When do you take off your shoes in Japan?
Take your shoes off in homes, in temple buildings, and in many Japanese-style inns, restaurants and hot springs. Look for a raised floor or a shoe rack, and when in doubt, ask.
Where shoes come off
Japan keeps the outdoors and the indoors separate. Shoes stay at the entrance so that the floor inside stays clean.
- Homes: JNTO says that in the vast majority of Japanese homes you are expected to remove your shoes at the entrance.
- Temples: take your walking shoes off when you enter a temple building.
- Japanese-style restaurants, inns and hot springs: many have a no-shoe rule. Always check before you walk in.
Signs that tell you to take them off
You do not need to memorize a list. These clues are easy to spot:
- A shoe rack, shelves or lockers near the door.
- A step up from the entrance to a higher floor.
- Rows of slippers or other people's shoes lined up.
- A sign that says "no shoes" or shows a shoe with a cross.
If you still cannot tell, ask a staff member. A simple "Kutsu wa nuide mo ii desu ka?" (May I take off my shoes?) works, and pointing at your shoes is fine too.
Slippers and socks
Many places give you indoor slippers, called uwabaki (indoor shoes) or surippa (slippers). Wear them inside.
Some toilets have their own slippers, so look for a separate pair there and change back when you leave.
At temples, you may leave your shoes on the entrance shelves, or carry them in the plastic bags that some places provide. Wear socks without holes, because you will be on the floor in them.
At someone's home
When you enter a home, JNTO says it is polite to say "ojamashimasu" (sorry for barging in). Take off your shoes and turn them to face the door, so that they are easy to put on when you leave.
Tips for travelers
- Wear shoes that slip on and off easily. You may do it many times a day.
- Wear clean socks, especially for temples and Japanese-style restaurants.
- Do not step on the raised floor in your shoes, even for a second.
FAQ
Do I take off my shoes in a hotel?
Usually not in the lobby or hallways of a Western-style hotel. Check at the entrance of Japanese-style inns (ryokan), where there is often a shoe area.
Do I take off my shoes at a shrine?
JNTO does not give a shoe rule for shrines. Follow the signs, and take them off only if there is a shoe rack or a raised floor.
What if I forget?
Nobody will be angry if you ask or fix it quickly. Staff are used to visitors who are new to the custom.
Sources
Related tips
- Onsen etiquette for beginners: 5 steps and the tattoo questionWash your whole body first, keep your small towel out of the water, and check the tattoo rule before you go. Here is the full step-by-step for a Japanese hot spring.
- Sauna and spa rules in Japan: phones, alcohol and tattoos differ by facilityThere is no single national rulebook. Large spa chains in Japan often ban phones in the bathing area, refuse guests who have been drinking, and refuse tattoos, so check each facility's page first.
- Where to throw away trash in Japan (there are few street bins)Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Carry a small bag, use the bins at stations and convenience stores, and take your trash home if you cannot find one.
- Do you tip in Japan?Short answer: no. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, taxis or hotels in Japan. Here is when it is fine, and what to do instead.
Last checked: 2026-10-29. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.