Genkan 玄関

Genkan (玄関) are traditional Japanese entryway areas for a house, apartment, or building—something of a combination of a porch and a doormat.[1] It is usually located inside the building directly in front of the door. The primary function of genkan is for the removal of shoes before entering the main part of the house or building.

A secondary function is a place for brief visits without being invited across the genkan step into the house proper.[2]