Based on field research in Koura-chou, Shiga Prefecture, this paper demonstrates that the visual environment of rural areas is dependent on the spatial structure of the boundary between public and private which forms road space, and also discusses how this finding can be put to use in community development The main points can be summarized as follows 1) Roads are divided into three typs, namely intra-community roads, inter-community roads ad inter-city roads, their respective attributes also being outlined. 2) Intra-community roads are rich spaces which reflect the history, culture and ecological stock of the locale. Inter-community roads are affected by as yet untouched farm land consolidation. Inter-city roads show no evidence of local attributes. 3) Koura-chou offers a concrete example of community development which is both sensitive to these findings as well as to local history and culture. 4) By conducting a series of community development workshops, Koura-chou is laying the foundations for the next generation to continue this pattern of community development
