What's the best and cheapest way to travel around Japan? We could say a Japan Rail train pass. It's convenient, kind of cheap, fun to ride -- but it doesn't come close to covering the whole country! Despite the amazing train network, car is the best way to get around most of the country and that means hitchhiking is not just the cheapest - it may even be the best!

When I started this trip 2 weeks ago, this is what one viewer wrote to me - "Hitchhiker, are you an idiot?"
I figure a lot of people wonder what I'm doing right now, and why I am doing it.

BACKGROUND:
In 2003, I hitchhiked from Hokkaido to Kagoshima and I am doing it again 14 years later. The reason?
Well, I'm hoping you watch the next several episodes as I travel on the road across Japan.

Okay, what's the reason?
In 2003, I was at a crossroads and didn't know if I would return to my home country or stay in Japan. I had the option to do both, but before deciding, I decided to get to know Japan -- not just Tokyo but the whole country. After the month trip in September 2003, I learned that I simply loved it here, the people and their genuine kindness. Not everyone, but the kindness that existed to me on the road is a side of Japan I had never seen before. It changed me.
I'm hoping over the next month, I can tell you stories from the road that may change you, too.

Thank you all for the support and see you on the road!