下駄箱(げたばこ)

Composition: 下駄(げた) (geta, traditional wooden sandals) + 箱(はこ) (box)

Usage: Although named after traditional geta sandals, modern 下駄箱(げたばこ) are used for all types of footwear including sneakers, boots, and regular shoes.

Usage

• At home: Usually located in the 玄関(げんかん) (entryway)
• At school: Students have individual shoe lockers to change from outdoor to indoor shoes
• At gyms/offices: Used to store street shoes when changing to indoor footwear

Similar words

• 靴箱(くつばこ) - shoe box (also used)
• シューズボックス - shoes box (loanword)
• シューズロッカー - shoe locker (in schools)

Cultural note: In Japanese schools, students often leave personal notes, love letters, or chocolates (on Valentine's Day) in classmates' shoe lockers.