"beeldbouwer" > wrote in message
oups.com...

> Beat to death? Are there areas tourists better stay away from?

Again, note that was a slight exaggeration. I do mean slight, because it isn't to say it
couldn't or wouldn't happen. The last time I was in Japan, I and several of my American
colleagues wandered down an alley on the advice of a sharp looking little woman who told
us about wondrous meals to be had.

Out of six of us in all, all two of them had was a severe beating. Oddly enough, those of
us who weren't "white" weren't bothered.

So, my best guess and advice, would be stick with your friends and/or locals you're or
have become familiar with. Stick to large open spaces and markets (worse that can happen
there is pickpocketing).

Bear in mind, any and all of these things can happen anywhere in the world. I just
remember a lot of Japanese having a particular dislike for "gaijins".

Also bear in mind, in my experience, there have been more nice places than bad. I
honestly wouldn't worry about a thing unless you decide to jump in a cart with a bunch of
rough looking lads and let them tell you the greatest sushi to be had is outside of town
in some far off fields.

-Lost