They proceed from the general (the prefecture, or Japan itself for mail to Japan) to the particular (the addressee).
Japanese cities usually are not laid out in a rectilinear grid, so the address system differs from those familiar to Westerners.
This is complicated by the facts that only main streets have names and buildings are numbered chronologically rather than sequentially.
Consequently, it is almost impossible for outsiders to find a destination unaided.
(The safest way to find a destination is to proceed to the nearest major street using a map, and then ask a local resident to pinpoint the building.)
Japanese Format for Domestic Mail
In Japan, the mail format is: postal code, prefecture, city, ward (ku), block(s) (chome), lot (ban), building (go), addressee name (family name first).
Example of a letter to Mr. Kazuo Watanabe (written in Japanese, of course):
| 107 Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Akasaka 1-chome, 10-ban,
5-go,
Watanabe Kazuo |
(Since Metropolitan Tokyo (Tokyo-to) is coextensive with Tokyo Prefecture, separate prefecture and city names are not required here.)
The postal code, which is equivalent to the zip code in the U.S., is written in the box at the top right of domestic mail envelopes and postcards.
Some addresses contain additional building information, such as the building name and floor (e.g., Mitsui Building, F4).
The address format may differ somewhat outside Tokyo.
Japanese Format for Mail to Japan
The format is identical to the domestic mail format, except that "Japan" is written last in the language of the country from which the letter is mailed.
Western Format for Mail within and to Japan
The Japanese postal service accepts letters with Western-style addresses.
Be sure to include the prefecture name for addresses outside major cities.
To ensure delivery, be sure to use the correct, complete address.
When sending mail within Japan, be sure to use your own postal code.
Example:
| Mr. Kazuo Watanabe,
1-10-5, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107 (, Japan) |
|
| - or - | |
| Mr. Kazuo Watanabe,
10-5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107 (, Japan) |
