poptarts

My daughter and I are visiting Japan in mid November. I understand that I need to remove my shoes in various locations but I'm wondering what shoes would be best to wear. I would like to wear boots in case in rains but constantly taking off boots seems unproductive. Any ideas?

Hoyaheel

How about an ankle boot? Or a goretex walking shoe? I have a haglofs goretex shoe I love but it is a laceup - I think Clarks has some in their Wave line that are slip-on and waterproof?

(if rain is your biggest concern, then ease of putting on and taking off - you can always use a "waterproof" or silicone spray on shoes that you already own - I've done that with leather boots I have that I love to travel in but aren't water resistant on their own)

poptarts

Thanks for the great suggestions!

oldpenny16

Yes, in my own experience you will have situations when you will need to take off your shoes in Japan, temples, shrines, etc. I always have several pairs of clean white socks to wear in those situations. A good guide book will have info for you as will the traveling in Japan WEB sites.

You will make some mistakes but the Japanese people are typically very kind and polite. I committed the error of folding some paper money to put it in my American wallet and found out that is not done in Japan. As credit cards and ATM's are not so handy to use as in the US, you will find yourself carrying around a lot of cash. Don't worry about it. Everyone does that in Japan.

I truly enjoy traveling in Japan!

You will be provided with slippers and shower shoes in your hotel rooms as well as a bath robe and often a yakata as well. The tradition in Japan is to provide a variety of bathroom needs at no charge to you. Tooth brushes, tooth paste, comb, razor and often a great deal more.

Read up on the customs for tipping and how to deal with taxi drivers. I know some Japanese but always carry with me a photo/post card/internet print out for my hotels. Makes it easy to get around.

Traveling in Japan is easy and safe. I really enjoy doing so.

NHK broadcasting is on ATT U-verse and has wonderful Japan travel information programs. It is also on Facebook and has WEB sites.

Happy travels.

jerseygirl

If you have dinner in a traditional Japanese restaurant it is much easier to wear pants than a skirt to sit at the very low table. When you use restroom, a woman/hostess will escort you. She will help you change into what I think of as bathroom slippers which are then left by the door when you are done

I do like the custom of changing from street shoes to indoor slippers when you enter a hotel, restaurant, temple,etc. shoes are often put into cubby holes or sometimes just lined up at door, never seem to get the shoes mixed up!

I use the slippers given in hotels for when I fly, when use airplane toilet floors are usually dirty and you can just discard slippers when flight is done