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46
https://images.squarespa…erusalemsign.png
Thesewhiterectangular signs with a thinblue borderare typically found in Jerusalem.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://www.google.com/maps/@31.7957494,35.2077627,3a,26.4y,2.29h,100.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBCMv6RJvfbwDhEBN8DmgYw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
47
https://images.squarespa…9/ps_jericho.png
Jericho can commonly be recognised by the date palms in a somewhat sparsely built and poor-looking urban setting.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/UxwfBqkZpgmhGxwd7
48
https://images.squarespa…ahwatertanks.png
In the city of Ramallah you will generally see severalblack water tankson most houses. NOTE: Several other cities in both theWest BankandIsraelcan have black water tanks. What makes Ramallah stand out is the sheer number of them on most buildings.
2
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/7Am2paYniAS5E67d8
49
https://images.squarespa…_harishhouse.png
Thisgrey mosaic brick workshaped like towers is unique to the city of Harish.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.4601767,35.0436309,3a,49y,41.16h,102.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUQBfK4jKH-Fk2KXivzMEEA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
50
https://images.squarespa…nahariyalamp.png
Thiswhite lampis unique to Nahariya. It has three arms, with round light bulbs on top.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.0089431,35.0978896,3a,42.9y,282.97h,86.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sliFC5p4zZ5m5TpmI-LO5tQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
51
https://images.squarespa…/il_acrelamp.png
These lamps, shaped similarly toBarad Dûr, are unique to Acre. It can be found in several different colours. NOTE: Similar looking lamps can be found around central Israel, however the gap between the two horns on top of the lamp should confirm Acre.
2
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/kQmEWrXhY7Eob1TZA
52
https://images.squarespa…_netivotlamp.png
These metal lamps, characterised byone highandone lowlamp put together with a very angular look, are unique to Netivot.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://www.google.com/maps/@31.4254348,34.5960231,3a,51.9y,174.24h,91.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBWkwj08SL9bIy3-gnxEnTQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
53
https://images.squarespa…il_eilatpole.png
Poles withblue and whitepaint on the bottom are unique to Eilat.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/mEK5UDjicvFPYdLMA
54
https://images.squarespa…motzkinfence.png
Theseyellowfences and signposts are unique to Kiryat Motzkin.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/7a5J9PUkw8Uph9ocA
55
https://images.squarespa…_ashdodfence.png
This style ofblue and white fenceis very common to see in Ashdod.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/u4uef4jWJnKak2Lc6
56
https://images.squarespa…mhousenumber.png
Blue house numbers with the number written withArabic numeralsin the top left and withEastern Arabic numeralsin the bottom right, with a thindiagonal linebetween them, can be found in Bethlehem.Street signswill generally have the same format.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/eouNa6SnvDgD8WQr9
57
https://images.squarespa…nhousenumber.png
House numbers in Rosh Haayin are blue, with aG-clefin the bottom left corner.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/CL5WbWoEM2Xox64QA
58
https://images.squarespa…ahousenumber.png
In Ness Ziona, There is anIsraeli flagon house numbers.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/51TcLiNaqaY5ny3UA
59
https://images.squarespa…ahousenumber.png
Blue,shield-shaped house numbersare unique to the city of Herzliya.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.1636082,34.8452915,3a,15y,274.43h,90.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKCqd6MMHcmRKgiNpkFcDuQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
60
https://images.squarespa…/il_bneibrak.png
Bnei Brak is themost Jewish cityin Israel, so it is really easy to tell only by looking at the people around. There will usually be people who wear Jewish religious clothes.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/fkBXjudj1T29eJL57
61
https://images.squarespa…naroundabout.png
Roundabout signs which are either verythickor attached to alarge cube, can be found in the city of Raanana.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/TghQA3fPPdXUqFGu5
62
https://images.squarespa…/il_chimneys.png
Thesetall industrial chimneys, by the coast north of Netanya, are visible from far away.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/B6uNbaSr1Hg4sz5A8
63
https://images.squarespa…_rahatfollow.png
Thisgrey Hyundaifollow car is unique to Rahat.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/dSofA6vuqb3CNgMh6
64
https://images.squarespa…ationaltrail.png
The Israel National Trail goes through the entire country and has one of thelongest trekkersin the world. The trail goes through more or less every landscape present in the country, from therocky desertin the south tolush forestsin the north. Along the trail you may findthese markings, which will typically be orange, blue and white, but can also featureother colour schemes.
1
2025-07-25T16:55:28
https://goo.gl/maps/N9yF7LjTjYj2jXo89
1
https://images.squarespa…licenceplate.png
Contrary to most European licence plates, Italian plates have blue strips oneither sideof the plate. Furthermore, the front plate is distinctlyshorterthan most European plates, which in combination with the two strips, makes it unique. NOTE: Albanian licence plates also have two blue strips, and French licence plates have a smaller strip on the right. However, neither Albanian nor French front plates are short.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
2
https://images.squarespa…f/it_bollard.png
Italian bollards are triangular in shape, and white with ablack top. They have a red front and a white rear reflector. NOTE: Albania uses the same bollards.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.288934,16.1033056,3a,16.8y,34.32h,67.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smYkIwHq2zcxWHBB7ozf2dA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
3
https://images.squarespa…it_roadlines.png
One of the most common types of Italian road lines arewhite solid outer lineswith no middle line. This is generally less common in other Mediterranean countries.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1545993,13.3136322,3a,32.3y,181.46h,78.35t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s2Y1dZAQUnPKxupcs-Mr6vQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
4
https://images.squarespa…/it_language.png
Italian is the most spoken language in Italy. It uses many double consonants, and typically has a very large number of i’s. You can also find ì, é and à. Most words will end with a vowel. NOTE: The Italian word for street is ‘via’, and can be found on most street signs.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
5
https://images.squarespa…it_landscape.png
Italy has aMediterranean landscapewith a lot of agricultural fields on rolling hills, and forested mountain valleys.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7300922,16.2181891,3a,90y,136.03h,84.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy0sFKYuZqYqK_4ktD6N5Iw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
6
https://images.squarespa…architecture.png
Italian architecture mainly consists of pastel coloured stone houses, generally with terracotta roofs. Houses will very commonly have wooden shutters, which will typically be divided in two and open sideways.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/ziBLPgaatNKm3R3e7
7
https://images.squarespa…concretepole.png
Unlike most Mediterranean countries, Italy features a lot ofround concrete poles.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/5d6wwiY2tQaS7M9n8
8
https://images.squarespa…epolesticker.png
Wooden poles in Italy will commonly feature a smallwhite pole sticker.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.4341139,9.7852735,3a,15y,63.56h,79.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLRanBYphkVo8y5SZV8ssFA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu
9
https://images.squarespa…b/it_poletop.png
The most common pole tops in Italy areconcrete trident pole tops. There are several possible configurations of insulators.The two shown in the image are the most common ones.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.370783,9.3861825,3a,15y,44.72h,108.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syuAm0DeBq7QgQWioJblpTw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu
10
https://images.squarespa…bleguardrail.png
It is very common to finddouble guardrailsin Italy.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/ddN9HSR3xSiqwsbk6
11
https://images.squarespa…redreflector.png
Italian guardrails featureredfront reflectors. NOTE: This is most useful to distinguish Italy from Spain, which uses yellow reflectors.For a good overview of European guardrails, seethis infographic.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/c3d1XtYw7CaCEewG8
12
https://images.squarespa…drail_Ending.png
Italian guardrails commonly end in this distinct shape. The guardrail gets flatter, wider, and it bends away from the road.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
13
https://images.squarespa…lacksignback.png
It is very common for the back of Italian road signs to beblack, or dark grey.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.672366,14.5534512,3a,15y,87.54h,91.02t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYR39x-pYWeQ0QGj4PRBUuA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
14
https://images.squarespa…ectionalsign.png
Directional signs arebluewith awhite arrow. All letters on these signs will becapitalised.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.5031356,11.4778607,3a,15y,304.19h,91.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYrY5TP9Y_cgchZflBxjhVQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
15
https://images.squarespa…ighway+Signs.png
Directional signs in national roads (Strada Statale) arebluewith awhite and blue border. Divided highways (Autostrade) havegreensigns with awhite and green border.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.3651319,12.2659977,3a,15y,117.01h,105.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8MgRb4EagQmomNlNajRFIA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
16
https://images.squarespa…/it_kmmarker.png
Italian kilometre markers are white squares with aroman numeralon top and an arabic numeral on the bottom. The arabic numeral gives you the number of kilometres and the roman numeral gives you the number of hundred metres from the start of the road.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.5535301,8.9984201,3a,17.5y,230.9h,76.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sit0hjz2861rXqtaQ6RIqIQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
17
https://images.squarespa…_roadnumbers.png
Italian road numbers will normally begin with the letters “SS”, “SR” or “SP”. The second letter can be used to identify the type of road. "S" when it is a State road, so the number is unique within the country. "R" when it is a Regional road, so the number is unique to the region. "P" when it is a Provincial road, so the number is unique to the province.
5
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/9yy8Q3dSDhkk8Zid8
18
https://images.squarespa…9/it_chevron.png
Italian chevrons arewhite arrowson ablack background. NOTE: In Southern Europe, white on black chevrons can also be found in Spain, Greece and Albania.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/Cgn37LcoYBWwVRQQ7
19
https://images.squarespa…t_streetsign.png
Street signs are typically white with a thinblue borderandblack text.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.48621,11.2950161,3a,15y,45.57h,95.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWvd14G8g1g6f_HkpUtWYGQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
20
https://images.squarespa…destriansign.png
Italian pedestrian signs havefive stripesand a basic person without a belt.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
21
https://images.squarespa…ssocarrabile.png
These signs, featuring a “no parking”-sign with the text “passo carrabile” are commonly found in urban areas. At the top of these signs you will typically find the municipality (comune) name.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/nSj9euyXVVirJrGa7
22
https://images.squarespa…ope+smallcam.png
Italy has Generation 4 “smallcam” coverage, which is mounted lower than regular Generation 4 and has a relatively big circular blur with a small protrusion at the front. The blur can also be fully transparent, making it harder to spot. NOTE: Most of Southern Europe also has smallcam except for Spain.
3
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
23
https://images.squarespa…t_phonecodes.png
Italianarea codesfollow a pattern where the first digit generally increases to the east, then south.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
24
https://images.squarespa…egionalflags.png
Each Italian region has its own unique flag.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
25
https://images.squarespa…72/it_german.png
The region of South Tyrol has a German majority, and as such usesGerman bilingual signs.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.7965067,11.9382695,3a,26.9y,358.82h,89.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seLRlRrvEqk7Wgkld-nSDIA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
26
https://images.squarespa…_aostafrench.png
Frenchcan be seen on signs in the Aosta Valley. Most notably, street signs often use both the Italian word “via” and the French word “rue”.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.7380783,7.3130916,3a,17.5y,327.67h,98.62t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0hpArT8W6yln_kkiFJMUEA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
27
https://images.squarespa…/it_povalley.png
The Padan Plain (commonly referred to as Po Valley) can typically be recognized by its completeflatness. The plain has some of the worst air quality in Europe, which has led to much of the coverage having a noticeablehaze.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.9090493,11.4587497,3a,52.2y,90.92h,87.93t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sZK0fGSH3oe3u7ooE8Yt2KA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DZK0fGSH3oe3u7ooE8Yt2KA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D81.52424%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192
28
https://images.squarespa…15a7/it_bari.png
The landscape on the southeastern peninsula surrounding Bari has manyolive plantations, which are often seen together withbrightrock walls. The dirt in the region typically has a noticeably red colour. Beware that a similar landscape can also be found insoutheastern Sicily.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.8368357,17.284796,3a,48y,27.25h,84.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBnG6NGeAZlelJSg1o9069Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
29
https://images.squarespa…21e3/it_alps.png
The alpine region in northern Italy has tall, widemountain rangesand deep valleys.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.873111,12.1341985,3a,44.9y,349.63h,107.26t,0.12r/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz73o7-4PCTpMBP0OOFIOCQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
30
https://images.squarespa…ilylandscape.png
The Sicilian landscape is characterised by anarid, hilly agricultural landscape, often combined withrocky mountains.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
null
31
https://images.squarespa…ardiniarocks.png
Greyrockssticking up from the ground are commonly found on Sardinia, particularly in the northeast. NOTE: A similar phenomenon can be seen onSicily, however the landscape will typically be much drier than Sardinia.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.4586829,14.0819986,3a,42.3y,232.74h,94.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGGxh3x_wUzS4zIyD0PD2mA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu
32
https://images.squarespa…dc5/it_cacti.png
Cactiin Italy are most common in the south, particularly in Sicily, southern Sardinia and the south of Apulia.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.713355,12.8929641,3a,71.8y,282.84h,81.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRt04YaZslGmM0p8lN0S8Fg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
33
https://images.squarespa…96/it_citrus.png
Citrus plantationsare primarily found on eastern Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/t292Xc37jGYV24p27
34
https://images.squarespa…e051/it_rice.png
Riceis mainly produced in the western and central parts of Po valley, and less commonly in Sardinia.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/dEGomwnefT9jjAPG7
35
https://images.squarespa…architecture.png
A lot of buildings in and around Tuscany are made of irregularunpainted brown-grey bricks. NOTE: A similar style of architecture can be found in northeasternSpain.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.4441439,11.8515988,3a,90y,168.73h,101.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scVyGvZL6R1m6k4EHQVJ9Zw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
36
https://images.squarespa…alpinehouses.png
Alpine architecture, which typically features large buildings with white stone walls and wooden details, are found in the Alpine region.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/tyTUjdSkHUsWG8ueA
37
https://images.squarespa…architecture.png
Buildings in Aosta Valley are often built withgrey uneven bricks, with an Alpine look. NOTE: This can look superficially similar to Andorran architecture.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.746944,7.0692512,3a,75y,270.38h,93.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snNQ5vPfFsemlk0O8eoNNoQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu
38
https://images.squarespa…netoshutters.png
Solid wooden shutterswith black metal hinges is a common feature in the northeast of Italy, particularly in Veneto.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/qooBn7o8ehFs3xqy9
39
https://images.squarespa…uthflatroofs.png
Houses in the Apulian region are generally very light coloured, and haveflat roofs, typically with two to three floors. The architecture is sometimes reminiscent of the Middle East.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2003825,16.5975725,3a,90y,249.14h,106.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGAYKyNDjw01P2Lq6OOlICA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
40
https://images.squarespa…ae/it_trullo.png
This particular style of roof, called atrullo, is unique to the Itria valley in southeastern Italy. It is particularly common in and around the town ofAlberobello.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/DwAPahJnQNW1BMY2A
41
https://images.squarespa…9/it_slovene.png
Close to the Slovenian border you can findSlovene bilingual signs.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/16H1fSAdxeLC8Kiw5
42
https://images.squarespa…3/it_exclave.png
The Campione d'Italiaexclavein Switzerland can be recognized by its low camera, having a long antenna and a flag. There is also a body of water to the west. NOTE: This antenna can also be found in several areas inSwitzerland.
2
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.8917308,9.0384397,3a,38.3y,19.25h,71.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0x8K6Xn3tuFsalTznE_BGw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
43
https://images.squarespa…d498/it_etna.png
Etna, the tallest volcano in Europe, can be seen rising above the landscape from far away in eastern Sicily.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/rBt3HFt26cyCu757A
44
https://images.squarespa…c/it_vesuvio.png
The volcano ofVesuviuscan often be seen to the south or east from the plains around Naples.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/iywQukk6y7FjmFyc9
45
https://images.squarespa…05/it_venice.png
Venice can typically be recognized by its manycanalsrunning through most of the city.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.4351637,12.3338675,3a,90y,152.54h,91.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sChJq4ATpG7R6BKn0hW4evw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
46
https://images.squarespa…anadelfucino.png
Plana del Fùcino is asmall plainsurrounded by mountains in the middle of Italy with a grid of roads going completelynorth-to-south.
1
2025-07-25T16:30:41
https://goo.gl/maps/z1ezWjg8snEqzqNR8
47
https://images.squarespa…_pantelleria.png
The island of Pantelleria is a volcanic island southwest of Sicily. Dark volcanic rocks can be seen in the many rock walls of the island, as well as on some houses. It is fairly common to seeyellow lichencovering the rocks. The island also has a very large amount of cacti.
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https://goo.gl/maps/wAvJWetVmfYtchFP7
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The Aeolian islands are a volcanic archipelago north of Sicily. Here you will find a mix of volcanic soil and rocks with mediterranean vegetation, like stone pines or olive trees. Like in Sicily, cacti are fairly common. In the mountains of the islands it is very common to seetouristic white villas.
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https://www.google.com/maps/@38.4821375,14.9501444,3a,33.7y,13.97h,96.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1shlfKkMyHDc-zTzWKFLh70g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
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Within the Aeolian islands, Salina can easily be distinguished from thetwin volcanoesforming a valley across the island.
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https://goo.gl/maps/buueqCLDXi1qoo7GA
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Vulcano is perhaps the most easily recognisable of the Aeolian islands, with its volcano having an almostwhite stripe of dirtfollowing the top of the mountainside. It can typically be spotted fromafaron the island.
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https://goo.gl/maps/THJBuAvQtzUCYWCZ7
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The island of Favignana has a distinct topography, with mountains running north to south splitting the island in two. On both sides of the island you will find flat areas, with many rock walls similar to those found in Bari. Unlike the other islands near Sicily, Favignana is not volcanic.
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https://goo.gl/maps/4hNDmXjPPo8HPXsM8
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The island of San Domino only hasovercast Generation 2coverage, which mostly looks quite gloomy.
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https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1157683,15.4905308,3a,90y,309.86h,84.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMEHsBMdKG1EPpRxoBfGMgg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
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Japan consists of three main terms used to identify land, groupings and borders: Islands, Regions and Prefectures. Islands: The four main islands that make up the country of Japan. From the top they are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Regions: Some islands are further broken down into groupings of prefectures. Prefectures: These form the currently 47 different subdivisions within the country. Many of these names are used in this guide, on maps, and when referring to areas of Japan. Therefore, it is recommended to learn and become comfortable with each category, and the titles within.
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The appearance of the standard Japanese Google car is oftenblack and white. You may find it inblackor rarely with anantenna. In addition, due to privacy reasons, the camera is intentionally set lower to the ground. This is known aslow-cam. You can identify it by: Looking downwards. The blur will be noticeably larger. The road will look wider, and objects will be viewed from a lower perspective. NOTE: The only other country that always has low-cam isSwitzerland. It can also be seen in Generation 4 coverage inSri Lanka. Also, the car will be blurred in Switzerland.
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https://www.google.com/maps/@39.545526,140.3963943,3a,75y,199.92h,63.31t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sULSsNXwYSpwiLMrI-UT9Sg!2e0!5s20120901T000000!7i13312!8i6656?entry=ttu
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Japan drives on thelefthandside of the road. NOTE: Hong Kong drives on the left hand side of the road, same as Japan. South Korea and Taiwan drive on the right hand side instead.
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https://goo.gl/maps/1rpP5aVgpPeruGDy5
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Japanese is written with a mixture ofthree main systems: kanji and two syllabic scripts: hiragana and katakana. Formal signs and texts will mostly use kanji and hiragana. The kanji system is directly borrowed from Chinese and thus looks very similar, while the syllabic scripts are more loosely inspired by Chinese. Hiragana generally looks simpler than Chinese characters, many of the symbols have loops, which are not present in Chinese. The shapes are also typically slightly softer than the shapes present in most kanji. You can learn more about hiragana, katakana and kanji in the region guessing section, learning frequent terms and names.
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Katakana is mainly used for loan words, and are thus common to find in commercials. They are generally quite simple, with a lot of geometrical shapes rather than the more artistic shapes present in hiragana and kanji.
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On the left hand side you can find the pronunciation and meaning of eight of the most commonly featured kanji in town and city names. Learning to recognise these can make finding cities considerably easier. On the right you see the shape and pronunciation of the cardinal directions and the shape of some kanji commonly found at the end of place names. If you see the kanji for prefecture or city, chances are you will be able to find it fairly quickly. Wards are typically findable granted you know the city, while towns are often fairly difficult to locate. NOTE: Most of these kanji have alternative, less common pronunciations.
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Japanese architecture has many distinct and expressive styles, with many unique buildings. These can range fromtraditionalcountry houses, regional designs,modernlarge cities,coastalreinforced buildings, and anything in between. You can learn more about different types of architecture and styles in the region guessing section.
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https://goo.gl/maps/aUpwpwffnDBSAmHT6
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Japan mostly uses theseround concretepoles, which have these screw-like extensions. Other information can often be found on or attached to the pole including: Electrical plates. Guy-wires. Pole reflectors. Therefore, they are a key asset in region guessing Japan. You can learn more about plates, reflectors, and guy-wires in the region guessing section.
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https://goo.gl/maps/1zHvtpquCDfZ1MaA9
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You can find a variety of pole reflectors in Japan. They are typically short anddo nottouch the ground. Common patterns found all across Japan include: Yellowvertical stripes. Yellowdiagonal stripes. Vertical or diagonalwhite stripes. NOTE: TheTaiwanese varianthas diagonal stripes that reach the ground. TheSouth Korean oneshave diagonal, thicker stripes. You can learn more about the different regional reflectors in the region guessing section.
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https://goo.gl/maps/7BqmnkTQC1MVKsfy7
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Japan uses a standardshort whitelicence plate with green text. You will often see a different short yellow version with black text issued to “light automobiles”, otherwise known as Kei Cars.
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Japan has three common variations of road lines. They are as follows: The most common being white, solid outer lines with adashed whitemiddle line. White solid sidelines with ayellow solidmiddle line. White solid sidelines withyellow and whitemiddle lines. While you may find other, more rare combinations, Japan will never have yellow outside road lines.
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https://goo.gl/maps/ydLiQ19hdgbTekD86
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Japan usually uses simple white bollards withcircular reflector(s)on the top. However, sometimes these bollards areblack, or haveother extensions. They can also have the city or prefecture written on it in kanji. You can learn more about the bollards and kanji in the region guessing section.
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https://goo.gl/maps/cejvLnBS8MeHHbuU8
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Japan generally uses these simple,whiteguardrails. You can learn more about the exceptions in the region guessing section.
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https://goo.gl/maps/UeN6H9tb5nC5hhv56
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Prefecture roads are identified by theirhexagonal-shapedshields. The prefecture is often written under the road number in kanji. While the shield design remains, other variations can be found: Onprefectural highway shields(with kanji). On directionalintersectionsigns. Or on small, directionalarrowsigns. As multiple prefectures can have the same road number, it is recommended to first find the prefecture you are in.
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https://goo.gl/maps/6PsFbdz9gtDyGWbs9
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Some frequently seen infrastructure in Japan consists of: This uniquestop sign. A schoolpedestrian crossing. And these trafficmirrors. While many infrastructural clues exist, these three are very common, and may very well help you identify Japan on a difficult round.
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https://goo.gl/maps/RYbbcM52HxH5rjvB6
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Retaining wallscan be an excellent clue for Japan in rural areas with little to no information.
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https://goo.gl/maps/s5JbkirV8CYYjgKw7
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Area codesare commonly found throughout the country and increase to the south. NOTE: Area codes ending with a 0 are often not regional, most notably 0120.
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Every region in Japan features adistinct plateon their utility poles.
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Thepole reflector padsvary by region in Japan.
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You can narrow down the prefecture you are in based on the style ofroad diamond.
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Most Japanese prefectures have unique stickers you can find on their signposts.
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Most regions in Japan have uniqueguy wires. NOTE: Only the most consistent ones are on this map.
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You may sometimes find anorange arrowlocated above the top most pole plate in Chugoku.
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https://goo.gl/maps/eAAFvQmmADNf3J6C9
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Theseorange and black bandswrapped around poles can often be found in Shikoku.
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https://goo.gl/maps/Uu2qrKToJgsdxNYs8
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These attachments with an approximately120-degree anglecan commonly be found on poles in Kansai. NOTE: Sometimes there is no angle, and instead just anangled downward attachment.
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These smaller attachments with a90-degree anglecan commonly be found on poles in Shikoku.
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The electrical poles in Hokkaido either have thisplus-shaped barattached to thesideof the pole, or one transformer mounted ontwo bars. However, if there is more than one transformer, they will often be mounted on the sides of asquare. NOTE: While the Kanto transformer may also be mounted on two bars, Hokkaido will never have a wooden plate.
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The transformers in Tohoku, which often haveadditionalsquare holding bracketsand the logo of the Tohoku Electrical Company, are sometimes mounted on around platewith azigzag bar. Furthermore, you may also find transformers mounted on thesideof asquare, with astraight barmounted on thetopof thesquare. Rarely, you may find a square without a bar. NOTE: While Kansai may have a square attachment as well, the bar will be mounted on thebottomrather than the top.
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The transformers in Kanto, which can havethreeortwo insulators, are often mounted on awooden plateandtwo bars, or around plateand aT-shaped bar. NOTE: While the Hokkaido transformer may also be mounted on two bars, Tokyo will always have a wooden plate.
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