Why You Must Take Off Your Shoes Indoors in Japan: Etiquette Guide for Foreigners

If you are planning to live in Japan—or even just visiting—you will quickly notice a common custom: taking off your shoes before entering homes and certain indoor spaces. This tradition often surprises foreigners, but it is an important part of Japanese culture and etiquette. Ignoring it may cause embarrassment or even offend your hosts.

This guide explains the reasons behind the shoe-removal custom, where it applies, and how to do it correctly.

The Cultural Background of Removing Shoes in Japan

1. Cleanliness
   • Japanese homes use tatami mats or wooden floors, which are easily damaged and difficult to clean. Shoes carry dirt, mud, and germs from outside.
   • Removing shoes helps keep the living space hygienic.
2. Separation of “Inside” and “Outside”
   • In Japanese culture, there is a strong boundary between the “outside world” (soto) and the “inside world” (uchi).
   • Shoes belong to the outside world, while slippers or socks belong inside.
3. Respect for the Home
   • Taking off your shoes is a way of showing respect to the homeowner.
   • It communicates politeness and cultural awareness.

Where You Must Take Off Your Shoes in Japan

• Private Homes
  Always remove shoes at the entrance (genkan).
• Traditional Accommodation (Ryokan, Minshuku, Guesthouses)
  Shoes are never worn in tatami rooms.
• Schools and Kindergartens
  Students and teachers change into indoor shoes (uwabaki).
• Certain Restaurants and Tea Houses
  Especially those with tatami seating.
• Temples and Shrines
  In areas with tatami floors, you will be asked to remove shoes.
• Cultural Centers, Martial Arts Dojos, and Some Clinics
  Indoor slippers or socks are expected.

How to Remove Shoes Properly

1. Step into the Entrance (Genkan)
   • The genkan is a small area at the front of the house.
   • Remove shoes here before stepping onto the raised floor.
2. Face Your Shoes Toward the Door
   • After removing your shoes, turn them neatly to face the door.
   • This makes it easier to wear them when you leave.
3. Wear Indoor Slippers (If Provided)
   • Slippers are usually provided for hallways and rooms with wooden floors.
   • Do not wear slippers on tatami mats.
4. Use Toilet Slippers
   • In many homes and some restaurants, special slippers are placed in bathrooms.
   • Always change into these slippers when entering the toilet area, and switch back afterward.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

• Forgetting to remove shoes in the genkan and walking directly inside
• Wearing slippers on tatami mats (not allowed)
• Entering the bathroom without switching to toilet slippers
• Leaving shoes in a messy pile instead of arranging them neatly

Tips for Foreign Residents and Visitors

• If you are unsure whether to remove shoes, look at the entrance. If you see a row of shoes, that’s the signal.
• Always wear clean socks—holes in your socks can be embarrassing!
• Learn a polite phrase: “Kutsu o nugimasu ka?” (Should I take off my shoes?)

Why This Custom Matters

Respecting shoe etiquette is more than just a “house rule.” It reflects your understanding of Japanese culture and your willingness to adapt. For foreigners living in Japan, following this custom helps build trust with neighbors, landlords, and friends.

Final Thoughts

Taking off your shoes indoors in Japan may seem unusual at first, but once you understand the cultural background, it becomes second nature. By respecting this tradition, you show courtesy, cleanliness, and cultural awareness—qualities highly valued in Japanese society.