Aww your description of the kids made me smile!! I love how innocent they are, and not bashful about asking for photos. Years ago I was in some very small villages in Japan and my hair was much lighter than it is now...I *hear exactly what you're saying regarding your wife. We were pointed at by giggling kids throughout the entire visit :)
The reprimand in the museum must have left you really uncomfortable. There really should be a "Cultural IQ" test to take before visiting other countries so as not to have to learn about it all the hard way. I had Japanese ladies, without a word of English, frantically trying to explain to me that I needed to shower before going into any of the hot springs (which were really more like a ladies private shower and hot-tub), because it's really bad manners to just get in a hot-tub like we would at home. Oh, and I should mention they were all naked. Yelling in my face. Not the stuff erotica is made of, I can assure you ;)
I'll leave you with that lovely image...
I love how you had to define the non-erotic nature of the Japanese hot springs. :)
Right?? Like that was necessary ;)
Well, sometimes my mind enters the gutter, so possibly it was. :)
I guess if you're into that sorta thing... ;)
EDIT: So I re-read this now and wonder, hmmm, can that be misconstrued. maybe? fyi it was meant as a joke: Like, are you really into a bunch of naked Japanese women yelling into my confused Caucasian face? haha. Although I guess the yelling part is one that would be ignored if you've entered the gutter. Geez, it's getting worse... Let's agree to end this thread since I can barely talk with my two feet shoved in my mouth :)
Have an awesome day!