Respect in Japanese Culture Taking off your shoes at the door shows you have respect for the place you are entering. Whether it is a home, a hotel, a restaurant, an inn, or even a hospital, taking off your shoes when you see a tatami mat near the door is necessary.

The fundamental Japanese shoe rule is to remove your footwear before entering indoor spaces to keep the "dirty" outside separate from the "clean" inside. This is most visible at the genkan (entranceway), where there is typically a small step up into the building. You should step out of your shoes on the lower level and "land" on the raised level in your socks or bare feet—never let your dirty shoes touch the clean upper floor. This rule applies to private homes, traditional ryokan (inns), temples, and some traditional restaurants. In 2026, travelers should also be aware of the "toilet slippers" rule: when entering a restroom, you must swap your indoor slippers for dedicated bathroom slippers, being careful not to wear the bathroom slippers back into the main living areas, which is considered a significant social faux pas.