Shoes and slippers etiquette at a Japanese inn.

Adhering to the correct etiquette for shoes and slippers is very important when staying at a Japanese inn. Get it right and the inn keepers will feel confident that you know how to live in a Japanese setting, making for a more relaxed atmosphere all round.

Firstly, leave your shoes at the entrance before stepping up on to the raised wooden living area of the inn. When you get out of your shoes try to step directly on to the raised floor of the house and never linger barefoot in the entrance next to your shoes.

Slippers are usually provided by the inn. Please use them when walking along the corridors of the inn.

When entering a tatami-matted room always leave your slippers outside the room in the corridor. Only ever set foot on a tatami floor in stocking or bare feet.

Toilets in the inn will also have their own exclusive toilet slippers which should be worn only while in the toilet area, leaving the ordinary slippers outside the door.

How to put on a yukata at a Japanese inn.

Japanese inns provide comfortable yukatas or cotton kimonos to lounge in. These are usually worn after bathing. Yukatas at Japanese inns are also worn to dinner and they function as pyjamas too. There are many types of yukata, but the ones that are provided by inns are usually standard white and blue with a simple belt as shown in the video. Remember to fold the left side of the yukata over the right and keep the belt knot at the back. In the cooler months there is a coat called a "haori" which can be worn over the yukata to stay warm. You can also wear leggings and a long sleeved t-shirt underneath to keep out the cold, although a warm cup of sake or two should do the trick just as well!

Traditional theatre in Tokyo & Osaka

If you are interested in traditional Noh, Kabuki or Bunraku theatre and want to plan your visit to Japan to coincide with a performance you can find out about schedules by visiting the National Threatre of Japan website.  Here you can find listings for Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku perfromances in Tokyo and Osaka. Tickets can be purchased online from outside Japan but delivery is limited to within Japan. 
http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english/index.html