Why Is the Entrance So Important in a Japanese Home? | 木更津市の注文住宅ならセンチュリー21JTM商事へ
2026-09-22
Why Is the Entrance So Important in a Japanese Home?
Hello!
This is Norika, your Tuesday blog contributor.
Today, I’d like to introduce a part of Japanese homes that may seem ordinary in Japan, but can be quite interesting for people from overseas: the genkan, or entrance area.
In Japan, we normally take off our shoes at the entrance before stepping into the main living area.
A typical genkan has a lower area where outdoor shoes are worn and a raised floor leading into the home. It creates a clear separation between outside and inside.
Many modern Japanese homes also have more than just a standard shoe cabinet. Some include a large shoe closet or “doma” storage area near the entrance.
These spaces can be useful for storing not only shoes, but also strollers, golf bags, outdoor equipment, and other items you may not want to bring into your living space.
When I view a property, I also pay attention to practical details such as:
Is there enough storage for shoes?
Is there space for larger items?
Will the entrance be comfortable for the whole family to use?
Compared with the living room or kitchen, the entrance may not seem like the most important part of a home at first.
But because it’s a space you use every single day, a well-designed entrance can make everyday life much more convenient.
So, when viewing homes in Japan, don’t forget to take a closer look at the genkan!
Sincerely,
Norika Sugimoto
This is Norika, your Tuesday blog contributor.
Today, I’d like to introduce a part of Japanese homes that may seem ordinary in Japan, but can be quite interesting for people from overseas: the genkan, or entrance area.
In Japan, we normally take off our shoes at the entrance before stepping into the main living area.
A typical genkan has a lower area where outdoor shoes are worn and a raised floor leading into the home. It creates a clear separation between outside and inside.
Many modern Japanese homes also have more than just a standard shoe cabinet. Some include a large shoe closet or “doma” storage area near the entrance.
These spaces can be useful for storing not only shoes, but also strollers, golf bags, outdoor equipment, and other items you may not want to bring into your living space.
When I view a property, I also pay attention to practical details such as:
Is there enough storage for shoes?
Is there space for larger items?
Will the entrance be comfortable for the whole family to use?
Compared with the living room or kitchen, the entrance may not seem like the most important part of a home at first.
But because it’s a space you use every single day, a well-designed entrance can make everyday life much more convenient.
So, when viewing homes in Japan, don’t forget to take a closer look at the genkan!
Sincerely,
Norika Sugimoto
ページ作成日 2026-09-22
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