Proverb / Kotowaza
人の行く裏に道あり花の山
True success and profit are found on the path less traveled by others.
On the back path where people do not go, there is a mountain of flowers.
Quick Answer
True success and profit are found on the path less traveled by others.
- Literal Image
- On the back path where people do not go, there is a mountain of flowers.
- Closest Equivalent
- Buy when others sell; sell when others buy.
- How to Use It
- Used to advise against following the crowd and to encourage independent thinking, particularly in investment or business strategy.
Meaning
To achieve great results, one should take actions different from the crowd rather than following the majority. By choosing the neglected side roads that others ignore, one can discover hidden opportunities and rewards (the "mountain of flowers").
Literal Image
On the back path where people do not go, there is a mountain of flowers.
Equivalent Proverbs
Buy when others sell; sell when others buy.
Refers specifically to contrarian investment strategy.
The crowd is always wrong.
Suggests that following the majority is a mistake.
Take the road less traveled.
A general recommendation to follow a unique path.
How to Use It
Used to advise against following the crowd and to encourage independent thinking, particularly in investment or business strategy.
Tone
Strategic and encouraging.
Examples
誰もがこの株はもうダメだと投げ売りしているが、こんな時こそ「人の行く裏に道あり花の山」の精神で、勇気を持って買い向かうべきだ。
Everyone is selling off this stock thinking it is doomed, but at a time like this, we should have the courage to buy, following the spirit of 'the mountain of flowers is on the path where others do not go'.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses standard vocabulary but involves a long phrase and metaphorical imagery in strategic contexts.
裏
うら / ura
back, reverse side
道
みち / michi
path, road
花の山
はなのやま / hana no yama
mountain of flowers; metaphor for success or profit
Usage Profile
Usage note: Can be used as a specific piece of advice in the world of investment.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this literally as advice for hiking; the 'mountain of flowers' represents metaphorical rewards like profit or success.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
It is said to originate from a waka poem attributed to the tea master Sen no Rikyu: '人の行く裏に道あり花の山、いずれを行くも散らぬ間に行け' (On the back path where people do not go, there is a mountain of flowers; whichever path you take, go before the blossoms fall). While it originally described a secret for flower viewing—suggesting that beautiful cherry blossoms might be found on paths others ignore—it evolved into a lesson about the importance of having a different perspective from the majority.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.