Japan

Tohoku White Bollard

In Japan's Tohoku region, thick white bollards feature an octagonal reflector and a yellow stripe just underneath.

White Japanese Bollards

Japan usually uses simple white bollards with circular reflectors on top. These bollards can also feature the city or prefecture name written in kanji.

Okayama Prefecture Bollard

Exclusive to the Okayama prefecture, this bollard features an octagonal reflector with a red stripe underneath it. A sloped connection is present where the base meets the reflector.

Kyushu and Yamaguchi Flat Bollard

This flat, white bollard is found on the island of Kyushu and in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It features a series of separated orange reflectors on one side and is white on the opposite side.

Toyama Prefecture Bollard

Bollards in Toyama Prefecture feature a single reflector with a red stripe located underneath it.

Toyama Prefecture Bollards

Bollards in Toyama prefecture feature a single reflector with a red stripe located directly underneath it.

Tohoku Striped Bollards

Striped bollards that cover the original feature a thinner top half and no reflectors. They are common in the Tohoku region, especially within Akita prefecture.

Kyushu and Yamaguchi Flat Bollards

These flat, white bollards, found on the island of Kyushu and in Yamaguchi Prefecture, feature a series of separated orange reflectors on one side and are plain white on the opposite side.

Okayama Prefecture Bollard

Exclusive to the Okayama prefecture, this bollard features an octagonal reflector with a red stripe underneath it. A sloped connection joins the base to the reflector.

Aomori Prefecture Bollard

This extendable bollard found in the Aomori prefecture features two yellow stripes and a single circular reflector.

Tohoku Striped Bollards

These striped bollards, which cover the original posts, feature a thinner top half and no reflectors. They are common in the Tohoku region and are especially frequent in Akita prefecture.

Akita Prefecture Bollard

This thick, white bollard features an octagonal reflector with two yellow stripes positioned underneath it.

Shikoku Island Bollards

Some bollards on the island of Shikoku feature a black stripe positioned directly beneath the reflector.

Striped Tohoku Bollards

Featuring a thinner top half and no reflectors, these striped bollards cover over the original posts. They are common in the Tohoku region, especially within Akita prefecture.

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Tohoku Region Bollard

In the Tohoku region, a thick, white bollard features an octagonal reflector with a yellow stripe directly underneath.

Japanese Pole Reflectors

Japan features a variety of pole reflectors. These are typically short and do not touch the ground.

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Toyama Prefecture Bollard

Bollards in Toyama prefecture feature a single reflector with a red stripe located underneath it.

Japanese Pole Reflector Pads

In Japan, pole reflector pads vary by region, though generic designs can be found nationwide.

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Japanese Pole Reflectors

Pole reflectors in Japan are typically short and do not touch the ground.

Japanese Pole Reflector Pads

In Japan, pole reflector pads vary by region, though generic designs can be found nationwide.

Kyushu and Yamaguchi Flat Bollards

Found on the island of Kyushu and in Yamaguchi Prefecture, these flat, white bollards feature a series of separated orange reflectors on one side and a matching white color on the opposite side.

Okayama Prefecture Bollard

Exclusive to the Okayama prefecture, this bollard features an octagonal reflector with a red stripe underneath. A sloped connection is present where the base meets the reflector.

Japanese Pole Reflector Pads

Pole reflector pads in Japan vary by region, though generic designs can be found nationwide.

Japanese Pole Reflector Pads

Pole reflector pads in Japan vary by region, although generic designs can be found nationwide.

Japanese White Bollards

Japan usually uses simple white bollards with circular reflectors on top. These bollards can also feature the city or prefecture name written in kanji.

White Bollards

Japan typically uses simple white bollards with circular reflectors on top. These bollards can also feature the city or prefecture name written in kanji.

Shikoku Striped Bollards

Some bollards on the island of Shikoku feature a black stripe positioned directly beneath the reflector.

Toyama Prefecture Bollard

Bollards in Toyama prefecture feature a single reflector with a red stripe located underneath it.

Aomori Prefecture Bollard

This extendable bollard found in Japan's Aomori Prefecture features two yellow stripes and a single circular reflector.

Akita Prefecture Bollard

The Akita prefecture variation of this thick, white bollard features an octagonal reflector with two yellow stripes underneath it.

Flat Bollards of Kyushu and Yamaguchi

Found on the island of Kyushu and in Yamaguchi Prefecture, these flat, white bollards feature a series of separated orange reflectors on one side. The opposite side is white.

Okayama Prefecture Bollard

This bollard, exclusive to Okayama Prefecture, features an octagonal reflector with a red stripe underneath. It has a sloped connection where the base meets the reflector.

Front and Back License Plates

Japan utilizes license plates on both the front and back of vehicles.

Chugoku Pole Plate Arrows

An orange arrow can sometimes be found located above the topmost pole plate in the Chugoku region.

Tohoku Transformer Plates

Transformers in the Tohoku region are sometimes mounted on a round plate with a zigzag bar. They often feature additional square holding brackets and the Tohoku Electrical Company logo.

Japanese License Plates

Japan uses standard short white license plates with green text. A short yellow version with black text is issued to light automobiles, also known as Kei cars.

Japanese License Plates

Standard Japanese license plates are short and white with green text. Light automobiles, known as Kei cars, use a short yellow version with black text.

Tohoku Transformer Plates

Transformers in the Tohoku region are sometimes mounted on a round plate with a zigzag bar. These units often feature additional square holding brackets and the Tohoku Electrical Company logo.

Regional Utility Pole Plates

Utility poles in Japan feature distinct plates that vary by region.

Tohoku Transformer Mounting

Transformers in the Tohoku region are sometimes mounted on a round plate with a zigzag bar. These installations often feature additional square holding brackets and the Tohoku Electrical Company logo.

Japanese License Plates

Standard Japanese license plates are short and white with green text. A short yellow version with black text is also used for light automobiles, known as Kei cars.

Japanese License Plates

Japan uses standard short white license plates with green text. A short yellow version with black text is also common, issued to light automobiles known as Kei Cars.

Tohoku Transformer Plates

In Tohoku, transformers are sometimes mounted on a round plate featuring a zigzag bar. These setups often include additional square holding brackets and the Tohoku Electrical Company logo.

Chugoku Pole Plate Arrows

An orange arrow can sometimes be found located above the topmost pole plate in the Chugoku region.

Front and Back License Plates

Japan utilizes license plates on both the front and back of vehicles.

Utility Pole Plates

Utility poles in Japan feature distinct plates that vary by region.

Japanese Writing Systems

Japanese formal signs and texts primarily use kanji, which resembles Chinese characters, and hiragana, a syllabic script. Hiragana characters generally feature softer shapes and loops that are not present in Chinese characters.

Kagawa Yellow Circle Signs

Black signs featuring two yellow circles are found in Kagawa. Variations include these circles positioned on top of each other.

Cyrillic Signs in Northern Hokkaido

In northern Hokkaido, signs in the cities of Wakkanai and Nemuro feature Cyrillic text.

Prefectural Signpost Stickers

Most Japanese prefectures feature unique stickers on their signposts.

Prefectural Signpost Stickers

Most prefectures in Japan feature unique stickers on their signposts.

Japanese Road Sign Scripts

Formal Japanese signs and texts mostly use kanji and hiragana. While kanji closely resembles Chinese characters, hiragana is simpler, featuring softer shapes and loops that are not present in Chinese.

Japanese Writing Systems on Signs

Formal Japanese signs mostly use kanji, which resembles Chinese characters, and hiragana, which features simpler, softer shapes with loops not found in Chinese.

Kagawa Yellow Circle Signs

Black signs featuring two yellow circles are found in Kagawa. Variations include having the circles positioned on top of each other.

Cyrillic Signs in Northern Hokkaido

Road signs in the northern Hokkaido cities of Wakkanai and Nemuro feature Cyrillic script.

Japanese Writing Systems on Signs

Formal Japanese signs and texts mostly use kanji, which resembles Chinese characters, and hiragana, which features simpler, softer shapes and loops not found in Chinese.

Kagawa Yellow Circle Signs

Black road signs featuring two yellow circles are found in Kagawa. Variations include the circles positioned on top of each other.

Prefectural Signpost Stickers

Most Japanese prefectures feature unique stickers on their signposts.

Prefecture Signpost Stickers

Most prefectures in Japan feature unique stickers on their road signposts.

Kagawa Yellow Circle Signs

Black signs featuring two yellow circles are found in Kagawa. Variations of these signs include having the circles positioned on top of each other.

Outer Road Line Colors

Japan never uses yellow for its outside road lines.

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Outside Road Line Colors

Japan does not use yellow for outside road lines.

Japanese Road Markings

Roads in Japan feature white lines on both the outside and inside.

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Okinawan Flat-Roof Buildings

Okinawa can often be recognized by its white concrete buildings with flat roofs.

Okinawan Guardian Lions and Plaques

Okinawa features guardian lions and house plaques that can vary in color and shape.

Northern Roof Designs

In northern Japan, roofs generally transition from tiled to flat or level slopes to compensate for heavy snowfall. Houses in these northern areas often feature attached side ladders to provide roof access for clearing snow.

Okinawan Architecture

Okinawa is often recognizable by its white concrete buildings with flat roofs.

Okinawa Guardian Lions and Plaques

Guardian lions and house plaques are found in Okinawa. Their color and shapes can vary.

Northern Roof Designs

Moving further north, roofs transition from tiled to level or flat sloped to compensate for heavy snowfall. Northern houses often feature ladders attached to the side to provide roof access for clearing snow.

Japanese Architecture

Japanese architecture features distinct and expressive styles with unique buildings, ranging from country houses and regional designs to reinforced buildings in large cities.

Japanese Architectural Diversity

Japanese architecture features a wide range of distinct styles and unique buildings. These structures include country houses, regional designs, and reinforced buildings in large cities.

Japanese Architecture

Japanese architecture features diverse and expressive styles, ranging from country houses and regional designs to reinforced buildings.

Northern Roofs and Snow Ladders

In northern areas, roofs transition from tiled to flat or level slopes to manage heavy snowfall. Houses in these northern regions often feature side-attached ladders to provide roof access for clearing snow.

Northern Roof Designs

In northern regions, roofs transition from tiled to flat or level slopes to handle heavy snowfall. Houses in these areas often feature attached side ladders to provide roof access for snow clearance.

Painted Birch Tree Poles

Artistically painted poles made to resemble birch trees are unique to the city of Date in Hokkaido.

Birch-Painted Poles of Date

In the city of Date in Hokkaido, unique artistically painted poles are made to resemble birch trees.

Painted Birch Tree Poles

The city of Date in Hokkaido features unique, artistically painted poles designed to resemble birch trees.

Birch-Painted Poles of Date

The city of Date in Hokkaido features unique, artistically painted poles designed to resemble birch trees.

Utility Tank Distribution

In Japan, hot water, gas, and propane tanks are more frequently found in northern prefectures and high-elevation mountainous areas.

Mountainous Terrain and Plains

Japan is a highly mountainous country with some notably flat regions, specifically the Nobi and Kanto plains. These plains can look very similar to each other.

Utility Tank Distribution

Hot water, gas, and propane tanks are found more frequently in Japan's northern prefectures and high-elevation mountainous areas.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, characterized by a gradual incline and an often snowy summit.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, featuring a gradual incline and an often snowy summit.

Nobi and Kanto Plains

Although Japan is a highly mountainous country, the Nobi and Kanto plains are notably flat regions that can appear very similar.

Nobi and Kanto Plains

Although Japan is a highly mountainous country, the Nobi and Kanto plains are notably flat regions.

Nobi and Kanto Plains

Although Japan is highly mountainous, the Nobi and Kanto plains are notably flat regions. These two areas can look very similar to one another.

Utility Tank Distribution

Hot water, gas, and propane tanks are more commonly found in Japan's northern prefectures and high-elevation mountainous regions.

Claymore Kerosine Tanks

Kerosine tanks, also known as Claymores, are abundant in Hokkaido and become increasingly common further north. They can also be found in high-elevation mountainous areas and prefectures south of Hokkaido.

Utility Tank Distribution

Hot water, gas, and propane tanks are more frequently found in Japan's northern prefectures and high-elevation mountainous areas.

Kansai Tuning Fork Pole Top

A tuning fork pole top featuring a thin wire and a horizontal bar below is commonly found in the Kansai region.

Shikoku Utility Pole Attachments

Smaller attachments with a 90-degree angle are commonly found on utility poles in Shikoku.

Japan Tuning Fork Pole Top

This tuning fork pole top has a short top bar and a horizontal bar below. It is found in the Chubu region.

Kanto Tuning Fork Pole Top

This tuning fork pole top features a long top bar that sticks out on each end with horizontal bars below. It is found the majority of the time in the Kanto region.

Kansai Utility Pole Attachments

In Japan, utility pole attachments with an approximately 120-degree angle are found in Kansai.

Japan Utility Pole Top

Utility pole tops with two filled-in sides shaped like a tent are common in Japan. This design is found in the Hokuriku region.

Orange and Black Pole Bands

Orange and black bands wrapped around poles can often be found in Shikoku.

Chugoku and Iwate Snow Poles

Basic snow poles with either a thin extended or thin contracted top are primarily found in the northern parts of the Chugoku region. They can also sometimes be located in Iwate.

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Chugoku and Iwate Snow Poles

Basic snow poles featuring either a thin extended or thin contracted top are primarily found in northern Chugoku, and occasionally in Iwate.

Japan Utility Poles

Japan primarily uses round concrete utility poles. These poles feature screw-like extensions.

Kanto Tuning Fork Poles

This tuning fork pole top features a long top bar extending from both ends with horizontal bars below. It is found the majority of the time in the Kanto region.

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Concrete Utility Poles

Japan mostly uses round concrete poles featuring screw-like extensions.

Tea Plantation Frost Prevention Poles

Green tea plants are often grown in hedged rows, where poles are equipped with devices to prevent frost from falling on the plants.

Chugoku Utility Pole Transformers

In Chugoku, utility pole transformers feature a cross-shaped bar attached in the middle of the pole, mounted by a full triangle. These transformers have long horizontal insulators at the end.

Japanese Guy Wires

Most regions in Japan have unique guy wires.

Japan: Kyushu Utility Poles

In Kyushu, utility pole transformers are mounted 180-degrees from one another. They have a straight bar attached to the side of the pole with three insulators at its end.

Chugoku Four-Bar Pole Top

In Japan's Chugoku region, utility poles commonly feature a pole top with four thin, skinny bars.

Regional Guy Wires

Most regions in Japan feature unique guy wires.

Tea Field Frost Prevention Poles

Green tea plants are often grown in hedged rows. Poles with mounted devices are used in these fields to prevent frost from falling on the plants.

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Shikoku Pole Bands

Orange and black bands wrapped around poles are often found in Shikoku.

Chugoku and Iwate Snow Poles

Basic snow poles with either a thin extended or thin contracted top are primarily found in the northern parts of the Chugoku region. They can also sometimes be found in Iwate.

Shikoku Pole Attachments

Smaller attachments with a 90-degree angle are commonly found on utility poles in Shikoku.

Chugoku Region Transformers

In the Chugoku region, utility pole transformers feature a cross-shaped bar mounted by a full triangle, with long horizontal insulators at the end.

Kyushu Transformer Mounting

In Kyushu, utility poles that feature a straight bar on the side with three insulators have their transformers mounted 180 degrees from one another.

Kanto Tuning Fork Pole Tops

This tuning fork pole top features a long top bar that sticks out on each end with horizontal bars below. It is found the majority of the time in the Kanto region.

Okinawa Transformer Mounting

In Okinawa, utility poles featuring a T-shaped bar on the side have their transformers mounted on opposite sides of the pole.

Hokuriku Tent-Shaped Pole Tops

A utility pole top with two filled-in sides shaped like a tent is commonly found in the Hokuriku region.

Kansai Utility Pole Attachments

Utility poles in the Kansai region commonly feature attachments with an approximately 120-degree angle.

Chugoku Four-Bar Pole Tops

A utility pole top featuring four thin, skinny bars is commonly found in the Chugoku region of Japan.

Kanto Tuning Fork Pole

This tuning fork pole top features a long top bar extending past each end with horizontal bars below. It is most commonly found in the Kanto region.

Grey Wire-Feeding Blocks

Grey, insulator-like blocks that wires are fed through can be found in the regions of Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, and Shikoku, and very rarely in Hokkaido.

Chubu Tuning Fork Pole Top

This tuning fork pole top, which features a short top bar and a horizontal bar below, is found the majority of the time in the Chubu region.

Kansai Tuning Fork Pole Top

A tuning fork pole top featuring a thin wire and a horizontal bar below is commonly found in the Kansai region.

Grey Wire-Feeding Blocks

Grey, insulator-like blocks that wires are fed through can be found in the regions of Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, and Shikoku, and very rarely in Hokkaido.

Chubu Tuning Fork Pole Top

This tuning fork pole top, featuring a short top bar and a horizontal bar below, is found the majority of the time in the Chubu region.

Frost Prevention Poles

Green tea plants are often grown in hedged rows featuring pole-mounted devices designed to prevent frost from falling on the plants.

Grey Wire-Feeding Insulators

Grey, block-shaped insulators that wires are fed through can be found in the regions of Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and very rarely in Hokkaido.

Grey Insulator-Esque Blocks

Grey, insulator-esque blocks that wires are fed through can be found in the Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions, and very rarely in Hokkaido.

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Kansai Pole Attachments

In the Kansai region, utility poles commonly feature attachments with an approximately 120-degree angle.

Chubu Tuning Fork Pole

A tuning fork pole top featuring a short top bar with a horizontal bar below is found the majority of the time in the Chubu region.

Chugoku and Iwate Snow Poles

Basic snow poles with either a thin extended or thin contracted top are primarily located in the northern parts of the Chugoku region. They can also sometimes be found in Iwate.

Okinawa Transformer Mounting

In Okinawa, utility poles equipped with a T-shaped bar on the side feature transformers mounted on opposite sides of the pole.

Green Tea Frost Prevention

Green tea plants are often grown in hedged rows featuring pole-mounted devices. These devices serve the purpose of preventing frost from falling on the plants.

Kansai Utility Pole Attachments

Utility poles in the Kansai region commonly feature attachments with an approximately 120-degree angle.

Japanese Google Car

The standard Japanese Google car is often black and white.

Driving Side

Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Prefecture Road Shields

Prefecture roads in Japan are identified by hexagonal-shaped shields that often display the prefecture's name in kanji under the road number. While other variations of these shields can be found, the hexagonal design remains.

Multiple Transformers

If there is more than one transformer, they are often mounted on the sides of a square.

Kyushu Green Guardrail Bands

Green bands on guardrails are most commonly found in Oita and Miyazaki, but they can be found across all of Kyushu.

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Hokkaido Guardrail Stickers

Guardrails in Hokkaido can feature chevron-like stickers, which are more rarely orange.

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Japanese Katakana Script

Katakana is mainly used for loan words and is commonly found in commercials. Its characters are generally simple and geometric, unlike the more artistic shapes of hiragana and kanji.

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Hokkaido Winter Coverage

Hokkaido features very limited winter and snow coverage. Other miscellaneous coverage is primarily found in the southern half of the island.

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Japanese White Birch Distribution

The Japanese White Birch grows dominantly in the Chubu and Hokkaido regions, and to a lesser extent in Tohoku. Small areas of the tree can also be found throughout the rest of Japan.

Bamboo Distribution

Bamboo in Japan generally grows more frequently in the south and gradually decreases further north.

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Japanese Place Name Kanji

Kanji characters indicating prefectures or cities can help locate places quickly, while wards are typically findable if the city is known. Towns are often difficult to locate.

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Yamaguchi Yellow Guardrails

Distinctive yellow guardrails can be found in the Yamaguchi Prefecture.

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Trekkers and Tripods

A variety of trekkers and tripods cover a vast number of locations across multiple prefectures and regions.

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Tokyo Manhole Design

Tokyo features a manhole design that includes a five-petal flower with many small circles on the outside.

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Regional Production Shares

The regions of Tohoku (27%), Chubu (21%), Kanto (15%), and Hokkaido (7%) account for the majority of production.

Shosetsu Snow Prevention Roads

Mainly found in northwest coastal prefectures, 'Shosetsu' snow prevention roads feature tiny circles in the pavement. These circles spray warm underground water to clear snow.

Sugarcane in Southern Japan

Sugarcane is almost exclusively found on the islands in southern Kyushu and Okinawa.

Chugoku Red-Tiled Roofs

These unique red-tiled roofs are most commonly found in the Chugoku region, particularly within the prefectures of Hiroshima and Shimane.

Ehime Cycling Route Markings

In Ehime, cycling routes are marked with an outside white line and an inside blue line. While more common along the coast, these markings can also be found further inland.

Red and Yellow Guardrail Stickers

Guardrail endings with red and yellow striped stickers are commonly found across the Chugoku region, except in Yamaguchi. They can also rarely be found in Niigata.

Kansai Transformer Mounts

Transformers in the Kansai region are mounted on the sides of a square frame that features either a straight or zigzag bar attached to its bottom.

Hokkaido Road Shoulder Arrows

These infrastructural arrows are found almost exclusively in Hokkaido to show drivers where the road shoulder is when it is covered in snow.

Chubu Region Transformers

Transformers in the Chubu region often feature painted yellow numbers and black "tap" connectors.

Transformer Stickers

A white sticker with black numbers is often stuck to the bottom of the transformer.

Area Code Distribution

Area codes are commonly found throughout Japan and increase to the south.

Rural Retaining Walls

Retaining walls can serve as a useful identification clue in rural areas of Japan where other information is scarce.

Prefecture Road Numbers

Because multiple prefectures can share the same road number, identifying the specific prefecture is recommended to determine the correct location.

White Guardrails

Japan generally uses simple, white guardrails.

Japanese Land Division Terms

Japan uses three main terms to identify its land, groupings, and borders: Islands, Regions, and Prefectures.

Southern Island Red Soil

Agricultural fields with red soil are commonly found on several southern islands, most notably in southern Okinawa.

Green Guardrail Bands

Green bands on guardrails are most commonly found in Oita and Miyazaki, but they can be found across all of Kyushu.

Vertical Traffic Lights

Vertical traffic lights can be found in Hokkaido and along the northwestern coast of Japan.

Kansai Transformer Mounts

In the Kansai region, transformers are mounted on the sides of a square structure that features either a straight or zigzag bar at its bottom.

Square Mounted Transformers

Transformers can be found mounted on the side of a square with a straight bar on top. Rarely, a square may be found without a bar.

Prefecture Road Shields

Prefecture roads are identified by hexagonal-shaped shields, which often feature the prefecture name written in kanji under the road number. While this shield design remains, other variations can be found.

Kyushu Grass Distribution

Chinese Silver Grass, also known as Kyushu grass, is highly abundant on the island of Kyushu. It can also be found in areas outside of this island.

Japanese Google Car Appearance

The standard Google Street View car in Japan is often black and white.

Bamboo Growth Distribution

Bamboo grows more frequently in the south of Japan and gradually decreases further north.

Japanese White Birch Distribution

Japanese White Birch grows dominantly in the Chubu and Hokkaido regions, and to a lesser extent in Tohoku. Small areas of the tree can also be found throughout the rest of Japan.

Prefecture Road Shields

Prefecture roads in Japan are identified by hexagonal-shaped shields. The name of the prefecture is often written in kanji underneath the road number.

Common Kanji in City Names

Eight commonly featured kanji appear in Japanese town and city names. Recognizing these kanji can make finding cities easier.

Japanese Katakana Script

Katakana is primarily used for loan words and is commonly seen in commercials. These characters are generally simple and feature geometric shapes, contrasting with the more artistic forms of hiragana and kanji.

Kansai Transformer Mounts

In the Kansai region, transformers are mounted on the sides of a square structure that features either a straight or zigzag bar at its bottom.

Square Mounted Transformers

Transformers can be found mounted on the side of a square with a straight bar on top. Rarely, the square may be found without a bar.

Low Camera Height

The Street View camera is intentionally set lower to the ground due to privacy reasons. This setup is known as low-cam.

Kyushu Grass Distribution

Chinese Silver Grass, also referred to as Kyushu grass, is highly abundant on the island of Kyushu. It can also be found outside of this area.

Bamboo Distribution

In Japan, bamboo grows more frequently in the south and gradually decreases further north.

Vertical Traffic Lights

Vertical traffic lights are found in Hokkaido and along the northwestern coast of Japan.

Kyushu Guardrail Green Bands

Green bands on guardrails are most commonly found in Oita and Miyazaki, but they can be found throughout all of Kyushu.

Square Transformer Mounts

Transformers can be found mounted on the side of a square with a straight bar on top. Rarely, the square may be found without a bar.

Katakana Script Characteristics

Katakana is mainly used for loan words and is commonly found in commercials. The characters are generally simple with many geometric shapes, unlike the more artistic forms of hiragana and kanji.

Japanese Google Car Appearance

The standard Japanese Google car is often black and white.

Identifying Japan Locations

Kanji for prefecture or city can help in quick identification. Wards are typically findable if the city is known, but towns are often difficult to locate.

Vertical Traffic Lights

Vertical traffic lights are found in Hokkaido and along the northwestern coast. The usual style of traffic lights is used throughout the rest of the country.

Okinawa Red Soil Fields

Agricultural fields with red soil are commonly found on several southern islands, most notably in southern Okinawa.

Hokkaido Winter Coverage

Hokkaido has very limited winter and snow coverage, with other minor miscellaneous coverage primarily located in the southern half of the island.

Japanese Place Name Kanji

Kanji for prefectures and cities at the end of place names can help locate them quickly, while wards are usually findable if the city is known. Towns, however, are often difficult to locate.

Okinawan Red Soil Fields

Agricultural fields with red soil are commonly found on several southern islands in southern Okinawa.

Hokkaido Winter Coverage

Hokkaido has very limited winter and snow coverage. Other low amounts of miscellaneous coverage are primarily located in the southern half of the island.

Japanese White Birch Distribution

Japanese White Birch grows dominantly in the Chubu and Hokkaido regions, and to a lesser extent in Tohoku. Small areas of the tree can also be found throughout the rest of Japan.

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Petasites Japonicus Roadside Growth

Petasites japonicus, commonly referred to as cabbage, is abundant in Hokkaido and some northern prefectures. It is often found growing along the roadside.

Hokkaido Snow Shoulder Arrows

These infrastructural arrows are located almost exclusively in Hokkaido to inform drivers of the road's shoulder line when it is covered by snow.

Kansai Transformer Mounting

Transformers in the Kansai region are mounted on the sides of a square structure, which has either a straight or zigzag bar attached to its bottom.

Square Mounted Transformers

Transformers can be found mounted on the side of a square with a straight bar on top. Rarely, a square may be found without this top bar.

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Japanese Area Codes

Area codes are commonly found throughout the country and increase to the south.

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Prefecture Road Shields

Japanese prefecture roads are identified by hexagonal-shaped shields, which often feature the prefecture's name written in kanji beneath the road number. While the core shield design remains consistent, some variations exist.

Trekker and Tripod Coverage

A variety of trekkers and tripods cover a vast number of locations spanning across multiple prefectures and regions.

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Japanese Katakana Script

Katakana is mainly used for loan words and is common in commercials. Its characters are generally simple and geometric, unlike the more artistic shapes of hiragana and kanji.

Southern Island Red Soil

Agricultural fields with red soil are commonly found on several southern islands, particularly on certain islands in southern Okinawa.

Hokkaido Coverage

Hokkaido features very limited winter and snow coverage. Other low amounts of miscellaneous coverage are primarily located in the southern half of the island.

Japanese White Birch Distribution

The Japanese White Birch grows dominantly in the Chubu and Hokkaido regions, and to a lesser extent in Tohoku. Small areas of this tree can also be found throughout the rest of Japan.

Shosetsu Snow Prevention Roads

Mainly found in northwest coastal prefectures, 'Shosetsu' snow prevention roads feature tiny circles in the pavement. These circles spray warm underground water to clear snow.

Chugoku Red-Tiled Roofs

Unique red-tiled roofs are most commonly found in the Chugoku region, particularly within the prefectures of Hiroshima and Shimane.

Tokyo Manhole Design

Tokyo features a manhole design that depicts a five-petal flower with many small circles on the outside.

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Traffic Light Orientation

Vertical traffic lights are found in Hokkaido and along the northwestern coast. The usual traffic lights are located everywhere else.

Bamboo Distribution

In Japan, bamboo grows more frequently in the south and gradually decreases further north.

Hokkaido Guardrail Stickers

Guardrails in Hokkaido can feature chevron-like stickers, or more rarely orange ones.

Yamaguchi Yellow Guardrails

Distinctive yellow guardrails can be found in the Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Ehime Cycling Route Markings

Cycling routes in Ehime feature an outside white line paired with an inside blue line. These markings are most common along the coast but can also be found further inland.

Red Yellow Guardrail Stickers

Guardrail endings with red and yellow striped stickers are common across Chugoku, excluding Yamaguchi. They are rarely found in Niigata.

Kyushu Grass in Japan

Chinese Silver Grass, also known as Kyushu grass, is highly abundant on the island of Kyushu. It can also be found outside of this region.

Major Production Regions

The majority of production is concentrated in the regions of Tohoku (27%), Chubu (21%), Kanto (15%), and Hokkaido (7%).

Green Guardrail Bands

Green bands on guardrails are most commonly found in Oita and Miyazaki, but they can be found on all of Kyushu.

Multiple Transformer Mounting

When multiple transformers are present in Japan, they are often mounted on the sides of a square.

Transformer Bottom Stickers

A white sticker with black numbers is often stuck to the bottom of the transformer.

Left-Hand Traffic

Japan drives on the left side of the road.

Low-Cam Camera Setup

Due to privacy reasons, the camera in Japan is intentionally set lower to the ground. This setup is known as low-cam.

White Guardrails

Japan generally uses simple, white guardrails.

Land Division Terms

Three main terms are used to identify Japan's land, groupings, and borders: Islands, Regions, and Prefectures.

Common Kanji in City Names

Eight kanji are commonly featured in Japanese town and city names. Recognizing their pronunciation and meaning can make finding cities easier.

Rural Retaining Walls

In rural areas of Japan with little to no information, retaining walls can serve as an excellent identification clue.

Prefectural Road Numbers

Because multiple prefectures can share the same road number, it is recommended to first identify the prefecture you are in.

Drives on the left

Traffic keeps to the left-hand side — unlike most of mainland Europe.

Web domain .jp

Web and advert domains ending in .jp point to this country.

Kerosene 'claymore' tanks, north

Kerosene tanks nicknamed 'claymores' grow common toward the north, abundant on the far-northern island.

Regional vegetation distinctions

Distinct vegetation, e.g. on the southern island, plus quantity helps separate it from northern prefectures.

Giant butterbur roadside plant, north

Giant butterbur ('cabbage') grows roadside, abundant in the far north with larger leaves than the south.