1.
alley, narrow lane, side street
A narrow passage or street between buildings, typically found in older urban neighborhoods. Often too narrow for cars.
2.
garden path (tea ceremony)
In the tea ceremony context, refers to the path leading to the tea house through the garden.
In tea ceremony, walking through the roji is said to help one leave behind daily life and compose the mind.
Related words
- 路地裏 (back alley) - the area of back streets and alleys, often with a nostalgic or hidden atmosphere
- 横丁 (side street, alley) - similar meaning, often used for areas with restaurants/bars
- 小道 (small path)
- 袋小路 (dead-end alley)
Usage: 路地 often evokes images of traditional Japanese neighborhoods (下町) with narrow streets, old wooden houses, and a nostalgic atmosphere. Many famous dining areas feature 路地裏 restaurants hidden from main streets.
Common collocations
Related Words
Synonym:
小路 (lane (in place names))
Related:
横丁 (side street, alley)
Related:
小道 (small path)
Related:
袋小路 (dead-end alley)
Related:
裏通り (back street, side street)
Compare:
細道 (narrow path)