Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Etiquette
You
失礼します。（靴を揃えて脱ぎながら）どうぞ、お先に。
しつれいします。（くつをそろえてぬぎながら）どうぞ、おさきに。
Excuse me. (removing and neatly placing shoes) Please, go ahead.
Romaji: Shitsurei shimasu. (shoes placed neatly) Douzo, osaki ni. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. Ojamashimasu.
Reply
ありがとうございます。お邪魔します。
ありがとうございます。おじゃまします。
Thank you. Excuse me for intruding.
Gesture & etiquette
Step to the side of the genkan to remove shoes, not in the center (others need to pass). Place shoes together, toes facing the door, heels toward the room. Step up onto the raised floor level in socked or bare feet.
Remove shoes in the genkan (entrance step area) and turn them neatly to face outward — or to the side — before stepping up. Never step into the house with shoes on, and never walk in the genkan after removing shoes. Some traditional restaurants also require shoe removal.