Changes

The easiest way and a great place to hitch is directly from the Service Area "Otsu SA". To get there take the JR line eastwards from Kyoto St to Otsu (two stops, 190 Yen). In Otsu, exit the station at the north exit, turn right and walk until the first crossroads with traffic lights. There turn right again and walk straight for 10 minutes. Before you see the motorway bridge crossing your street theres a mound with stairs that leads up to the motorway (Meishin Expy) and directly to the service area. You're on the side towards Nagoya and Tokyo now but you can change to the other side (towards Hiroshima, Osaka etc.),too. Maybe you have to climb a little fence to get to the stairs that bring you up to the Service Area, but when I was there, the gate was open. Very great and accessible place!http://goo.gl/maps/QXv7