If you’re planning to take a dance class in Japan, there’s one cultural rule that often surprises visitors:
You usually need to change your shoes before entering the studio.
Japan has a deep-rooted custom of removing outdoor shoes at home, and this culture naturally extends to many dance studios.
Here’s what you need to know before your first class, so you won’t get caught off guard.
Why You Can’t Wear Your Outdoor Shoes
In Japan, outdoor shoes are considered dirty and should never touch clean indoor floors.
This is especially important in dance studios where:
- The floor is kept extremely clean
- Dancers stretch or sit on the floor
- Barefoot dancers may be present
- Studio floors are expensive to maintain
Because of this, most studios strictly require indoor-only dance shoes.
What Kind of Shoes Should You Bring?
You should bring a clean pair of shoes that you ONLY use indoors.
These are usually called:
- “室内履き（indoor shoes）”
- “ダンス専用シューズ（dance-only shoes）”
You’re free to choose any shoes that feel best for your dance style:
- Sneakers for HipHop / K-POP
- Jazz shoes
- Contemporary barefoot / socks
- Heels for Heels Dance
👉 Just make sure they are clean and never worn outside.
Can You Rent Shoes at the Studio?
Some studios offer rental shoes, but there are a few important warnings:
✔ Many studios charge a rental fee
(Usually ¥100–¥300)
✔ Sizes are limited
This is where travelers often struggle.
Most Japanese rental shoes are:
23–25 cm (women’s US 6–8)
because these are the average local sizes.
So if you:
- wear men’s sizes
- have larger feet
- prefer wide shoes
…there’s a good chance nothing will fit.
👉 The safest option is to bring your own pair.
What About Jazz or Contemporary Classes?
This part surprises many visitors:
A lot of jazz and contemporary classes are done barefoot.
Why?
- To improve control and grounding
- Easier to feel the floor
- It’s the traditional training method in Japan
⚠ Important:
If everyone is barefoot and only one person is wearing shoes,
there’s a risk of stepping on someone’s toes and causing injury.
Many instructors will simply say:
“Today is barefoot only.”
Don’t be shocked—this is totally normal in Japan.
What About Heels Classes?
If you’re taking a Heels Dance class:
✔ You must bring your own heels
Studios almost never rent heels.
✔ The heels must be clean and indoor-only
(Scratching the studio floor is a huge no-no.)
✔ Beginners can bring low or stable heels
You don’t need high stilettos unless required.
Travelling Light? Here’s the Best Setup
If you’re visiting Japan and want to pack minimally:
Recommended:
- 1 pair of clean indoor sneakers
- 1 pair of heels (only if necessary)
- Socks
- A small towel (many studios are very humid)
Optional:
Non-slip socks for contemporary
Dance shoes bag
Quick Summary for Tourists
| Dance Style | Footwear Rule |
|---|---|
| HipHop / K-POP | Bring indoor sneakers |
| Jazz | Often barefoot |
| Contemporary | Often barefoot or socks |
| Heels | Bring your own heels |
| Kids classes | Usually indoor sneakers |
Final Advice: Bring Your Own Shoes
Japan’s dance studios are extremely clean, structured, and considerate of safety.
But because rental sizes are limited, and rules vary by genre, the best strategy is:
Bring the shoes you dance best in — and keep them indoor-only.
You’ll feel more comfortable, safer, and better prepared to enjoy your dance experience in Japan.