Postby Belton » May 26th, 2009 9:53 am
I've been to some cheap places that also required you to take your shoes off. Sushiya, or izakaya with more Japanese style. Usually when alone I'd be sat at Western style seating where you don't take your shoes off however.
I usually carry a couple of pairs of clean lightweight socks. (Either for when I wear sandals or when when my summer weight boots are still a bit sweaty.) I also usually don't fit into slippers when they are provided. (I bring my own for Ryokan and staying at someones house)
I've definitely been barefoot in castles. Maybe in other places, I can't remember.
In houses? Only when I'm part of the family. Defiantly at least socks elsewhere and then only because I don't fit into slippers.
(---for people who haven't been to Japan before ---
As said it will be obvious when to do so as there will be a place to put your shoes and nobody else will be wearing shoes.
Ryokan and Onsen / Sentou are other places where you don't wear shoes. Some old buildings like Castles will ask you to remove your shoes. You usually don't wear your shoes in temples either.
The prime rule is never ever wear slippers or shoes on tatami.
And when provided change into toilet slippers when using the facilities. )
Last edited by Belton on May 26th, 2009 12:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
