Many foreign residents in Japan find Japanese addresses confusing—especially when shopping on overseas websites.
This guide explains how to correctly enter a Japanese address into international online forms, step by step.
Why Japanese Addresses Are Confusing
Japanese addresses are structured differently from those in many other countries.
Typical order in Japan (Japanese style):
Prefecture
City / Ward
District (Chome)
Block (Ban)
Building number (Go)
Building name & room number
Typical order in overseas forms:
Street address
City
State / Province
ZIP / Postal code
Country
Because of this difference, it’s important to rearrange the information, not translate it word-for-word.
Basic Rule: Write from Small → Large
When entering a Japanese address into a foreign form,
start with the smallest detail and move outward.
Example Japanese Address
Japanese (Original):
〒740-0018
山口県岩国市麻里布町4丁目1-3
アークプランビル 302号室
How to Enter This Address in English
Address Line 1 (Street Address)
Address Line 2 (Optional)
City
State / Province / Region
ZIP / Postal Code
※ Remove the hyphen if the form does not accept it.
Country
Key Tips for Overseas Online Forms
1. “Street” Field Has No Real Street Name
Japan usually does not use street names.
✔ Enter:
Chome – Block – Building NumberBuilding name and room number
2. Room Numbers Are Important
Always include your room number to avoid delivery problems.
Example:
3. Use Romaji (English Letters Only)
Most overseas sites do not accept Japanese characters.
✔ Use:
Romaji (English letters)
Numbers
Hyphens if allowed
✖ Do NOT use:
Kanji
Hiragana / Katakana
4. If the Form Has Limited Fields
If there is only one address field, write everything on one line:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I enter if “State” is required?
A: Enter your Prefecture (e.g., Yamaguchi, Tokyo, Osaka).
Q: What if the site asks for “Street Name” only?
A: Enter the Chome–Block–Number instead. This is acceptable.
Q: Can I copy my address from Japan Post?
A: Yes. Japan Post’s English address format is reliable and widely accepted.
When Packages Do Not Arrive
If you experience delivery issues:
Double-check the room number
Confirm the postal code
Make sure everything is written in Romaji
Final Tip
Japanese addresses may look complicated—but once you know the format,
online shopping becomes much easier.
Saving your address in English on your phone or notes app is highly recommended.