Taking Off Your Shoes: Where and When It's Expected

Most homes, traditional inns (ryokan), some restaurants, temples, and changing rooms have a genkan — a slightly lowered entry area, often with a shoe rack or shelf. That step-up is the signal to remove your shoes before going further in.

Slippers are often provided just past the genkan. Wear them everywhere except on tatami mat flooring, where bare feet or socks are standard, and switch to separate designated slippers before using the toilet.

Most modern restaurants, shops, hotels (lobby areas), and train stations don't require you to remove your shoes — look for a genkan-style step or a shoe rack as the tell.