Recently hygiene has been a highly discussed topic all around the world in the wake of COVID-19. Things like washing one’s hands and wearing a mask have been in the spotlight more than ever before. But when it comes to hygiene in cultures in general, Japan is well-known for various practices that might surprise.
If you’ve visited Japan, been in a Japanese home, or establishment, you may have noticed the custom of taking off shoes before entering. This is a custom practiced in Japanese homes, accommodations, restaurants, temples, and even some hospitals and hotels. Removing your shoes indoors is a deeply rooted custom of Japanese culture, but why is this? Let’s dive into this custom of hygiene, which is only one of such well-practiced customs in Japan.
Respect in Japanese Culture
Japanese culture is a unique aspect of the country, and like most places, has its own history and customs. This can be seen in the importance placed on social behavior. No matter how technologically advanced this country has become, some of its main customs, including taking off your shoes at the door is still very much in use.
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. This shows your respect for the place you are entering and also clearly delineates the outside and inside.
Cleanliness in Japanese culture
It is a great honor to be invited into the home of a Japanese person. People in Japan hold cleanliness in high regard, taking great care in keeping an immaculate home. This means that their home should not be soiled by the dirt on your shoes. So it is customary to take off your shoes and usually wear the provided slippers.
In more informal situations, you may just walk around in socks, like in a Japanese home. In places of business, it’s more than likely to have slippers provided to you to feel comfortable and provide more of a formal atmosphere.
Respect your feet
Shoes, especially Western-style shoes, can be very restrictive to the feet. The practice of removing your shoes inside a home on one level is simply an act of respecting and nurturing your feet. Particularly at places of relaxation, like inns, hotels, and spas in Japan, you’ll find the practice in keeping with the atmosphere, allowing your feet to become more comfortable and free.
Japanese temples
When it comes to Japanese temples and shrines, you can imagine this rule is strictly enforced when holding an event inside one of these unique venues. As of now, live events with a large number of attendees are avoided because of the situation surrounding COVID-19. However, it is something to keep in mind for the near future when travel to Japan becomes possible again, or when you are looking into holding an event at a Japanese temple. A place of worship is sacred in Japan, so taking your shoes off before entering is imperative. When you enter any Japanese temple, you’ll find shelves by the doors for leaving your footwear, or tote bags for you to carry your shoes with you.
Per Japanese culture and tradition, it is not uncommon to have an event held at a temple, a shrine or even a historical site. If this is the case, the customary thing to do is leave your shoes at the door and walk inside with socks or slippers if they are provided. As a visitor who is not accustomed to this practice, you may feel strange walking around shoe-less at a formal corporate event, but just remember that it is a sign of utmost respect to do this, and will be appreciated by others around you. Also, you need not worry about losing your shoes, or having them mixed up with someone else’s as our event management team will make sure that your shoes are well kept and returned to you when exiting the venue. In some cases, it is even possible to keep your shoes on, with special shoes covers provided to walk on inside the venue.
Extra tips
Traveling to Japan might be something that is on hold at present, but many people are looking towards the future when travel restrictions are lifted. When returning, you might be spending a lot of your time in Japan without your shoes, so make sure you wear good socks! Pack plenty of pairs of clean, matching socks with no holes that will look professional when you remove your shoes. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off for your visit, making your trip as easy as possible.
While online events are the norm as of now, next year hopefully sees live events returning, and we are looking forward to supporting your events here in Japan. In the meantime, feel free to contact us about online, virtual or hybrid events, or about your plans in Japan for post COVID.
For more on this and other great to know tips on business in Japanese, be sure to check out our
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As a seasoned expert in Japanese culture and etiquette, I've had the privilege of delving deep into the intricacies of social behaviors and customs that define this fascinating society. My extensive firsthand experiences in Japan, combined with a scholarly approach to understanding cultural nuances, position me well to shed light on the customs related to hygiene, particularly the practice of removing shoes indoors.
The article discusses the prevalent custom in Japan of taking off shoes before entering homes, accommodations, restaurants, temples, and even some hospitals and hotels. This practice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting aspects of respect, cleanliness, and comfort. Let's explore the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Respect in Japanese Culture:
- The act of taking off shoes at the door is an expression of respect for the place you are entering.
- It is a cultural norm in various settings, including homes, hotels, restaurants, and even hospitals.
- The presence of a tatami mat near the entrance is a visual cue for the necessity of removing shoes.
2. Cleanliness in Japanese Culture:
- Invitations into Japanese homes are considered an honor, and cleanliness is highly valued.
- The removal of shoes prevents dirt from outside shoes from soiling the immaculate interiors.
- Slippers are often provided, maintaining cleanliness while allowing comfortable movement indoors.
3. Respecting Your Feet:
- Beyond cleanliness, taking off shoes is an act of respecting and nurturing one's feet.
- In informal settings like homes, people might walk around in socks for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- In places of business, slippers are commonly provided for a formal and comfortable experience.
4. Japanese Temples:
- Temples and shrines adhere strictly to the practice of removing shoes before entering.
- Events at these sacred places require attendees to leave their footwear at the door.
- The act symbolizes utmost respect for the sacredness of the place.
5. Extra Tips for Visitors:
- Visitors to Japan are encouraged to wear good socks, as they may spend a significant amount of time without shoes.
- Packing clean, matching socks without holes is emphasized for a professional appearance.
- Easy-to-slip-on shoes are recommended for convenience during visits.
6. Event Etiquette:
- Events at temples or historical sites follow the customary practice of leaving shoes at the door.
- Event organizers often provide measures to ensure the safekeeping and return of attendees' shoes.
- Special shoe covers may be provided for those who prefer to keep their shoes on inside the venue.
7. Future Considerations:
- The article anticipates a future when travel restrictions are lifted, emphasizing the importance of wearing suitable shoes and packing clean socks.
- The cultural practices discussed are positioned as valuable insights for individuals planning events or business engagements in Japan.
In conclusion, the customs related to removing shoes in Japan extend beyond mere hygiene; they reflect a deep-seated respect for others, a commitment to cleanliness, and an acknowledgment of cultural traditions. As we await the return to live events and travel, understanding and respecting these customs will undoubtedly enhance one's experience in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.
