Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In

Hitch Hiking and other Mishima, Japan Transportation Tips

Search:
Home » Asia » Japan » Shizuoka-ken » Mishima » chodearm's Mishima Page » Hitch Hiking and other Mishima, Japan Transportation Tips

Mishima Transportation Tips by chodearm

See the Entire Mishima Travel Guide

Click Picture to enlarge.
 email me
 add as friend


chodearm   
Put me elsewhere.


Real Name: Sperm Whale
Lives In: Mastic, US
Member Since: Apr 15, 2004
VT Rank: 509

 
Transportation: Hitch Hiking
  • Tip Rating:
  • Updated by chodearm on Aug 27, 2004
  • Mishima Travel Guide
  • Send to a Friend
  • 'Mode': AROUND
    Category: Car/Motor Home
    Getting TO/AROUND: Before heading to Japan for a while I read a book about hitchhiking through Japan. The decision was made then and there, I will use this form of transport to my advantage. In America hitchiking is not such a great idea if you like to remain in one piece. Stories abound of people Hitch hiking and getting hacked apart by a Jeffery Dahmer. In Japan free rides were easily aquired. If I desired a ride to the bar I would write on a piece of paper in broken Japanese symbols "To Mishima Station" which was the closest major attraction, and than simply stand on the side of the main road and sport a huge "I AM GAIJIN" (foreigner) smile. You have to lock eyes with the drivers. Stand close to a traffic light so you can make sure they see you. With in 10 minutes I always got a ride even if I was visibly affected by the bars offerings, at any time of the night. I was dwelling kind of close to a KFC and Dennys so since I was American I would always ask to be dropped off there to live up to the American Fast Food stereotype. They always asked "Why KFC"? The thumb method would work occasionally, but definately is more work, opt for the sign that way they know where you are headed prior.
    One night on one hitchhiking excursion, it,s 2 am, we get a call on our phone and it was someone who picked us up in the past, he spotted us at it again. "Just wait there I'm turning around to get you."
    After the first ride with him we made friends, he even invited us to a volleyball game at his school. I wouldn't hitchhike in any other country, its just when I am in Japan I feel redicuously safe (good or bad), and it also helps that the local people like to try and communicate with Americans to hone their English skills.


    Leave a Comment

    Rate      Not Helpful  1   2   3   4   5  Very Helpful 

    Visiting Mishima?

    Read reviews about Mishima Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    More Mishima Tips

    OverviewThings to Do
    Tips: 12 - Photos: 12
    Restaurants
    Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
    Hotels & Accommodations
    Nightlife
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
    Off The Beaten Path
    Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
    Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 3
    Transportation
    Tips: 1
    Local Customs
    Tips: 3 - Photos: 3
    Packing ListsShopping
    Sports TravelGeneral Tips
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 4

    Best Mishima Travel Deals

    Looking for Cheap Hotels?
    Innostel Low Rates Guaranteed! Visit Now & Reserve Your Room Now

    Renaissance Luxury Hotels
    Discover Chic Style, Design at 140+ Boutique-Inspired Hotels Worldwide.

    Hotel Accommodation
    Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Call a Hotel Expert. 1-866-925-0513

    Four Seasons Hotel
    Book Your Luxury Vacation. Packages Available To Simplify Your Planning

    Hotels in Japan
    Find Hotels Near To Japan. Up to 75% Off! Book Online & Save.

    Sponsored Links


    Destinations near Mishima

    » See all locations nearby
    » Popular Shizuoka-ken locations
    » Popular Japan locations
    » Popular Asia locations

    Comments for chodearm about Mishima
    Pixiekatten Fri Jan 26, 2007 13:34 UTC
     You got some excellent pics here! Really like the obon! :)) Great page!
    Rubik Fri Aug 11, 2006 13:54 UTC
     Beautiful polluted sunset! - Moscow exactly
    Flipboy Sat Jul 8, 2006 04:17 UTC
     I like "the way down" photo. It looks like a photo of a miniture model.
    Rabbityama Thu Jun 8, 2006 19:42 UTC
     Your Mishima page reminds me of my stay in Tsuyama. Nice pictures and tips!
    See More Comments

    Best Mishima Travel Deals

    Bermuda Hotels
    B&Bs, Inns, Cottages, and Hotels Find the Ideal Bermuda Accomodation

    Holiday Inn Hotels
    Great Hotel Accommodations. Free internet. Kids Eat Free.

    Great Wolf Waterpark
    America's Largest Family of Indoor Waterparks. Bring the Kids!

    Sponsored Links

    About VirtualTourist10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTouristContact UsPress CenterHelpUser AgreementPrivacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.