This Clothing Item Should Look Presentable To Avoid Awkward Stares When Visiting Japan

Japan is a country experiencing an unprecedented boom in tourism, and it's no wonder why. This captivating East Asian island nation boasts delectable cuisine, deep culture, gorgeous natural surroundings, and these hidden gem cities to add to your bucket list. Japan is a place where the past and present come together in a very exciting and dynamic way, and while the country is extremely welcoming to tourists, there are a number of very specific etiquette rules that govern daily life there. Anyone planning on visiting would be wise to learn these ahead of time.

While there are ways to be a considerate guest when visiting the Land of the Rising Sun (along with a whole list of things that tourists should never do), it's also quite easy to forget the fact that you'll be slipping your shoes on and off a lot while you're there. Whether you choose to wear sneakers, flats, sandals, pumps — or whatever footwear you prefer — just make sure to always have a pair of clean and presentable socks on hand, as bare feet can be seen as impolite.

Like other countries in Asia, Japan observes a somewhat strict "no shoes worn indoors" rule. You'll often be required to take off your shoes before entering a room or building. This is especially true at temples, shrines, traditional restaurants, and personal homes.

What you surely don't want to do is roll in with old, holey — or especially dirty — socks. Presentation — in the form of good personal hygiene and neat clothing — is extremely important in Japan. This means that nice, new, perfectly clean socks will put forth the best image during those (frequent) moments when you need to slip out of your shoes.

While you'll be taking off your shoes frequently, you still want to keep your feet covered, especially in indoor spaces. Bare feet are often viewed as dirty, and putting on a pair of nice socks will go a long way to engender respect and goodwill from your Japanese hosts. You're also likely to do a large amount of walking during your travels in Japan, which means your feet may get sweaty and ... funky. Always carrying a pair of clean socks is a good way to guarantee that no one will be made to feel uncomfortable once the shoes come off, a simple gesture of consideration that everyone will appreciate.

While tourists are given a wide berth when it comes to etiquette in Japan (locals don't expect you to know all the rules), doing your best to follow the basic mores is an exercise in good manners in a country where manners are of the utmost importance. One rule of thumb is that overly-tight or revealing clothing is frowned upon — especially plunging necklines, yoga pants, and leggings. While the Japanese aren't exactly prudes, conservative clothing is just considered polite, so it's best to err on the side of covering up. The Japanese also rarely wear exercise clothing outside of the gym, so save the sweatpants and training bras for the workout, and never overdo it with perfume or cologne, as too much scent is seen as an imposition on others' comfort. 

While the Japanese don't necessarily dress formally, the kind of ultra-casual fashions often seen in Western countries isn't as common. Comfort is key — as is cleanliness — which makes the Japanese masters of striking the perfect balance between practical clothing and class — think "neat casual." As with many tourist destinations, taking your cues from the locals is a great way to fit in.