Shoes

One thing you will want to think about will be the shoes that you take. It is
recommended that you take two pair of comfortable shoes. In Japan, you will
likely spend a fair amount of time walking. It is not very common for Japanese
to drive around town. You will likely be walking, riding a bike, or taking a
train. If your shoes are not comfortable, you won't be comfortable and may have
problems. If you have slip on shoes, they can be an advantage. Whenever you
enter a Japanese home, you will take off you shoes and put on a pair of
slippers. Whenever you walk on a tatami mat you should take off your slippers
and walk in your socks or bare feet. If you go to the restroom, you leave your
slippers at the door and put on the bathroom slippers. If you go to school with
your host it is likely that when you arrive at school you will take off your
shoes and put them in a cubby and put on school shoes. Also, at some temples, it
is customary to remove your shoes before entering. In very traditional
restaurants you may also be asked to remove your shoes. If you are ever unsure,
just follow the lead of your host. They will know what to do.

Check Your Understanding

1. Is it recommended that you take 5-6 pairs of shoes with you to
Japan?
A. Yes B. No

2. Will you ever be asked to wear slippers while in Japan?
A. Yes B. No

Go back to the 4-H Japanese Exchange Outbound Orientation Program