Universal
Cultural · Greeting
You
日本では、靴を脱ぐのが習慣なんです。
にほんでは、くつをぬぐのがしゅうかんなんです。
In Japan, it's customary to remove your shoes indoors.
Romaji: Nihon de wa, kutsu wo nugu no ga shūkan nan desu. / Reply Romaji: Ah, sō desu ka! Sumimasen, nugimasu.
Reply
あ、そうですか！すみません、脱ぎます。
あ、そうですか！すみません、ぬぎます。
Oh, I see! Sorry about that, I'll take them off.
Gesture & etiquette
Point gently toward the genkan or the row of aligned shoes already there; offer slippers proactively at a comfortable height; if the guest seems hesitant, say 'こちらの上履きをどうぞ' (here are some indoor slippers) with a warm smile and gesture.
The genkan (玄関) entry foyer physically marks the boundary between outside and inside — outdoor shoes are never worn in the living space. Indoor slippers (スリッパ) are provided for guests; toilet slippers (トイレスリッパ) are separate and must be swapped — one of the most common foreigner mistakes in Japanese homes.