Do you take your shoes off in Japanese homes?
Yes. In most Japanese homes you take off your shoes at the entrance (genkan) before stepping inside.
Home & Visiting
Shoes, slippers, gifts and greetings when visiting a Japanese home.
Can you wear slippers on tatami?
Take off your slippers before entering a tatami room. Walk on tatami in socks or bare feet.
Can you keep wearing the toilet slippers?
Toilet slippers are only for inside the toilet. Take them off when you leave and switch back to your own slippers.
What do you say when visiting a Japanese home?
When stepping inside, people usually say "ojamashimasu", and when leaving, "ojamashimashita".
Do you need to bring a gift when visiting?
It is not required, but many people bring a small gift such as sweets when visiting someone’s home.
Is it OK to arrive early when visiting someone’s home?
Punctuality is valued, but when visiting a home many people avoid arriving too early and aim to arrive around the agreed time.