What do the Japanese do to feel good at home? The healthy routine even microbiologists approve of
The long-standing Japanese custom of removing shoes at the entrance mixes tradition with practical sense. Seen as an expression of discipline and respect, the habit also brings health and organisational advantages. As Western societies look for cleaner, more efficient homes, domestic-order experts and microbiologists are paying more attention to what this simple practice can do.
Why people take their shoes off at the door
The core habit is straightforward: leave outdoor shoes at the threshold. This ties into the philosophy of Kanso, which values simplicity and getting rid of the unnecessary to create a calm home environment. Kanso isn’t about throwing things away recklessly — it’s about choosing what really makes life better, an idea familiar from organisers like Marie Kondo.
Japan’s focus on cleanliness has deep roots, influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism. That shows up in the genkan, the lowered entryway area where shoes are traditionally left, which helps keep the living space cleaner and shows respect when someone enters barefoot.
Microbiologists back up the hygiene argument. A 2023 study published in Environmental Research by researchers from the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney found that 60% of indoor particles originate from outside, and some of those particles carry toxic metals such as lead and zinc that you commonly find on urban pavements.
How the custom fits into culture and western homes
Cleanliness in Japan isn’t just practical — it’s a cultural expression. Over time the genkan has moved from a simple step to a neat, organised area with shoe cabinets and coat hooks. Western homes generally haven’t had a direct equivalent, since the habit of creating a dedicated entry space is more recent in many places.
That said, the custom is being adapted where a genkan isn’t possible. Influencers like Alicia Martínez (known online as @aly_deco_home) have adopted the idea by placing a basket with slippers by the door and a wardrobe for coats. For Martínez, “putting the jacket in the wardrobe as soon as you arrive home is a small but powerful habit that contributes to daily order,” saving time and cutting down on clutter.
Health matters and what microbiologists say
Removing outdoor shoes lowers the chance of bringing dirt and microbes inside, but microbiologists warn against walking barefoot indoors because of risks like plantar warts and fungal infections. The usual recommendation is to wear indoor footwear; in Japan people often wear socks or light indoor shoes, leaving bare feet mostly for tatami (traditional straw mats) areas.
The main idea is hygiene: taking off outdoor shoes can noticeably reduce cross-contamination — the transfer of outside pollutants into the home environment.
Taking off shoes at the door is more than a cleanliness habit. It blends cultural practice with health and organising benefits, and the mix of traditional Japanese customs with modern advice from domestic-order specialists and microbiologists makes a strong case for giving it a go. As life gets busier, small habits like this can help keep homes cleaner, more organised and healthier.