You may have heard that Japanese people take off their shoes indoors. And yes — that’s absolutely true.
You might find it strange that people in Japan take off their shoes indoors — especially if your culture doesn’t have that custom.
But we get it.
Even we Japanese would be surprised if we visited a country where people, say, stayed completely naked at home.
If we were guests there, we’d probably start by blushing awkwardly at the door.
The truth is, about 99% of Japanese homes are built assuming that people take their shoes off.
And visitors are expected to do the same.
Even in some public places — like temples, ryokan inns, or certain restaurants — you may be asked to remove your shoes too.
It’s a bit more complex than it seems.
In this article, with a little help from our confused but well-meaning friend Red Hot Ronnie,
we’ll explore why this globally rare habit exists, and where exactly you’ll need to follow it.
1. Why Do Japanese People Take Off Their Shoes?
Why do we Japanese continue this oddly fussy habit of taking off our shoes, anyway?
1-1. Cleanliness and Sacred Spaces
In Japan, keeping the inside of a home clean is taken very seriously.
Especially in traditional houses, people often sit or sleep directly on the floor—on tatami mats or futons.
So if the floor gets dirty, it’s not just unpleasant — it directly affects daily life.
That’s why taking off your shoes at the entrance is a basic, almost automatic habit.
Instead, we use slippers or indoor shoes to keep things clean.
And in sacred places like temples or shrines, people remove their shoes to avoid bringing in “impurity” from the outside.
This clear separation between clean and unclean spaces is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
On the flip side, the idea of wearing shoes inside the house still feels strange to someone like me, who has only ever lived in Japan.
I can’t help but wonder:
“What if you accidentally stepped on a little present from some dog outside?”
1-2. Public-Private Distinction
Another reason is cultural: it reflects the Japanese tendency to clearly separate public space from private space.
Taking off your shoes at the entrance marks the shift — from “outside” (the public world) to “inside” (a space where you can truly relax).
Now, does this mean Japanese people are just really into drawing lines between our public face and our private self?
…Well, maybe. Who’s to say?
1-3. Other Reasons
There’s also a theory that Japan’s hot and humid climate plays a role.
Wearing shoes for too long can lead to… well, you know — things can get a little unpleasant.
2. Shoe Etiquette Mistakes Foreigners Often Make
And now, let’s bring in our beloved friend, Red Hot Ronnie.
A round of applause, please — he’s about to make every classic mistake, just for your benefit.
2-1. Entering a House with Shoes On
Here comes RedHotRonnie, stepping into a traditional Japanese house for the first time…
Manner #1: “Take off your shoes indoors”
This is the most fundamental rule. It’s the “1” of “1, 2, 3…” and the “A” of “A, B, C…”
When entering a house or a room in Japan, always take off your shoes.
Ronnie’s Comment:
Even if my shoes aren’t dirty, taking them off is my duty…
2-2. Taking Off Shoes When You Don’t Need To
Having learned the rule about taking off shoes indoors, RedHotRonnie now faces his next challenge…
Manner #2: “Don’t take off your shoes where you don’t need to”
This is essentially the flip side of the first rule, but it’s easy to mistakenly take them off anyway.
So, what should you do in these situations?
Let me put it in a very straightforward way:
“You might get scolded for stepping inside with shoes on, but you’ll hardly ever get scolded for taking them off by mistake.”
Ronnie’s Comment:
Finally got that rule down, but now they’re saying I got it all turned around…
2-3. Not Arranging Your Shoes Properly
Manner #3: “Arrange your shoes facing outward after taking them off”
If your shoes look like they’re ready to dance or perform acrobatics after you take them off, some people might think you’re a bit careless.
The proper way is to face the entrance as you take off your shoes, and then turn them around so they point toward the door.
By the way, there’s a subtle rule when visiting shrines and temples: you shouldn’t turn your shoes around after taking them off.
This is because turning your shoes might mean showing your backside to the deity or Buddha, which is considered disrespectful.
However, not many Japanese people are actually aware of this rule.
So as a general guideline, just remember to arrange your shoes neatly when entering a building.
You’ll rarely go wrong with that approach.
To be honest, not all Japanese people are strict about this.
Some laid-back individuals just leave their shoes as they are.
Though, to be fair, you won’t see many adults leaving their shoes flipped over.
For foreigners, it’s not an absolute rule to follow, and no one will judge you harshly if you don’t do it.
However, if you do manage to arrange your shoes properly, people might say,
“Wow, you really know your way around Japan!”
Ronnie’s Comment:
When my shoes start to dance, my heart doesn’t stand a chance…
2-4. Going Outside in Indoor Slippers
After successfully taking off his shoes and stepping inside, RedHotRonnie comfortably puts on his slippers… but then, oops…
Manner #4: “Don’t go outside wearing indoor slippers”
Just as you shouldn’t wear shoes indoors, you shouldn’t go outside wearing indoor slippers.
That’s it!
Well, it’s true, but let’s be honest: even some absent-minded Japanese people (like me) occasionally make this mistake.
For example, stepping outside wearing slippers from a store or a ryokan – it happens more often than you might think.
If you realize it (or if someone points it out), just say, “Sorry!” and switch back.
That’s what I do too.
Ronnie’s Comment:
If I mess up, I say I’m sorry – that’s just my story…
2-5. Stepping on the Threshold
Manner #5: “Don’t step on the threshold”
This is actually a rather obscure rule, and it might just be the No.1 least-known etiquette even among Japanese people.
The “threshold” refers to the boundary that separates spaces (like between rooms or between inside and outside).
It could be the rail of a sliding door, a small step at the entrance, or even the edge of a tatami mat.
While it’s best to avoid stepping on it, being strict about things like not stepping on tatami edges is quite difficult.
In the end, what matters most is showing that you’re aware of the custom, rather than achieving perfection.
And no, that’s not just my personal excuse.
Ronnie’s Comment:
If I don’t cross the border line, everyone’s gonna be just fine…
3. How to Get Shoe Etiquette Right in Japan
3-1. Places Where You Should Remove Your Shoes
You might find it challenging to determine where you should take off your shoes and where it’s okay to keep them on.
In fact, even Japanese people sometimes get confused, so it’s not just you.
However, if you remember some basic rules, you’ll be fine in most situations.
- At the entrance of a Japanese-style house
- When entering the main hall of a shrine or temple
- At the entrance of a traditional inn (ryokan)
- At the “doma” area of a hotel room (Note: Some hotels don’t require you to take off your shoes except on the bed)
Even with these guidelines, it might still seem confusing.
But there are a few clues you can use to figure it out:
- There are slippers (indoor footwear) placed at the entrance
- You see a shoe rack or shoe cabinet
- There is a step or raised floor at the entrance
- Other Japanese people are taking off their shoes
Perhaps the easiest way to know is just to look around and see if other Japanese people are taking off their shoes!
3-2. How to Use Slippers
When it comes to slippers in Japan, there are two distinct types that are strictly separated.
One is indoor slippers, and the other is toilet slippers.
Mixing them up can be quite unpleasant for others.
(For example, walking into a room with toilet slippers on.)
Still, even absent-minded Japanese folks like myself sometimes end up wandering around in toilet slippers without realizing it.
If someone points it out, here’s one way to respond:
“In this age of diversity, who am I to discriminate against a pair of slippers?”
(Just kidding. Please say, “Oops, sorry about that.”)
4. Conclusion
So, how was it?
There are a few shoe-related rules in Japan, but the two that people follow most strictly are:
- Don’t enter a home with your outdoor shoes on
- Don’t step outside wearing indoor slippers (or walk around inside with toilet ones)
Worried about messing up? Don’t be.
…all you need is a little honesty, a disarming smile,
and socks that are actually intact.
