Wearing White Socks (白い靴下を履いていく - Tabi)
The strict etiquette requirement to never enter a traditional tea room barefoot. Worshippers must always wear clean, fresh white socks (or traditional 'Tabi' socks), maintaining absolute physical and spiritual purity of the tatami mats.
The tea room tatami is an immaculate, sacred space. Bare feet leave sweat and oils that stain and degrade the delicate straw mats over time. Wearing pristine white socks displays your respect for the host's cleaning efforts and spiritual cleanliness.
Even in boiling summer heat, never walk onto tatami barefoot. Keep a clean pair of pure white socks in your bag, and slip them on over your feet right at the entrance threshold before stepping onto the straw mats.
What is the strict foot hygiene rule when stepping inside a traditional tea room tatami space?