noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
north; northward; northern direction
Refers to the cardinal direction north or a bearing toward the north. Often used in formal, geographic, or navigational contexts.
船は北方へ進んだ。
The ship sailed northward.
北方の空にオーロラが見えた。
We saw the aurora in the northern sky.
noun
northern part; northern district
Refers to the northern area or region of a country, territory, or defined space. Common in political and geographical descriptions.
その国は北方地域の開発を進めている。
The country is promoting development of its northern regions.