I have heard that to really appreciate Japan, one needs to actually get away from the larger cities and get into the country side. I couldn't say if that's true or not, since technically I would be one of those idiot American tourists, who inadvertantly breaks half a dozen taboo's just cause it seems to be something Americans are good at.
However, I know "New York" isn't America anymore than Tokyo is Japan. I live in Iowa for instance, so country bumpkin is prolly more apt.
I supect tourists in general have a type of hearding instinct and cluster in areas where they feel comfortable. kinda like how folks of similer tastes cluster together in the school cafateria.