Translation guide
A road or path that is open to the public but not classified as a formal legal road under traffic laws. This includes private roads with public access, farm tracks, forest paths, and other unofficial routes.
To refer to a road that is publicly accessible but not officially designated as a road under the Road Traffic Act or other laws.
A private road that is open to public use. This is the most common term for a road that is privately owned but accessible to anyone.
This road is a private road, but the general public can also use it.
A rural community road, often unpaved and not maintained by the government. Historically used for agriculture and forestry, now often used as a public path.
This community road is maintained by the local residents.
A farm road, primarily for agricultural vehicles but often used by the public. Not a legal road under traffic laws.
More people are taking walks on the farm roads.
A forest road, usually unpaved, used for forestry and sometimes open to the public for recreation.
Forest roads may be closed to vehicle traffic.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a road that is not a public road'. Useful when you need to clarify the legal status.
This is not a public road, so parking violations don't apply here.
To refer to a narrow path or trail that is not a formal road but is used by pedestrians or cyclists.
A promenade or walking path, often in scenic areas. Not a legal road, but open to the public.
I jogged along the riverside promenade.
A walking path, often informal and not a legal road. Commonly used for leisurely walks.
A narrow path or lane, often unpaved and not an official road. Can be used by the public.
To describe a dirt track or unmaintained road that vehicles can use but is not legally a road.
An unpaved road, often not a legal road. Used for driving or off-roading.
You need a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive on unpaved roads.
A gravel road, often not a legal road. Common in rural areas.
A narrow path between rice fields, often used by farmers and sometimes by the public. Not a legal road.
In Japan, many roads that look public may actually be private or not legally designated as roads. This can affect parking, traffic rules, and liability. Always check signage or ask locals if unsure.
公道 (こうどう) is a public road maintained by the government and subject to the Road Traffic Act. 私道 (しどう) is a private road, which may or may not be open to the public. A non-legal public road is often a 私道 that is open to the public but not a 公道.
This walking path is beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring.
I took a shortcut to the station through a narrow path.
砂利道でスリップしないように気をつけてください。
Be careful not to slip on the gravel road.
あぜ道を自転車で走るのは危険です。
It's dangerous to ride a bicycle on the paths between rice fields.