There's always a risk associated with hitching , and if you have a choice it's best to err on the side of caution. That said, Japan is one of the safest and easiest places in the world to hitch a ride, and in some rural areas it's just about the only way of getting around without your own transport. It's also a fantastic way to meet locals, who are often only too happy to go kilometres out of their way to give you a lift just for the novelty value (impecunious students apart, hitching is very rare in Japan), or the opportunity it provides to practise English.

As long as you don't look too scruffy you'll seldom stand around long waiting for a ride. It's a good idea to write your intended destination in large kanji characters on a piece of card to hold up. Also carry a stock of small gifts you can leave as thankyous; postcards, sweets and small cuddly toys are usually popular. Will Ferguson's A Hitchhiker's Guide to Japan (Tuttle) and his entertaining travel narrative Hokkaido Highway Blues (Cannonagate) are both useful references.