When to Take Off: 🦶🏻 Shoe Etiquette in Japan
Pandemic restrictions have lifted, and many people can’t wait to travel to Japan.
![🧎🏻♀️](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t35/1.5/16/1f9ce_1f3fb_200d_2640.png)
![🧦](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tdb/1.5/16/1f9e6.png)
Check if there’s a 土足禁止 sign at the entrance.
![🔔](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t89/1.5/16/1f514.png)
The term 土足 means “shoes.”
![🥾](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf8/1.5/16/1f97e.png)
You will likely encounter this sign in schools
, temples
, gyms
, restaurants
, and many other facilities.
![🏫](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png)
![⛩️](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t68/1.5/16/26e9.png)
![🏟️](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te6/1.5/16/1f3df.png)
![🍴](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tc1/1.5/16/1f374.png)
![🟣](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td6/1.5/16/1f7e3.png)
To keep dirt out of the home. Most Japanese buildings use hardwood flooring and tatami.
That’s why it’s all the more important to keep those surfaces clean.
![🧹](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tfd/1.5/16/1f9f9.png)
Taking off your shoes before entering a building helps to extend the longevity of tatami and wood materials.
![✨](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7b/1.5/16/2728.png)
![🟣](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td6/1.5/16/1f7e3.png)
Wearing socks is considered basic etiquette in Japan.
![🧦](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tdb/1.5/16/1f9e6.png)
Women usually wear invisible socks or silk stockings.
![👠](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t5f/1.5/16/1f460.png)
In contrast, we don’t have such etiquette in some countries.
![🙈](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tab/1.5/16/1f648.png)
That being said, some countries choose to take off their shoes to keep their homes clean.
![🛡️](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t93/1.5/16/1f6e1.png)
If the thought of walking barefoot doesn’t excite you, do yourself a favor and get a mat.
![😍](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t5b/1.5/16/1f60d.png)
With a texture as soft as tatamis, Momomi Soft Touch Tatami Mat
will give you unparalleled comfort.
![☁️](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t75/1.5/16/2601.png)
![🥰](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t43/1.5/16/1f970.png)
Come check it out yourself!
![👍🏻](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t10/1.5/16/1f44d_1f3fb.png)