1.
direction, area, district
A general direction or geographical area. Commonly used in transportation to indicate the direction a train or bus is heading.
東京方面の電車に乗る。
To take the train in the direction of Tokyo.
北方面から風が吹いている。
The wind is blowing from the northern direction.
2.
field, sphere, area (of activity or study)
A field, domain, or area of activity or knowledge. Used figuratively to refer to spheres of interest or work.
音楽方面で活躍している。
He is active in the field of music.
方面 is used both for physical directions and figurative fields of activity.
TRANSPORTATION:
Very commonly seen on train and bus signs to indicate the direction of travel. For example, 新宿方面 means "bound for the Shinjuku direction."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ～方面の電車: train bound for ~
- ～方面に向かう: to head toward ~
- 各方面: all directions, all areas
- あらゆる方面: every field/direction