An optical disk includes a disk management information area in which predetermined information is recorded in advance, and a recording system area in which information for identifying a recording system of the optical disk recorded in a predetermined position within a non-data area included in a recordable area is recorded. A method for accessing the optical disk is decided based on disk management information and the information for identifying a recording system.

An optical disk includes a disk management information area in which predetermined information is recorded in advance, and a recording system area in which information for identifying a recording system of the optical disk recorded in a predetermined position within a non-data area included in a recordable area is recorded. A method for accessing the optical disk is decided based on disk management information and the information for identifying a recording system.