A 3-way comparison of shoes lined up at a home entrance, a shop shoe cubby, and in front of a tatami room

Life Tips

Where Do I Take Off My Shoes?

In Japan, there are places to take off your shoes not only at home, but also at restaurants, ryokan (traditional inns), hot springs, and more. You don't need to memorize them all.

At home, take them off at the entrance

At home, you basically take off your shoes at the entrance (genkan). A shoe cabinet, shoes lined up, or a floor that's raised a step higher may all be signs that you should take off your shoes.

Places where you use slippers

There are also places where you use slippers after taking off your shoes. However, people sometimes take off their slippers before stepping onto tatami.

If you're not sure, ask

You can often tell just by looking at the entrance. If you're not sure, it's fine to ask.

Japanese you can use today

"Do I need to take off my shoes?"