Golf and Onsen in Japan
The clubhouse bath, how to use it, and where hot springs come in
The clubhouse bath, how to use it, and where hot springs come in
Quick answer
Most Japanese golf courses have a large shared bath in the clubhouse, and bathing after the round is part of the day: 34 of our 37 partner courses list one. A clubhouse bath is not always an onsen (natural hot spring); among our partners, Asagiri Country Club and Sunhills Country Club list hot-spring baths among their on-site resort facilities. Wash before you get in, keep your towel out of the water, and check the tattoo rule before you go.
Last updated: 2026-10-05
The clubhouse locker rooms lead to a large shared bath, separate for men and women, with shower seats along the wall and one or more hot tubs. Players finish the round, return their bags, and bathe before changing and heading home. At many clubs the showers are inside the bathing area, so even a quick rinse means using the bath.
Some clubs add a sauna — The Southern Links Golf Club and Miyazaki Lakeside Golf Club list one. A few courses have showers only, or no bath; each course page lists its facilities.
Not necessarily. “Onsen” refers to natural hot-spring water. Many clubhouse baths use ordinary heated water, and the experience is still a large Japanese bath. If a hot spring matters to you, ask before booking.
Among our partner courses, these list hot-spring baths among their on-site resort facilities. Whether day golfers can use them, and at what charge, is something we confirm for your booking:
Another option is to pair a round with a stay in a hot-spring town. Ibusuki in Kagoshima, home to Ibusuki Golf Club, is known for its onsen; see golf in Kyushu.
Wash first. Sit at a shower seat and wash and rinse fully before getting into the tub.
No swimwear, towel out of the water. Bathing is done without clothing. Keep your small towel out of the tub; many people rest it on their head or the side.
Keep the tub clean. Tie up long hair, do not wash clothes or equipment in the bath, and rinse off any soap before you get in.
Dry off before the locker room. Wipe down in the bath area so you do not drip on the changing-room floor.
It depends on the club, and many restrict tattoos in the bath. At Ibusuki Golf Club, for example, the club confirmed that covered tattoos are fine on the course, with long sleeves and long pants, but tattoos are not allowed in the bath area — which is also where the showers are.
If you have tattoos, tell us when you book and we check the rule for your course, so you can plan to shower at your hotel if needed.
Most do. A large shared bath in the clubhouse is a standard part of a Japanese round. 34 of our 37 partner courses list a bath, and most players bathe after the round before changing.
Not always. “Onsen” means natural hot-spring water. Many clubhouse baths use heated water rather than a hot spring. Among our partners, Asagiri Country Club and Sunhills Country Club list hot-spring baths among their on-site resort facilities; ask us whether day golfers can use them and whether there is a charge.
It depends on the club, and many restrict tattoos in the bath. At Ibusuki Golf Club, for example, covered tattoos are fine on the course, but tattoos are not allowed in the bath area, which is also where the showers are. Ask us about the course before you book.
Many clubhouse baths provide towels and basic toiletries, but this varies by club. Bring your own if you want to be sure, along with a change of clothes for after the round.
Tell us your dates and the course or area you want. We reply within 12 business hours (JST 9:00–18:00).
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