Can you walk on tatami with slippers on?
No. Slippers come off at the edge of the tatami and go back on when you leave it — tatami is walked on in socks or bare feet. The same line applies in a temple hall and a traditional restaurant's private room. Socks are worth packing for this alone, especially in winter.
Where this answer comes from
- Tatami rooms need bare feet or socks Tatami mats are delicate woven straw. Slippers, shoes, and luggage should not touch them.
- Remove shoes at the entrance Ryokan, traditional inns, and most homes have a clear line between outdoor and indoor…
- Different slippers for different rooms Ryokan often provide separate slippers for the bathroom. Switch into them when entering…
Say it in Japanese
Show the card to the staff. The Japanese, how to read it, and the recorded voice.