土足厳禁(どそくげんきん)

どそくげんきん
noun, expression
no shoes allowed; shoes strictly prohibited
1. no shoes allowed; shoes strictly prohibited
A common sign or rule indicating that outdoor shoes must not be worn in a particular area. Found at the entrance of Japanese homes, temples, certain restaurants, and other spaces where shoes must be removed.
ここは土足厳禁(どそくげんきん)です。
No shoes are allowed here.
入口(いりぐち)に「土足厳禁(どそくげんきん)」の表示(ひょうじ)があった。
There was a 'no shoes' sign at the entrance.
この体育館(たいいくかん)は土足厳禁(どそくげんきん)なので、上履(うわば)きに履(は)き替(か)えてください。
This gymnasium is a no-shoes area, so please change into indoor shoes.

土足厳禁(どそくげんきん) is a common sign in Japan meaning "no outdoor shoes allowed." Composed of 土足(どそく) (outdoor shoes, literally "earth feet") + 厳禁(げんきん) (strictly prohibited).

WHERE YOU SEE IT:

  • 旅館(りょかん) (traditional inns) and 寺(てら) (temples)
  • 体育館(たいいくかん) (gymnasiums) and 道場(どうじょう) (martial arts halls)
  • 学校(がっこう) (schools)
  • Traditional 和食(わしょく) restaurants with tatami rooms

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 靴(くつ)を脱(ぬ)いでください: Please take off your shoes
  • 上履(うわば)き: indoor shoes
  • 下駄箱(げたばこ): shoe cupboard/rack (at entrances)

OTHER 〜厳禁(げんきん) SIGNS:

  • 撮影(さつえい)厳禁(げんきん): photography strictly prohibited
  • 火気(かき)厳禁(げんきん): no open flames
general
Added 2026.3.25 10:41 · Revised 2026.3.29 13:19
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