In Japan, you take off your shoes at the entrance. Therefore, there is a step between the entrance and the room. The idea is to take off your shoes under the steps and lift them up to prevent outside dirt from being brought in.
Indoors, wear slippers or go up. Many homes may use slippers between boards and tile locations. However, take off your slippers on tatami mats and carpets.
日本では玄関で靴を脱ぎます。このため、玄関と室内では段差があります。段の下で靴を脱ぎ、段の上にあがることで、外の土や汚れを持ち込まないという考え方です。
室内では、スリッパを履くか、そのまま上がります。多くの家が、板の間やタイルの場所はスリッパを使う場合があります。ただし、畳やカーペットの上はスリッパを脱ぎます。