You guys rock!
Johnx I've been looking over the links you've supplied and they have some good information.
biquillo I really really appreciate all the info especially given the first hand experiences with you living there and all.

I think I'm going to take johnx's advice and create a specific topic for discussion regarding use of the n810's gps in japan and abroad in general. If I get half the great responses I've gotten here, it should be a very informative thread.

FYI, I just ordered an n810 today.
I'm going to be experimenting with Maemo mapper before I leave in April.