Japan
Location
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Phone Code
+81
Domain
.jp
Driving Side
left
License Plates
White with green/black text
Road Signs
Blue direction signs, distinctive Japanese characters
Power Lines
Concrete poles with distinctive cross-arms
Architecture
Mix of traditional and ultra-modern
Street View
Google car is black/white with camera on top
Additional Identifiers
Vending machines everywhere, narrow streets, Japanese text
Language & Text Examples
Japanese writing system uses three scripts: Hiragana (ひらがな), Katakana (カタカナ), and Kanji (漢字). Very distinctive from other Asian scripts.
Regional Characteristics
Tokyo and Kanto Plain Region of Japan
Landscape
Dense urban areas, flat plains, Tokyo Bay
Vegetation
Urban parks, cherry trees, carefully manicured gardens
Architecture
Ultra-modern skyscrapers, dense residential areas, neon signs
Climate
Four distinct seasons, hot humid summers, mild winters
Distinctive Features
Crowded streets, train crossings, dense signage, convenience stores
Tip: Look for these characteristics to identify if you're in the Tokyo and Kanto Plain region of Japan.
Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto) Region of Japan
Landscape
Urban areas surrounded by mountains, Inland Sea
Vegetation
Traditional gardens, bamboo forests, temple grounds
Architecture
Traditional temples in Kyoto, modern Osaka, merchant houses
Climate
Hot humid summers, mild winters
Distinctive Features
Older architecture, more traditional streets in Kyoto, food stalls in Osaka
Tip: Look for these characteristics to identify if you're in the Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto) region of Japan.
Hokkaido Region of Japan
Landscape
Wide open spaces, mountains, lakes, less dense population
Vegetation
Coniferous forests, wide fields, lavender farms
Architecture
More spacious buildings, Western influence, snow-ready designs
Climate
Cold snowy winters, mild summers, least humid region
Distinctive Features
Snow barriers, wider roads, dairy farms, less dense infrastructure
Tip: Look for these characteristics to identify if you're in the Hokkaido region of Japan.
Okinawa and Southern Islands Region of Japan
Landscape
Tropical islands, beaches, coral reefs
Vegetation
Palm trees, tropical vegetation, hibiscus flowers
Architecture
Low buildings, Ryukyu Kingdom influence, typhoon-resistant
Climate
Subtropical, warm year-round, typhoon season
Distinctive Features
American military bases, coral walls, tropical feel unlike mainland
Tip: Look for these characteristics to identify if you're in the Okinawa and Southern Islands region of Japan.
Rural Japan (Mountains) Region of Japan
Landscape
Mountainous terrain, terraced rice fields, river valleys
Vegetation
Rice paddies, bamboo forests, cedar trees
Architecture
Traditional wooden houses, thatched roofs in some areas
Climate
Varies by altitude, snowy in winter
Distinctive Features
Terraced fields, small villages, tunnels, winding mountain roads
Tip: Look for these characteristics to identify if you're in the Rural Japan (Mountains) region of Japan.