How many times will I take my shoes off in Kanazawa?

It depends on your route. On one of Yuri's tours, it was four times in one day.

Kanazawa · Practical tips

Shoes Off Again? What to Wear for a Day of Sightseeing in Kanazawa

In Kanazawa, you may take your shoes off several times in one day. I'm Yuri, born and raised in Kanazawa, and this is how to make it easy.

Checked October 2026

Many pairs of shoes left on the floor of a Japanese entrance before a raised wooden step — Shoes left at the entrance, Japan. Photo: Bernat Agullo, CC BY-SA 2.0

The short answer

Yuri's Shiba Inu mascot holding a shoe in its mouth

1. Slip-on shoesComfortable for walking, easy off while standing.

2. Clean socksNo holes. Tatami is for socks or bare feet.

3. A spare pairPack dry socks if rain is likely.

4. Take your timeHold a wall or use a bench if there is one.

👟 On one of my tours, we took our shoes off four times in one day.

Why it happens so often in Kanazawa

Kanazawa kept many of its old wooden buildings. You walk on the original floors, so outdoor shoes stay at the door.

On one of my tours, my guests and I took our shoes off four times in one day. That was a lot for them. I have also guided guests in Shirakawa-go and Takayama. We took our shoes off there too, but not as many times as in Kanazawa.

Many visitors already know the custom. The surprise is how often it comes up. Boots with long laces take time to remove and put back on. Then you do it again at the next stop.

Where shoes usually come off

These are the places I take guests to, and where shoes come off in my experience as a guide.

Nagamachi

Nomura Samurai House

A flat stone step beside a small pond and rocks in the garden of the Nomura house — At the Nomura house, Kanazawa. Photo: odako1, CC BY-SA 2.0

Nomura Samurai House is in the Nagamachi samurai district. Shoes come off at the entrance. Inside, you walk on wooden corridors and tatami.

Teramachi

Myoryu-ji, the "Ninja Temple"

The main hall of Myoryu-ji temple with wooden steps leading up to the entrance — Myoryu-ji (Ninja-dera), Kanazawa. Photo: Irina Gelbukh, CC BY-SA 3.0

At Myoryu-ji, shoes come off at the entrance, and the stairs inside are steep. Socks with some grip help. Visits are by reservation.

Kanazawa Castle

Hishi-yagura and Gojikken Nagaya

These rebuilt wooden buildings at Kanazawa Castle are open to visitors. Shoes come off before you go inside.

Higashi Chaya and Kenroku-en

Two easy stops

Cafes and teahouses in Higashi Chaya are easy. In my experience, you usually keep your shoes on.

Higashi Chaya cafes and teahouses: usually shoes on ✓ Kenroku-en garden: shoes on ✓

Kenroku-en is easy. It is a garden, so you walk it in your shoes.

How to make it easy

Shoes and socks

Shoes. Choose comfortable walking shoes that slip on, or laces you can leave tied loosely. Avoid tall boots. Sightseeing here means a lot of walking, so comfort still comes first.

Socks. Wear clean socks without holes. Bare feet are less polite in many places, so if you wear sandals, carry socks in your bag.

Slippers and the door

Slippers. Some places give you slippers, and some do not. Take slippers off before you step onto tatami. Some toilets have their own slippers. Leave those at the toilet door when you come out.

At the door. Step out of your shoes straight onto the raised floor, not onto the ground. Line your shoes up, or use the shoe shelf or locker if there is one. Turning the toes toward the door is good manners.

On rainy days: wet shoes are harder to take off, and wet socks feel cold on wooden floors. Pack a spare pair of socks and a small plastic bag. On a heavy-rain tour day this October, the Kanazawa Marathon also closed some roads. We could not use buses or taxis, so we walked more than planned.

What I do on my tours

Yuri's Shiba Inu mascot standing and holding a Kanazawa Local Guide flag

Before your trip, I make a plan with you. I can tell you which stops mean taking your shoes off, so you can choose your shoes
We walk at a slow, gentle pace, with breaks anytime
If bending, balance or stairs are hard for you, tell me before the tour. We will plan the route around it

I was born and raised in Kanazawa, and I am a licensed nurse.

Quick answers

How many times will I take my shoes off?

It depends on your route. On one of my tours, it was four times in one day.

What shoes are best?

Comfortable walking shoes that slip on and off while you stand.

Can I go barefoot?

Socks are better. If you wear sandals, bring a pair in your bag.

Will they give me slippers?

Some places do, and some do not. Slippers never go on tatami.

Do I take my shoes off at Kenroku-en?

No. It is a garden, so you keep them on.

Can I wear boots to the Ninja Temple?

You can, but you take them off at the entrance and the stairs inside are steep. Slip-on shoes and socks with grip are easier.