INI

Road Classifications in Japan - INI

Roads in Japan are classified from various perspectives, including legal distinctions under the Road Act, technical standards under the Road Structure Ordinance, functional roles, and access restrictions. Major classifications include administrative distinctions such as National Expressways, National Highways, Prefectural Roads, and Municipal Roads, as well as structural classifications from Type 1 to Type 4.

Roads Transportation Infrastructure MLIT Road Act

[item.national-expressways]
code=road-act-1
slug=national-expressways
name=National Expressways
description=Roads designated for high-speed motor vehicle traffic, forming a nationwide automotive transportation network.
category=Classification by Road Act

[item.national-highways]
code=road-act-2
slug=national-highways
name=National Highways
description=National roads other than National Expressways, designated by Cabinet Order.
category=Classification by Road Act

[item.prefectural-roads]
code=road-act-3
slug=prefectural-roads
name=Prefectural Roads
description=Roads forming regional trunk road networks, certified by prefectural governors.
category=Classification by Road Act

[item.municipal-roads]
code=road-act-4
slug=municipal-roads
name=Municipal Roads
description=Roads within municipal areas, certified by mayors of municipalities.
category=Classification by Road Act

[item.type-1-road]
code=structure-type-1
slug=type-1-road
name=Type 1 Road
description=National expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads in rural areas.
category=Classification by Road Structure Ordinance

[item.type-2-road]
code=structure-type-2
slug=type-2-road
name=Type 2 Road
description=National expressways and exclusive motor vehicle roads in urban areas.
category=Classification by Road Structure Ordinance

[item.type-3-road]
code=structure-type-3
slug=type-3-road
name=Type 3 Road
description=Other roads (general roads) in rural areas.
category=Classification by Road Structure Ordinance

[item.type-4-road]
code=structure-type-4
slug=type-4-road
name=Type 4 Road
description=Other roads (general roads) in urban areas.
category=Classification by Road Structure Ordinance

[item.exclusive-motor-vehicle-road]
code=access-1
slug=exclusive-motor-vehicle-road
name=Exclusive Motor Vehicle Road
description=Roads restricted to motor vehicles with controlled access.
category=Classification by Access Restriction

[item.general-road]
code=access-2
slug=general-road
name=General Road
description=Collective term for roads other than exclusive motor vehicle roads.
category=Classification by Access Restriction