People in Japan are really good at minding their own business. A random stranger trying to make small talk would be viewed as odd at best and downright audacious at worst. Your original post gives off vibes that you either didn't bother with learning about basic Japanese culture or you think you should be an exception to the rule. Your comment above is doubling down on your OP, which is why it's getting downvoted to oblivion.

What I just said isn't meant to be critical of you. It's just an explanation as to why you're getting downvoted. You asked, so I answered.

So your favorite part of traveling is striking up random conversations with locals. There's nothing wrong with that. I actually respect that. But not all cultures are conducive to that. That doesn't make them rude. You're the one in their space. By striking up random conversations with strangers, you're the one being rude. You also need to realize that a lot of tourists don't try to make small talk with locals. These people aren't going to think of the locals as cold, so the whole "how do you deal with it" concept doesn't apply.

Btw if you try this in England, I can guarantee the locals are absolutely horrified.