Genkan (玄関) are the traditonal Japanese entryways into buildings. They are a room inside buildings where people remove their shoes before entering the main part of the building. It is at a lower level than the rest of the house, so one has to step up go get inside.

Aside from a place to remove one's shoes, the genkan is a place for brief visits to occur where the guest does not enter the home. This is akin to someone coming and waiting on the doormat.

Schools and public baths have large cupboards for one to store their shoes in. One must change into indoor shoes within this area.

— Customs

Not only are you required to remove your shoes in the genkan, but you are also supposed to point your shoes towards the door. This is so you can simply step into them when leaving. There are also often a cupboards to store your shoes within the genkan.

One must be careful to not step in the genkan with their socks or bare feet, as the floor is considered a part of the outside and dirty.

It is common for one to change into slippers or indoor shoes once entering the house.