Tatami

Is It Okay to Walk on Tatami Mats Barefoot?

No. Best Manners in Japan: It’s best to wear socks when you go into a Japanese-style room, or carry a clean pair with you so you can quickly put them on!

The minimum rule is that when you walk on tatami mats, you should wear socks or stockings. But if you are at your own home or a relaxing place like a Japanese inn (Ryokan), and your feet are clean from the bath, walking barefoot is fine.

Why Avoid Bare Feet?

The main reason is to keep the mat clean. Tatami mats are made of natural straw, and you cannot be cleaned easily. In Japan, people often put clean things like food bowls directly on the tatami, so we try to avoid putting dirty or sweaty feet on them.

When to Always Wear Socks.

Formal Manners: In very formal settings like a tea ceremony, the rule is to change into clean, white socks (tabi) as a sign of deep respect.

Visiting Others: Even in the summer, if you are wearing sandals, it's good manners to carry a clean pair of socks with you. You should put them on before you step onto the tatami floor in a restaurant or someone's home. It is the same even on the tatami mats at shrines and temples.

Slippers are Forbidden.

Always remember that you must take off your slippers before stepping onto the tatami mat.

Slippers are only for hard floors and hallways!

This rule helps keep the spaces separate: the hallway is for moving around, and the tatami room is for relaxing, sitting, and sleeping. This is a special Japanese way of thinking about different rooms.

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