The signature Classic style map of Japan features a bright color palette with blue oceans and the country's terrain detailed in stunning shaded relief that has been a hallmark of National Geographic wall maps for over 75 years. The map includes thousands of place names, accurate boundaries, national parks, and major infrastructure networks such as roads, highways, airports, and railroads. Coastal bathymetry is shown with depth curves and soundings. Inset maps provide detail of Japan's Southern Outer Islands and the Ryukyu Islands. Information about the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami is included as well.

The map is encapsulated in heavy-duty 1.6 mil laminate which makes the paper much more durable and resistant to the swelling and shrinking caused by changes in humidity. Laminated maps can be framed without the need for glass, so the fames can be much lighter and less expensive.