Entrance (genkan) is the entrance to a Japanese home｜Explanation of manners and proper behavior

update date 2024/02/20

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In Japanese culture, the custom of taking off one's shoes to enter a house has become widely known to foreigners.

This article will explain in detail the manners and proper behavior at the "Entrance," which corresponds to the entrance, the place where people take off their shoes in Japanese houses.

Please refer to this page so that all foreigners visiting Japan can behave in a polite manner without violating the rules and manners at the entrance of Japan.

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What is a Japanese Entrance? Manners and differences from foreign entrances explained

The genkan (entrance) is the space at the entrance to a Japanese home, located just inside the door, where one takes off one's shoes and enters the house. This concept is sometimes expressed in English as "front door" or "entrance," but the Japanese word genkan means more than just an entrance.

Gen" is a Buddhist term meaning "enlightenment (nirvana)," and "kan" represents an entrance. In other words, the entranceway literally has a profound meaning of "the gateway to enlightenment," indicating a part of Japanese culture influenced by Buddhism.

In addition, the entrance to a house is not just a place to take off one's shoes, but an important place to warmly welcome visitors and invite in the good spirits of the house. It is also a space for interaction, used by family members and visitors on a daily basis.

How to enter at the entrance of Japan

Although it is not particularly difficult to enter at the Japanese entrance, foreigners unfamiliar with Japanese culture may want to learn the basic steps beforehand.

1. take off your shoes

In Japanese houses, shoes are always removed when entering. It is normal to bend over when taking off one's shoes, but if it is difficult to balance, one may sit at the end of the hallway. However, please avoid sitting directly on the floor of the entrance hallway to take off your shoes. Since the entrance hall is a place to enter with shoes, sitting directly on the floor is not hygienic.

2. going up to the house

After removing your shoes, then proceed to the end of the hallway and enter the house. Immediately after removing your shoes, move your feet immediately into the hallway and avoid putting your feet on the floor of the entryway in just your socks. The hallway is the place where you step in with your shoes on, so you should avoid stepping on the floor with your socks.

3. align shoes

When you enter the house, make sure your shoes are lined up and easy to put on when you leave. This is to ensure that the shoes are easy to put on when you leave.

Japanese Entrance Manners

Japanese entrance etiquette is common knowledge for Japanese people, but may be difficult for foreigners who have just started living in Japan to understand. Be careful not to cause discomfort by unintentional violations of manners. Below are some basic entrance manners that foreigners should know.

Never go up to the house in your shoes.

It is Japanese custom to remove one's shoes before entering a house. While it may be common in other countries to enter a house with shoes on, it is expected to follow this custom in Japan. Be careful not to inadvertently go up with your shoes on due to customs in your own country.

go back to the houseDon't forget to say hello when you

When you go up to a house, you can give the impression that you are a polite person to the Japanese by adding a few words, such as "sorry to disturb you" or "excuse me. It is even better if you bow lightly at the same time.

Do not turn your buttocks to the other person when taking off your shoes

If you are visiting and a resident greets you at the door or in the hallway, taking off your shoes backward will cause you to turn your buttocks to the other person, giving the impression of being somewhat rude. When taking off your shoes, try to do so facing the person you are visiting.

Go up to the house wearing socks if possible.

Although it is customary to enter a house without shoes, there is no specific rule for wearing socks. However, wearing socks when visiting gives a good impression. While bare feet are acceptable at the home of a close friend or at home, it is generally recommended that socks be worn.

Difference between Japanese and foreign entrances

Let's take a look at the differences between Japanese and foreign entrances. While foreign countries have "front door" entrances to their houses, Japanese entrances have their own unique characteristics.

Every Japanese house has an entrance.

In most foreign countries, the door of a house is directly entered into the living room, etc. In Japan, however, every house has an entrance because a space is needed to take off shoes.

There is a "shoe closet" for storing shoes.

A getabako, or shoe box, is commonly found at the entrance of a Japanese home to store shoes. This is like a shoe closet, where people store their daily-use shoes and wear them when they go out.

Japanese entrance doors open outward

In many foreign houses, the door opens inward, but in Japanese houses, the door is usually constructed to open outward in order to place shoes at the entrance. This prevents shoes from interfering with the opening and closing of the door. The reason why inward opening is preferred in foreign countries is based on the idea that it is easier to prevent intruders from entering the house.

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summary

The Japanese entrance is designed as a space for taking off shoes, and several manners and rules exist, including how to remove shoes. By behaving in these manners, you will give the impression of being polite to the Japanese.