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.
この道は私道ですが、一般の人も通れます。
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.
この里道は地元の人が管理しています。
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.
農道を散歩する人が増えています。
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.
林道は車の通行が禁止されている場合があります。
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.
ここは公道ではない道なので、駐車違反にはなりません。
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.
川沿いの遊歩道をジョギングしました。
I jogged along the riverside promenade.
A walking path, often informal and not a legal road. Commonly used for leisurely walks.
この散歩道は春になると桜がきれいです。
This walking path is beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring.
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.
未舗装路を走るには四輪駆動車が必要です。
You need a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive on unpaved roads.
A gravel road, often not a legal road. Common in rural areas.
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.
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.
I took a shortcut to the station through a narrow path.
It's dangerous to ride a bicycle on the paths between rice fields.