this/that: places
The ko/so/a/do row for places: here, where, there by you, over there.
koko
here; this point
ここ
Names the place where you are, or 'this part' of something (koko ga muzukashii); takes ni for where things are and de for where things happen.
koko ni aru yo.
It's right here.
ここにあるよ。
koko ni arimasu yo.
It's right here.
ここにありますよ。
Shop staff say kochira for 'here'; koko is fine in your own polite speech.
doko
polite dochirawhere; which part
どこ どちら
Asks where (doko ni aru?, doko iku?) or which part (doko ga ii?); in casual speech the particle after it is often dropped.
doko ni aru?
Where is it?
どこにある？
dochira ni arimasu ka?
Where is it?
どちらにありますか？
doko desu ka is fine in everyday polite speech; dochira is the softer version. dochira also means 'which of two' (dotchi): dochira ni? and dochira kara? ask about a place, dochira ga ii? asks for a choice.
soko
there (near you); that point
そこ
A place near the listener or one just mentioned, and also 'that point' in a discussion (soko ga mondai).
soko ni aru yo.
It's right there, by you.
そこにあるよ。
soko ni arimasu yo.
It's right there, by you.
そこにありますよ。
soko is by the listener; a place far from both of you is asoko.
asoko
over there; that place
あそこ
A place away from both speakers, either in view or one you both know (asoko no raamenya).
asoko ni aru yo.
It's over there.
あそこにあるよ。
asoko ni arimasu yo.
It's over there.
あそこにありますよ。
The irregular member: asoko, not ako.