In Japan, it is not uncommon for the road leading to your property to be a "Private Road" (Shido). However, failing to properly understand the ownership and rights associated with it can lead to significant trouble down the line. Simply put, because a private road is someone's property, you need the owner's permission (consent) to pass through it or to excavate it for utilities like water and gas. If you don't have a share in the road or can't obtain a written consent form, y