Japanese Addresses Guide

Japanese Addresses Guide
Addresses are a world unto themselves and maps are an absolute necessity. Tokyo has 23 wards called ku. The wards are divided into districts. Large districts are divided into two or more sections called chome. Blocks each have a number and buildings within the block have a number.

Addresses are written 4-3-2 Roppongi or 3-2 Roppongi, 4-chome. What this means is the building is in the 4th chome of Roppongi, on block three and in building two. Good luck finding it. Even cab drivers have difficulty places. Always ask your host or a restaurant to fax a map to you at your hotel or else you may wander indefinitely. Ask for a landmark building. If you are really desperate, go to the closest police box. Neighbourhoods often have maps posted showing every block in the district.