Japan. The cavet? Know some Japanese.
Most people in Japan grow up learning some English. But they almost never use it in their day to day after highschool. So it's a point of issue, maybe even a little embarrassment, for them to "start" a conversation. I've found that the better you are at Japanese, the more willing the Japanese are to want to connect with you.
Unless they're drunk. In my experience, social drinking some how blows away the shyness barrier. Go to a pub, especially in a rural town, and you will be bombarded with questions. You're a novelty, maybe? Not sure. But booze does makes things easier it seems.
Keep going back for some reason. Not sure why. :)
... And nothing of value was lost.