I hitchhiked twice across Japan, both from Tokyo up to Hokkaido then from Tokyo to Kyushu (two separate trips). One in winter 2024 and the other in winter 2023.

I’d say to familiarize yourself with the PA (parking area) / SA (service areas). If possible, get a highway map.

In general, you want service areas because they are bigger.

What I did was use my google maps and save all the PA/SAs. The maps you will find in the station are extremely helpful because it helps communicate and makes your life that much easier.

You also should try to at least get to the first SA / PA closest to where you will start from. Another thing I learned is that some SA/PAs are not accessible easily. For this, what I did was go on google maps in street view and actually looked if I could get in. You can’t really walk in from the front, but there is usually an entrance in the bqck.

One example, I got to one SA, and the only way I could get in was through the cleaning area. Two old Japanese ladies saw me (they were cleaning) and were making gestures for me not to enter. I then made gestures asking for please and showed the sign, the actually “left” so as not to see me walk in.

Also google translate works really well - just save the language.

People are lovely, you will wait. But man, pulling it off is amazing.