How to Write and Read Japanese Addresses: A Complete Guide

Understanding how to write and read Japanese addresses is essential for anyone planning to visit, live, or conduct business in Japan. Unlike Western address formats, Japanese addresses follow a unique order, which can be confusing at first. In Japan, addresses start with the largest geographical unit and gradually narrow down to the smallest one. This hierarchical structure makes it crucial to understand how to correctly write and interpret addresses.

This guide will explain the structure of Japanese addresses, their key components, and the correct way to format them for different purposes such as mailing letters or filling out online forms.

 Write and Read Japanese Addresses

Structure of Japanese Addresses

Japanese addresses are written in reverse order compared to Western addresses. Instead of beginning with a street number and ending with the country, Japanese addresses start with the prefecture and move down to the building or house number.

Example of a Japanese Address

English Format (Western Order):

Tokyo Tower
4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

Japanese Format (Native Order):

105-0011
東京都 港区 芝公園4-2-8
東京タワー

Key Differences:

• The postal code is placed at the beginning.
• The address starts with the prefecture (Tokyo Metropolis) and ends with the building name.
• Japan does not commonly use street names, relying instead on a district/block system.

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Components of a Japanese Address

1. Postal Code (郵便番号 - Yuubin Bangou)

A 7-digit number (e.g., 105-0011) that helps categorize locations for postal delivery. It is usually written at the top and preceded by the 〒 symbol.

Example:

〒160-0023 (Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku)

2. Prefecture (都道府県 - Todouhuken)

Japan has 47 prefectures, categorized as follows:

3. City, Town, or Village (市・区・町・村 - Shi, Ku, Machi, Mura)

• Shi (市) → Major cities (e.g., 横浜市 - Yokohama-shi)
• Ku (区) → Wards within large cities (e.g., 渋谷区 - Shibuya-ku)
• Machi (町) → Towns (e.g., 御殿場町 - Gotemba-machi)
• Mura (村) → Villages (e.g., 白馬村 - Hakuba-mura)

4. District, Block, and House Number (丁目・番・号 - Chome, Ban, Go)

Japan uses a numbering system instead of street names:

Example: 芝公園4-2-8 means: 芝公園 neighborhood → 4丁目 (4th district) → Block 2 → Building 8

5. Building Name and Apartment Number (if applicable)

For multi-unit buildings, the building name and room number come last.

Example:

サンシャインマンション 302号室 (Sunshine Mansion, Room 302)

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6. Recipient’s Name (宛名 - Atena)

The final line contains the recipient's name.

For formal letters, include:

• 様 (Sama) → Honorific for customers or business letters.
• 御中 (Onchuu) → Used for companies instead of a person's name.

Example:

田中 太郎様 (Tanaka Tarou-sama)

How to Write a Japanese Address on an Envelope

1. Vertical Format (Traditional Style)

For formal mail, addresses are written vertically, from top to bottom, right to left:

〒105-0011  

東京都港区芝公園4-2-8  

東京タワー  

田中太郎様 

2. Horizontal Format (Modern Style & Online Forms)

For casual use and online forms, Japanese addresses are written horizontally:

〒105-0011 東京都港区芝公園4-2-8 東京タワー 田中太郎様

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How to Read Japanese Addresses

To read Japanese addresses, start from the rightmost part and move left:

Example: 〒160-0023 東京都 新宿区 西新宿 1-5-3

1. 160-0023 → Postal Code
2. 東京都 → Tokyo Prefecture
3. 新宿区 → Shinjuku Ward
4. 西新宿 → Nishishinjuku Neighborhood
5. 1-5-3 → District 1, Block 5, Building 3

FAQs

1. Why are Japanese addresses written in reverse order?

Japanese addresses follow a hierarchical structure, ensuring clarity in identifying locations without street names.

2. What does "Chome" mean in a Japanese address?

"Chome" (丁目) refers to a subdivision of a city ward, similar to a neighborhood.

3. Can I write a Japanese address in English?

Yes, but keep the Japanese order. Many online forms require Romanized versions.

4. Do Japanese addresses use street names?

No, Japan primarily uses block numbers instead of street names for navigation.

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Mastering Japanese addresses is essential for sending mail, filling out forms, and navigating Japan. By understanding the structure and practicing how to write and read them, you’ll become more confident in using Japanese addresses correctly.