It is customary in Japan to remove outdoor shoes when entering homes, schools, temples and shrines, and other traditional facilities.  Most entryways have a genkan, or area dedicated for outdoor shoes, and many places provide indoor slippers for guests, such as the green ones seen above.  This photo is at an entrance to a school.  The slippers will be for guests to the school.  Students all have their own "indoor shoes" that they would keep at the school.  This photo can work well when trying to discuss every day customs and habits in Japan, particularly in elementary schools.

Photo c. Lisa Guttman.  Japan, 2010.