What shoes should I bring for walking in Japan?

Comfortable, broken-in, easy-to-remove shoes suit Japan best, and this guide explains why, with notes on socks, rain, seasons and the places where shoes come off.

Published October 21, 2026 at 9:14 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off, because shoes are removed at many entrances such as inns, homes, some restaurants and temple halls. Pick a pair with good cushioning for long days on foot, wear clean intact socks, and add a water-resistant option for rainy weather. Choose lightweight shoes over heavy boots unless hiking.

Why shoe choice matters in Japan

A typical sightseeing day in Japan involves many hours on foot: long station corridors, stairs, temple grounds with gravel paths and city blocks. Comfort affects the entire trip, so shoes are among the most important items to pack. Shoes that are lightly worn and already comfortable help avoid blisters and sore feet by the second day.

The second factor is how often shoes come off. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) explains that visitors take off their shoes at the entrance area just inside the doorway. Wikipedia's article on the genkan, the traditional Japanese entryway, adds that people usually change into slippers or indoor shoes there. JNTO's guide also says that easy-to-slip-on shoes make life easier when traveling around.

These two needs are in balance. A pair that is supportive for walking but takes five minutes to lace can become a nuisance if you remove shoes several times a day. The best choice is a supportive, lightweight shoe with a secure but easy fastening such as elastic laces, a slip-on design or a simple strap.

Where you will need to take your shoes off

Shoes typically come off in homes, ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), some guesthouses and hostels, many temples and halls with raised floors or tatami (woven straw mat) flooring, some restaurants with raised seating, and certain clinics, schools and traditional workshops. Signs, shoe lockers, a step up or a row of slippers at the entrance are usual clues.

JNTO's guide notes that slippers are customarily removed on tatami mats, and that most places have a separate pair of slippers in the restroom. In a ryokan, shoes come off at the entrance, and the slippers or yukata (a light cotton robe) provided in the room may or may not be worn outside, so follow the posted rules or ask staff.

Public transport, hotels, museums, malls and most shops do not require removing shoes. When unsure, watch what others do or ask. A friendly gesture toward your shoes with a questioning look is usually enough, and staff will point to the right spot.

Choosing the right style

Lightweight walking shoes, comfortable sneakers and cushioned slip-ons are popular choices. Look for a cushioned sole, a flexible but supportive structure, and enough room for toes. Leather shoes can work if well broken in and comfortable, though they can take longer to put on than slip-ons.

Sandals are fine in summer in many settings, but covered shoes protect feet on stairs, crowded trains and wet pavements. If bringing sandals, choose ones with straps and a supportive footbed. Heavy hiking boots are best reserved for mountain trails, since they are bulky and slow to remove at entrances.

Consider the weight of the shoes in luggage. Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane and pack a lighter second pair. Two pairs are helpful: rotating them lets each dry and rest, and having a spare is a comfort if one gets wet. A pair of fold-up flat shoes can serve for evenings.

Socks, insoles and foot care

Because shoes come off often, socks are visible. Clean, intact socks without holes are a practical courtesy. Plan to pack several pairs and change them daily. Thicker socks help in winter on cold floors, while thin breathable socks suit summer. In some settings, such as a ryokan or temple hall, socks or bare feet are expected.

Some travelers bring light house slippers or foldable indoor shoes for their own comfort, though many places provide slippers. If your feet need extra support, bring your usual insoles and make sure they can be removed and replaced easily. For specific foot conditions, ask a doctor or podiatrist before the trip.

Bring blister plasters, a small tube of the cream you usually use, and a spare set of laces if relevant. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in Japanese cities, so basic supplies can often be replaced. This guide shares general information, not professional advice; for health concerns, talk with a doctor or local clinic.

Rain, snow and seasons

The rainy season typically begins around May to June in many areas, and JNTO notes that typhoons in August and September may disrupt travel plans. On wet days a water-resistant shoe or a light rain cover keeps feet comfortable. A compact umbrella is easy to buy locally, and many places have umbrella stands or plastic sleeves at entrances.

In summer, which is typically hot and humid, breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks help. Winter, particularly in the north, may bring heavy snow, so waterproof shoes or boots with good grip are valuable in those regions. Sidewalks and station steps can be slippery when wet or icy.

Wet shoes are inconvenient when you must remove them at an entrance. Keep a plastic bag in a daypack for wet shoes and a spare pair of socks. If you stay in a ryokan, staff may offer to dry shoes or provide a place to store them.

Footwear slip-ups

The most common mistake is bringing new shoes that have not been worn. Even good shoes can cause blisters if they have not been broken in. Wear any new pair for a few short walks before leaving. Another frequent error is choosing a style that is complicated to remove, such as high boots with many laces, and then removing them many times a day.

A third mistake is stepping on tatami or into a restroom in slippers meant for other zones. As JNTO's guide describes, slippers come off on tatami, and restrooms usually have separate slippers, so check which pair you are wearing as you move through a building.

It is also easy to forget a shoe when leaving a ryokan or temple. Look at the entrance area and make sure both shoes are the ones you came in with. Placing shoes neatly is a polite habit, and the genkan article notes that shoes are often turned to face the door so they can be slipped on easily when leaving.

Trying shoes out before the trip

Before the trip, test the shoes you plan to bring on at least two long walks and practice slipping them on and off. Pack a spare pair, extra socks and a shoe bag. Decide whether to include sandals or boots depending on the season and activities.

Once in Japan, notice the entrance conventions at each place. A raised step, a row of shoes, a shoe locker or slippers usually signal that shoes come off. Use the shoebox or locker if provided, and wear socks without holes. If you are visiting a home, bring clean socks as a courtesy.

For background, see JNTO's guide to Japanese manners and etiquette and the Wikipedia article on the genkan. Customs and facility rules vary by place, so follow posted signs and staff directions. Check posted signs at each venue for current rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sneakers be worn in Japan?

Yes. Sneakers are common and suit long days of walking. Slip-on or easy-lace styles make removing shoes at entrances faster. Make sure they are comfortable and clean, since shoes come off in many places.

Do visitors need special shoes for temples and shrines?

No special shoes are needed. Comfortable walking shoes work for paths and steps. Some temple halls ask visitors to remove shoes before entering, so slip-on shoes and clean socks are convenient. Follow signs at each site.

Should travelers bring hiking boots?

Only for mountain trails or rough terrain. For city sightseeing, they are bulky and slow to remove. If hiking is planned, wear the boots on the plane to save luggage space and pack lighter shoes for town.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese Culture and Customs is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Do you have to take your shoes off in Japan?, What should women wear when visiting Japan? and Genkan Shoes: Teaching Kids the Indoor and Outdoor Line.