prefectures of Japan; Japan's 47 prefectural-level divisions
Collective term for the four types of top-level administrative divisions: 都 (Tokyo), 道 (Hokkaido), 府 (Osaka and Kyoto), and 県 (the remaining 43 prefectures). Used in official, geographical, and everyday contexts.
都道府県 refers to the prefectural level (like states or provinces), while 市町村 refers to the municipal level within those prefectures, so learners often mix up which term covers which administrative tier.
