Google Maps Japan Trivia

The small icons embedded in the Japanese version of Google Maps are not advertisements.
The product manager for Google Maps Japan explained to me that many streets in Japan have no name and therefore landmarks and businesses play a big part in giving directions. For example: "take B5 exit of Shibuya station, turn left at McDonald's, and our building is 50m ahead, with Dotour Coffee on the first floor."

http://maps.google.jp/maps?ll=35.703764,139.686227&z=2