Shoes were meant for the outdoors. In Japan, this is especially true. Shoes are simply not worn inside the house. This ensures that the cleanliness of the home is kept.

Most of the Japanese houses and apartments have a special area in the entryway to remove your shoes, called “genkan”. The genkan is usually an area of the floor that is lowered near the entrance. (That way, if you stub your toe, you will remember to take off your shoes.) Even restaurants and businesses adopt this concept of cleanliness.

Some places might have cubbies instead of the genkan. In public areas, you will probably see shoe lockers. These often come with keys that you can get by inserting a coin (usually a 100 yen coin).

Replacement slippers are often available for indoor usage, and separate slippers are offered specifically for the bathroom. Expect the slipper sizes to be smaller than usual…unless you have small feet.

Shoes are also a way for Japanese people to judge your character. If your shoes look messy and not straitened together, you will be perceived as a slob. Of course, the Japanese would never tell that to your face. That would be too rude.

Also remember that your appearance in whole will be judged as a reflection of who you are. If you dress neatly, you will be more likely to be well received.

How to arrange your shoes:

1. Take your shoes off

2. Align them parallel to each other

3. Face the front tip towards the door

4. Wear the slippers (if available)