It is the custom to remove shoes upon entering a Japanese home. Devin and McKenzie do not live on a military base but rather rent a large house in Okinawa in the community of Awase. It is part of their rental agreement that shoes will not be worn in the home. I have never been a barefoot kind of person so for me this takes a little getting used to. I wear very comfortable shoes but am accustomed to leaving them on all day long. I have had to be reminded more than once to remove my shoes … but I think I am finally getting better about remembering.

I have watched as friends come by to visit, and always know to step out of their shoes first thing. Today Devin and McKenzie had a furniture delivery from a local store. It was interesting to see the young delivery men immediately step out of their shoes upon entering the home. They never stepped off the doormat with anything but socks on their feet. It makes perfect sense for them to wear sandals or “slides” that they can easily step into or out of as they go in and out of houses for deliveries. I wonder if that would catch on with the UPS or Amazon delivery folks!

If you’re planning a trip to Japan I suggest you bring slip on/slip off shoes!