In Japan, wearing Japanese slippers when entering a home is customary. This lifestyle has been around for centuries among Japanese people and is still followed today. It is essential to respect this custom in Japan to have a good relationship with Japanese friends and neighbors.

When And Where to Change Into Japanese Slippers

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Homes

In Japanese homes, there is a space to take your shoes off immediately inside the entrance door. (See Diagram 1) Approximately one-meter square space separates the living space from the outside.

Each home varies, but with most traditional homes, you will notice that once you enter, the living space floor is slightly higher than this space.

(Diagram 1 – from Side)

If you or the person is living in a big city, you’ll find that apartments have this space as well. Modern ones tend to have a leveled floor with the flooring differentiating the “outside” from the “inside”.

Usually, the “outside” part will be a small space with tiled flooring, while the “inside” will be wooden flooring leading throughout the apartment.

The role of this space is to stop mud and dirt from coming into the house. Japanese people call this space genkan; it functions as a place to take off and put on your outside shoes.

It is considered very impolite not to take off your shoes before entering a house in Japan. Therefore, all people who are going into a Japanese house should take their shoes off at the genkan.

Furthermore, after removing your shoes, you should tidy your shoes in a certain way. Once you remove your outside shoes, you should step up to inside of the house and turn to face the genkan. Your body should face at a slightly diagonal angle to avoid showing your bottom directly to the people behind you.

After removing your shoes, line them up so that the toes face the entrance door. Place them aside so as not to get in other people’s way (See diagram 2).

(Diagram 2 – from Top)

After taking your shoes off at the genkan, you should be offered a pair of slippers to wear in the house.

When exiting a home or room, the same rule applies after taking your slippers off outside the room. The heel side of the slippers should be closest to the room.

Restuarants

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Some Japanese restaurants will also have you wear slippers inside. It varies from place to place, but common ones will either have you take you’re shoes off at the entrance and place them in a locker.

Some restaurants may have two types of seating; you’ll be asked if you want to sit at a regular table or at a Zashiki, a traditional Japanese seating arrangement that features low tables on tatami flooring. If you choose to sit at a zashiki, you will typically be asked to remove your shoes. If you’re worried about putting your shoes back on when using the restroom, restaurants usually offer slippers that you can find set on the side.

Hot Springs And Onsen

If you decide to visit an onsen or hot spring, you should know that you will likely be asked to switch out of your shoes and into indoor slippers. Similar to Japanese homes, you will have indoor slippers to walk around the area, but if you decide to use the restroom, be sure to switch into the bathroom slippers.

Depending on the facility, you will notice a rack by the Men’s or Women’s onsen entrance where you can place your slippers. This is because the flooring inside the changing room is typically tatami, where even slippers should not be worn.

Ryokan: Traditional Japanese Hotels

If you stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, you will likely need to switch to Japanese slippers. Some sites will have you switch to slippers at the entrance, and others may have you switch into slippers once you enter your room.

The Rule of Japanese Slippers

You can wear your slippers in areas with hardwood floors, like the dining area, stairs, restrooms, and changing rooms in front of the bathroom.

On the other hand, you should not wear slippers in tatami-matted or carpeted rooms because Japanese people think the soles of slippers are not clean to wear on tatami mats and carpets.

Mysterious – Another Pair of Slippers in The Restroom

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There is a high chance that you will have to wear a different pair of slippers when you visit the restroom. In the restroom, you need to swap your slippers for another pair of slippers made especially for the restroom.

Japanese people believe the restroom floor is not clean, so they want to use a different pair of Japanese slippers.

Wearing Japanese Slippers

When visiting any country, learning a bit about the customs beforehand is essential to ensure a good and enjoyable vacation. Whether you’re visiting for a short time or planning to live here, respecting the customs and culture will make the experience better for both parties.

Miua

Japan

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Featured image credit: Mimei Kawakami via Photo-Ac