Asking Directions (2)

It is hard to find a street or houses in Japan. The streets are not laid out in a grid pattern, and in most places there are no street signs. The addresses often express the name of the area rather than the that of the street.

Public places usually have big signs with their names, therefore they are not as difficult to find. When the Japanese invite someone to their home for the first time, they are likely to arrange to meet a guest at the station nearby. Since public transportations are well developed in Japan, people get around with trains, bus, or subways more than cars.

"Kouban (police boxes)" or "chuuzaisho (police substations)" are located throughout Japan. They are neighborhood outposts linked to the central police stations. They have strong connections with community. Most Japanese policemen are friendly. If you get lost or have trouble, ask them for help.