playing all 18 holes without a lunch break is common.
We call it “through play” (スループレー), meaning playing 18 holes continuously without a scheduled lunch break.
Some courses around Tokyo also offer through-play options, especially if you start early in the morning. You may be able to choose “through play,” so check when making your reservation.