also: うらにっぽん
noun
Japan Sea coastal areas; Sea of Japan side
Refers to the regions along the Sea of Japan coast, historically contrasted with the Pacific side (表日本). The term can carry a nuance of being the 'back' or less developed side, and is sometimes considered sensitive or outdated.
裏日本では冬に雪が多い。
On the Sea of Japan side, there is a lot of snow in winter.
裏日本という呼び方は、今ではあまり使われない。
The term 'Ura Nihon' is not used much nowadays.
Compound of 裏 (ura, 'back') and 日本 (Nihon, 'Japan'), coined in contrast to 表日本 (Omote Nihon, 'front Japan') to describe the Sea of Japan coastal regions. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it reflects a traditional geographic perspective.